Horse Road Safety Appeal August 2021

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) & Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) have launched a road safety appeal.

Tips for road users and riders when sharing the roads:

For riders: 

• Always make sure that drivers can see you at all times regardless of weather conditions.
• Wear proper protective gear, high-visibility clothing and put high-visibility equipment on your horse and give clear hand signals.
• Remain on the left-hand side of the road when riding your horse and on the left-hand side when leading in hand. When leading your horse, position yourself between the horse being led and the traffic so that you have maximum control over the horse.
• Give clear and accurate hand signals to let other road users know your intentions.
• Remain alert, attentive, and observant. Remember the Life Saver Look at junctions – it could save your life. 

For road users: 

• Be alert when approaching riding schools, racing yards or places where horses are likely to appear.
• Take special care when overtaking horses or horse-drawn vehicles. This is particularly relevant at junctions where motorists are advised to keep a safe distance from horses and riders.
• Pass by slowly, driving wide of the horse and ride, while obeying the rider’/s hand signals
• Don’t use your air brakes, horn or lights in a way that might startle or blind a horse.
• Cyclists should approach cautiously, ensuring that the horse rider can see or hear you approaching.

#Road Safety