Sorry but firmly believe horses are for fields not roads

DVD

Even more so when leading 2,3 or 4 others. This should be made illegal.

Agreed that this can be hazardous. However the use of public roads is historically for foot passengers and equine traffic, which traditionally has priority, despite the fact that most traffic is now motor-driven on four or more wheels. So what you describe cannot really be made illegal - what about a farmer moving a flock of sheep between fields ?

As a regular rider and part time worker on a riding yard, I would like to thank those who slow down for horses and pass carefully. We always acknowledge with a wave and a smile. If on a narrow lane, we pull in to the next gateway to allow cars past, and if more than five horses are out, we split into two groups so drivers can pull into the gap. If approaching a bend, the lead rider will wave cars past once she has clear sight of the road ahead. We are lucky in having miles of bridleway to explore and it is possible for us to ride for several hours with very little road work. If we have to cross a road on a longer ride, someone drives to the crossing point and holds up the traffic (centre of village, 30 mph) while we cross. No one seems to mind.

Drivers are always patient with the disabled riders who ride out in a group from another yard in the area, accompanied by many helpers on foot who walk beside them, togged out in hi-vis.

Most people (thank you, Gordonbennet) seem to enjoy the sight of our steeds, safe sensible types. They are carefully trained and are well accustomed to tractors, bin lorries, motorbikes etc.

I agree that sometimes people take stupid risks – recently I came across someone riding one horse and leading two big fit sports horses, on a well sighted but fast stretch of road. It is common practice on hunt yards for staff to exercise horses by riding one and leading another (called ponying) but they are experienced riders and hunt yards are located in out of the way rural areas with locals well accustomed to slowing down for them.

We do lead horses (in a headcollar and lead rope) along the lane between field and yard, I will admit to sometimes leading two to save time, but it is a very quiet lane, with only us and another small business there. Yard rule is always to wear hi-vis when doing this and when riding off the premises.

If you really dislike having to slow down for horses I suggest you avoid Middleham (North Yorkshire) in the mornings – it is home to many race yards and the strings of race horses go out through the town on the way to the gallops. It’s a wonderful sight.

We do have insurance, a benefit of membership of the British Horse Society whose Ride Safe course is recognised by the DfT.

Finally I would just say that horses have served mankind for centuries in agriculture, transport, warfare and sport. I’m old enough to remember the rag and bone man with his horse and cart and brewers’ drays with their teams of magnificent shire horses. Horses are still the best choice for going off road!

TinaS

“Don’t look at the ground or that’s where you’ll end up”