24 March 2018 is National Equestrian Safety Day, which was set up by the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund to highlight the importance of thinking, acting and being safe around horses. The MDIRF expressly aim the day at the equestrian community but I think it serves us all to be more aware.
If you are a horse rider then MDIRF have lots of very sensible advice and tips on their website, including protecting against head injuries by ensuring that your headwear is properly fitted and in good order. Far better to read that directly (insert own straight from the horse’s mouth pun here . . .) than have me repeat the advice here. Instead, I’d like to focus on what non-riders can do to keep horses and their riders safe on the roads which also helps keep drivers safe too.
If a driver meets a horse on the road you should:
- Be quiet – don’t sound your horn or rev your engine - a frightened horse could behave unpredictably and endangers the rider, the horse and other road users
- Be slow – it is recommended you go no faster than 15mph when passing
- Be distant – Pass as wide as possible but at least a car’s width
- Be patient – after you have passed, move away slowly
If a driver follows these guidelines, the risks of an accident are greatly reduced. Horse riders also have their part to play but that is perhaps a topic for another day.
Stephanie Watson is an Associate in our personal injury team and can be contacted on 0800 731 8434.
