Should We Ride On The Road?

Here in New Zealand, we are very lucky. We have so many places to ride horses, so many places on enjoy from horse back. There is so much to offer around the country. 

*Picture belongs to the owner

However, the big debate is weather we should be allowed to ride on the road. We are biased, as riders ourselves, but take a stop a moment to think about this, as a rider, driver, cyclist, or walker. People on their bikes don't want to ride around there driveway, walkers don't want to walk around their garden - riders don't want to ride around a paddock all the time. 

In New Zealand, the driving code says very little about riding on the road. It tells us to wear a helmet, and keep to the left. I visited the site, to see what it say about riding on the road. These rules where probably not written by a horse rider. I have bolded the rules. 

"As a horse rider, it's important that you follow the road rules shown below. They will help ensure your safety when you are riding on the road.

Safety rules for horse riders:

- Always wear a safety hat while riding. Otherwise, a fall from your horse could result in a head injury.

- Ride your horse on the left-hand side of the road and as far to the left as possible.

- Keep your horse on the side of the road whenever you can, but don't ride on footpaths, lawns or gardens.

- Don't ride more than two abreast.

- Don't ride on the right of any moving vehicle.

- If you're leading another animal while riding, always keep it on your left, away from the traffic.

- If you're riding a horse or leading animals at night, wear reflective clothing and carry a torch.

- At night,vehicles drawn by horses must have a white light on the front right of the vehicle or load and have a red light shining to the rear. They must not have a red light on the front at night. "

- The New Zealand Road code

In return, what must drivers do? Again, I visited the New Zealand Road code. 

"Sharing the road with horse riders

Safe driving near horses:

- Slow down and pass carefully, giving the horse and rider plenty of room.

- Don't sound your horn, rev your engine or pass at speed, as this could frighten the horse.

- If the horse and rider are on a bridge or narrow road, be very careful – slow down or stop.

- If the horse appears frightened, stop.

- At night, dip your headlights when approaching a horse.

- Two vehicles should avoid passing near a horse. 

Horse-drawn vehicles:

- Please show courtesy when sharing the road with horse traffic. Horses can take fright easily, so adjust your driving as soon as you see horses on the road ahead of you.

Important:

Be careful around horse traffic. If you aren't, you could be charged with careless or dangerous driving.

- The New Zealand Road code

Personally, I (WildHorse) have never had a very bad experience on the road. I find most drivers to be courteous  and will slow down. In fact, last time I stayed with HorseFrenzy, we went to cross a bridge, only half way over a car came around the corner. They stopped at the start of the bridge, let us finnish crossing, before going. They completed this gesture with a smile and wave. 

The truth is, people love seeing horses, especially in the country. Theres something about seeing a horse and rider that makes most smile. However, this is not always the case. Some people will never slow down, seeing a horse and rider as annoying problem.

As riders, we have a big responsibility Not only are we looking after ourselves, we are looking after a horse. We want to be abel to enjoy moving around via the road verge, just like a walker or Cyclist.

Cyclists are one of the hardest things. You can't hear them coming, and then with a quiet whoosh they pass by.  This has scared many a horse. As a Cyclist, calling out a hello as you approach, will gain the thanks and gratefulness from any rider. You are all out to enjoy the day, so as a rider smile and wave.

As riders we should not shrug off the blame. We should be upholding the rules, and setting a standard. We should wear bright or light clothes,  and never forget that we want to share the road with others.

Something I think we often for get is that we can use hand signals. Most drives will respect them. Maybe not all, but its always worth a try when needed. (Pictures from HorseTalkNZ)

I'm Turning right

Please slow or stop

I'm turning left

We have equal right to use the road. Maybe instead of looking at banning horses from the road, we should further the road code. If everyone plays by the rules, the chances of anyone being hurt are lessened alot. So lets remember next time we are out enjoying the day, we all want to use the road. 

Sharing is caring, my friends. 

Happy ridding!