If you do not drive at all or are too young to drive, your ability to judge speed, time and distance may not be as good as people who do drive. You may well feel that you have time to take that right turn before that car behind you catches up or feel that you have plenty of time to reach the gateway to allow a car to pass, it might not be the case and you end up with an irate and abusive driver. These situations can be really scary and can be avoided with the correct riding and road safety training from organisations such as the British Horse Society. You are given training in a school and on the road and sit a theory test as well as practical exam, again on road and in a school. It is thorough and well worth every minute.You should already know that horse riders must ride on the left hand side of the road but did you know your horse can legally take up the same space as a car? This doesn’t mean you should ride as close to the centre white line as you can but you do not have to stick so close to the trees, hawthorns and brambles that rip holes in your jodhpurs and shred your skin! Give yourself some room, create your safe bubble with a HV taped dressage whip or crop, if you have space you have more chance of gaining control over your horse should he spook or get scared by traffic. Riding in your rightful space also forces cars to slow down and check the oncoming traffic in order to overtake safely.
Manoeuvres
Turning right, you must stay left until you reach the shortest route to your right turn at ‘B’. Check the way is clear both ways before turning right.Roundabouts - Again, you must stick to the left and only signal left when you are approaching the exit you wish to take. When passing exits you are not taking, signal right (this action tells other road users you are not taking that exit).
Signalling
Hand signals are a vital part of road safety; they alone can tell approaching traffic of your intentions or to tell them to take an action that will avoid incidents. Before making any signals ensure that you look around to see whether it safe to begin.Turning Right – Hold your reins in your left hand and hold your right arm out straightTurning Left – Hold your reins in your right hand and hold your left arm out straightTo Stop – Hold the reins in your left hand and hold your right arm behind you with your fingers and palm facing the traffic. It is advised by the BHS not to wave a driver on after you have asked them to stop, drivers must take the appropriate precautions themselves Slow Down – Hold the reins in your left hand and hold your right arm out with palm facing downwards and move you arm slowly up and down. It is advised by the BHS not to wave a driver on after you have asked them to slow, drivers must take the appropriate precautions themselves
Two Abreast
The Highway Code advises that young riders and riders of young or inexperienced horses ride on the inside of a steady and calm horse and rider. It is perfectly legal to ride two abreast but riders are expected to return to single file on narrow and/or busy roads and on bends as this will be safer. If one of the horses is on a lead rein, always have them on the the side closest to the hedge/barrier as you will have no control over their hind quarters
Clothing and equipment
Children under the age of 14 MUST wear a helmet which complies with BS Standards. It MUST be fastened securely. Other riders should also follow these requirements. These requirements do not apply to a child who is a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. All riders should wear;1.Boots or shoes with hard soles and heels2.Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight3.Reflective clothing if you have to ride at night or in bad light/poor visibility4.A body protection item such as a back protector or air-vest5.Clothing that fits more snug so as not to catch on hedges or risk being caught by a passing wing mirrorIt may be obvious but it is surprising how many riders do not take safety seriously and ride without due care and attention to other road users. Before taking your horse out on the road you must take steps to ensure the horse does not pose a high risk to you or others. Good ground training to desensitise your horse to potential hazards it may come across whilst out on a hack is essential. Many people become comfortable with their horse and forget that it can still spook. If you were riding in a lesson, your teacher would correct you, out on the road you are alone and need to correct yourself.•Always put both a bridle and saddle on your horse, wear a hat, hi viz, good riding boots, keep your feet in your stirrups and keep your hands on the reins except when signalling. •Never use your mobile phone whilst in the saddle, this device should be for emergencies only and ensure you have an ICE contact (in case of emergency) number easily accessible should an incident occur.•If safe to take a hand off the reins, say thank you by waving, nodding or smiling. This should be an automatic reaction!•Only ride when conditions are suitable. If you have trouble walking on the ice or snow then your horse will too.•You are responsible for the safety of your horse. If you care for it, you’ll protect it.
Finally..
Remember that there are more than 4.2 million riders in Britain and 26 million licensed vehicles on the roads. Every day there are more than 8 horse related traffic accidents – if you don’t wish to be one of this 8, take your Riding and Road Safety Test. To find out where you can take your test, please go to https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/ride-safe-award/ or call the British Horse Society Examinations Department on 020476 840500 or email enquiry@bhs.org.uk
Useful contacts
For any emergency call 999 immediately. For non emergency road traffic incidents, including abusive verbal attacks and non contact incidents please call the non emergency police number 101 and report. If you can remember a company name on commercial vehicles or a registration number, report the incident to the company, most will discipline careless driving. They also like to hear about the good drivers too so don’t hesitate to contact a company to praise them!For a full list of what to do in the event of an accident read the HorseSolicitor article here:Seasonal RidingRiding horses should always be done safely. In clear dry weather this goal is usually easily achieved, but in the long, dark, wet winter months more care is required to ensure you,your horse and everyone else are safe. However it is not only the winter months that can be a danger. Spring brings its own issues as does summer and autumn. The following will hopefully bring up some lesser known or overlooked issues.
Spring
Spring is a lovely time of year, but if you have a new horse or one that you have not ridden in Spring you may get a bit of a shock. The Spring grass coming through gives horses a little sugar boost and some horses may be a bit more fresh. Aside from a fresh horse, there are other dangers in spring. Horses, like humans, can get hay-fever and other allergies such as sweet itch making them extremely uncomfortable. An uncomfortable horse will be even more unpredictable than usual and surely very grumpy. This will obviously make them more dangerous on the road, as a driver will not know that your horse has an ailment, they will just assume your horse is out of control. Always consult a vet if you have issues with your horse. Signs of pollen allergies or sweet-itch•Constant rubbing of the tail/mane•Head shaking or tossing•Kicking out with the hind legs•Tail swishing•Trying to scratch on anything in reach•Rolling (even with you on!)•Sneezing•Coughing•Snot Another issue in spring can be on public bridleways and in fields with livestock. Spring is the time for birthing and many animals especially cattle are very protective of their young.
Summer
Summer comes with many of the same issues as spring but there it is more likely to be hotter and dryer (if you’re lucky!) which in itself brings dangers. If your horse relies on a fresh running river in the field, make sure it is still flowing as a dehydrated horse can easily collapse if exerted. The same goes for any riders. If you plan a long hack be sure to take a water bottle attached to the saddle or in a back pack and also don’t forget sun block. Be sure to put some on your horse if they have white areas e.g. ears or noses. The ground may also be very hard and riding on it may jar or hurt your horses legs so excessive galloping over a bridleway may be out of the question. Roads may also become slippery in extremely hot weather, making them almost as slippery as ice especially if your horse is shod. If you feel the road may be slippery try to stay to the sides where the is likely to be more debris which can help your horse to stop from slipping too much. Car tires can also be effected by this, so ensure drivers can see you and ask them to slow down when approaching you. If the weather is extremely hot many riders are tempted to ride with just light clothing but hi-viz is still essential for the roads. If you feel your horse may overheat in a hi-viz exercise sheet there are alternatives on the market such as the parsons rump which will keep your horse cool.
Autumn
Autumn brings with it the change of colour on the trees, the leafy monsters that chase our horses, rain and the loss of the summer nights. When the rain starts it make the fields turn into bogs and the roads can easily flood. but it also decreases visibility. A horse and rider can easily blend into the background. If you must ride in the rain, ensure you wear fluorescent and reflective clothing.
Mud
Riding in fields and on bridleways becomes practically impossible when the ground is saturated. However if it is essential then being safe about it is key. Mud is obviously slippery so studs in a horses shoes will help to stop them sliding. Letting them find their own balance by dropping the reins will help if your horse does begin to slip. Do not force your horse to go any faster than a walk in very deep mud as they could pull a muscle or trip over. If your horse does become stuck in really deep mud or falls to its knees you will have to dismount. If it is safe and necessary to do so it will be easier and faster to get across the mud away from your horse on your stomach. Your horse may work itself free but if you need help you should call the Fire and Rescue service on 999. While waiting try to keep your horse calm and if it exhausts itself, make sure to keep its nose out of the mud. Remember you will be the priority for any rescue services, so keep yourself safe first and foremost and they will be able to get to your horse a lot faster.
Floods
If you are caught out in the rain or have had a lot of rain and a road you need to pass becomes flooded you must check it before you ride through it to ensure it is safe for your horse. When a flood happens the following dangers need to be considered: •Debris can be washed onto the road for example, bottles, logs, stones and metal, all of which can trip or injure your horses hooves. •Floods also cause some old or ill-cared for roads to collapse leaving large craters or washing away the edges of the road. •If the flood is cause by rain water surging from a drain, the drain cover may become dislodged leaving a hole on the road. Never walk over a gateway you don’t know there may be a cattle grid in place. Flooded roads may even be closed by the police as they are deemed dangerous to pass. It is not illegal to pass one of these signs so you may still ride through it, its possible the water is just too deep and cars may break down in it. But to be on the safe side follow these simple guidelines:•If possible do the route by car first. Get on your wellys or waders and bring a stick so you can walk through the flood (keeping to the middle) to assess any danger.•Stick to roads you know. If you know a road was perfectly fine before a flood, it is likely to still be okay. New routes may have roads that already had issues which you can not see due to the water.•Stay in the middle. It is the most shallow part of the flood and the least likely to be effected by potholes or debris. •Wrap your mobile in plastic for example a sandwich bag. Should your horse trip, become injured or spook and you come off, it is very handy to have a dry phone!
Winter
Along with the wet and the dark, the winter usually brings the cold. Ice and sometimes snow can halt the whole country, but horses still need to be cared for. Riding in these conditions brings with it probably the greatest of risks as drivers are less in control of their cars especially if they do not expect to see a horse on the road.
Ice
If you need to hack your horse in winter, the following tips will help you be better prepared on the roads if there is frost:•If you have shoes on your horse, look into getting road studs. They will give grip on the ice.•If the road is used regularly there might already be grit on the road which will help. Try to stay on the tracks of cars that have driven on the road as these areas will be less icy. If the road has not been used at all, try to stay close to the edge where there may be more gravel and debris which will give grip. If it is a farm lane with a grass centre, stay on the grass. •If you have a body protector wear it to hack out. You are much more likely to come off a horse if there is ice about.•Ensure you and your horse wear all the correct gear i.e. hat, saddle, bridle.•Keep it slow, if your horse is very forward and strides out well try to keep them collected. You should not trot or canter on ice unless you have specific ice nails in the shoes of your horse (Commonly used by competitors of ice rides on Icelandic ponies)•NEVER jump on ice•Should your horse slip a lot it would be safer to get off. Your horse will be able to balance better and you are less likely to get hurt by him falling. •Should your horse fall with you still on and you come off or get injured try to stay still. If you managed to stay on your horse, do not get off unless your horse is very unsettled or is hurt. You may have a broken bone that will be made worse by you moving to get off your horse. If you are off, try not to move and wait for help (if there are passers by) or call 999•Making sure you are seen with hi-viz can effect the speed drivers go, thus the speed they slow at. On ice all cars have the potential to slide if they are going fast enough and not slowing down gradually.
Snow
Snow can be beautiful and fun to ride in but it comes with the same dangers as ice but with the added danger of not being able to see the road or where the ice is. If the world is white, these guidelines should help you decide if you want to ride in it or not:•Visibility is extremely poor in snow, it is best to avoid roads altogether if it is snowing or about to snow. If the snow has fallen and the sky is blue, a short road hack is possible provided you follow the same guides for Floods and Ice •Again, never walk over a gateway you don’t know as there may be a hidden cattle grid.•If you have a bridle path, make sure you know it like the back of your hand and preferably have used it within the past few days so that any changes or damage could be noted. Also ride only in fields you know, and on hilly/higher ground. Low ground may have puddles that have turned to ice which have then been covered in snow. •Snow balling in the hoof will cause the horse to become unbalanced and be unable to walk correctly, as if they were on stilts. To avoid snowballs forming in your horses hooves you can ride in either boots or using specific snow pads which a farrier can put on. If you have neither of these then the best prevention is to use Vaseline in copious amounts on the hoof and underneath. Avoid putting it on the shoes or very edges of the hoof where it may interfere with walking. Consider the type of snow too, soft fluffy snow i less likely to ball in the hoof whereas hard compact snow will.
Darkness
Unless you have a lit arena or have time in the day to ride, riding or leading in the dark can be unavoidable. The biggest issue is of course people not being able to see you until they are extremely close. Horses are prey animals and the most dangerous time for them (if they were in the wild) is night time. Horses generally have good eyesight in the dark but this can also be a disadvantage as something that we cannot even see may be terrifying to your horse. The following tips will help to increase your safety if you need to ride in the dark. •Reflective wear is a must when riding or leading in the dark. You should wear at least vest and hat strip on yourself and your horse should have at least a tail guard and martingale. You can get many more reflective items to wear. •Flashing lights are a good way of being seen before the car is close enough to see your reflectivity. You can get specific rider vests with flashing lights, tail guards and halters/nosebands too. The cheaper way is to get bi-cycle lights and attach them to your horse. Remember that red must go to the back and white to the front to signal to drivers which way you are facing. If possible you should carry an extra light to put on your hand so you may be seen when signalling to turn.
Animal Encounters
Many endurance riders, hunters and even happy hackers need to go across open land to reach a destination, or just for pleasure but a lot of the time this land has other animals in it. Most of these animals will flee at the sight of you, such as deer, sheep or flocks of birds, but some animals will stand firm. It goes without saying that most riders will know not to ride with other loose horses, as they all tend to get excited and run!
Cattle
Cattle are naturally curious but also very protective. If you encounter a field you need to ride through with cattle and calves in it ride slowly facing away from the cattle (even if this means you must leave the path) so as not to startle them or give them cause to chase you. Should the worst happen and the cows chase you, then take the following steps:•If you are close enough to the exit, try to get through fast. This will probably be easier if you are dismounted. But if you don’t think there will be enough time DO NOT dismount as the cows may crush you against a wall/gate should they turn aggressive. •If you are a confident rider and your horse listens to you well, you may be able to speed up and get away from the cattle. They should stop if they feel they have achieved their goal of seeing off the threat, but be aware this chase may make your horse run away with you or bolt.•If you can not trust your horse to listen to you safely, the best thing to do is part ways. Dismount your horse and make sure the reins are not left loose. Your horse will get away from the cows and defend itself and might distract them from you making you able to get away and call for help. •If you have parted with your horse and are not near a hedge/gate, and the cows still come at you, stand as large as possible with your arms and legs held out. If you have a crop or jacket on wave it about and start yelling loudly at the cows. They should hopefully stop before you, giving you the time to back away slowly never turning your back on them and still making yourself look large. NEVER take your helmet or body protector off in order to scare the cows as they may protect you if they still attack.•If this does not stop the cows and you feel impact is immanent, curl into a tight ball on the floor making sure to cover your neck and head with your arms. Keep still and hopefully the cows will back off when they realise you are no longer a threat. Call 999 if you are able to and try not to move.Most cows and calves are just curious and mean you no harm or they are expecting to be fed, but it is best to let them know you won’t tolerate them being close to you. Cows will fiercely protect their young so if you are asserting yourself to them, try to direct it towards the cows not the calves. If there is bulls in a field it will have a sign on it, it is highly recommended that you do not ride in a field with a bull in it, as they can be highly aggressive and are much less likely to be scared off by a threatening stance and will attack with intent.
Wild Boar
Wild boar have recently been re-released into the UK forests. As a rule they are typically very shy and flighty so they will run off as soon as they suspect something and as such you may not even know one is near. However if one is injured or is taken by surprise they can be incredibly dangerous. Boar have very strong maternal instincts and will fight to the death to protect their young or family group. The male boars are usually alone, but will still fiercely protect themselves with their 6cm long tusks. A boar coming at your horse with all its strength is very likely to break legs, or leave very deep lacerations so use the following rules to keep safe:•When you know you will be riding in an area that is close to a dense forest, be sure to ask the local forest trust if any wild boar have been spotted in the area. •If boar have been spotted the best method of not encountering one is to make noise and smell. Wear fly spray or perfume, sing, talk to your horse or just make general noise. This way the boar will know you are there and will avoid you. •Should you come across a boar make a point of letting it see you stop, back off, turn around and actively make an effort to get away. A smart boar will not start a fight with a very large animal for no reason. Boar do not typically associate horses with predators, but they will generally avoid each other. •Should your horse spook at the sight/smell of the boar and you part ways, again try to make a point of making your way in the opposite direction of the boar in a non-threatening manner.•Should the boar attack you, curl up into a tight ball and cover your head and neck. The most dangerous part of a boar are its tusks so if you are riding in a forest wear long sleeves, long boots and a body protector.•Never be tempted to feed boar if they seem timid, this can be very dangerous for walkers as boar will seek them out for food. •Be more cautious in the breeding season, which is typically spring. If you see young boar piglets know that the rest of the family is likely very close by, do NOT approach them. If you think the piglets are in danger call the local wildlife trust for advice, never remove them from the environment. •If you spot boar in front of you but they have not yet spotted you, stop, make some noise and if possible let them move on in their own time. •Be aware of the floor, boar tear up the ground looking for roots and may leave deep holes and wallows (mud baths) which your horse may trip on or get stuck in.
Deer
Deer are very shy and will always try to escape when they see a horse. Deer have been hunted by man on horseback for thousands of years, so it is in their nature to be shy of them. The trouble with deer will be if your horse spooks at them. The deer will usually be far enough away that your horse should only give a start but if they come across a fawn in the deep grass they may spook when it leaps up to flee. Work on methods of calming your horse. Should a stag come at you the best method to avoid injury is to turn the other way and get away as fast as you are able. Most stag attacks are territorial, especially in the rutting season and they rarely give mush chase.
Small animals
Most horse riders have been riding when a bird flies out of the hedge or a rabbit runs in front of you. The horse may see this as a deadly adversary and likes to run the opposite way. There is no way to stop these animals doing this but you can avoid your horse being so surprised by bomb proofing at home. Have your horse in the school and roll a football towards him, or have a plastic/crisp bag tied to the fence of the arena.
Other
Many more wild animals can be encountered on a ride, especially near dawn or dusk. Foxes, unless ill and injured, should flee away from you as will badgers or any smaller animals such as squirrels or stoats, however all animals are unpredictable so never let your guard down around them and always treat them with respect.If you encounter an injured animal on your journey please call the RSPCA or a local Wildlife rescue. DO NOT attempt to rescue the animal yourself as many wild animals are extremely frightened by humans and may attack, plus many of them carry dangerous diseases that can be fatal to livestock and horses.
If you do not drive at all or are too young to drive, your ability to judge speed, time and distance may not be as good as people who do drive. You may well feel that you have time to take that right turn before that car behind you catches up or feel that you have plenty of time to reach the gateway to allow a car to pass, it might not be the case and you end up with an irate and abusive driver. These situations can be really scary and can be avoided with the correct riding and road safety training from organisations such as the British Horse Society. You are given training in a school and on the road and sit a theory test as well as practical exam, again on road and in a school. It is thorough and well worth every minute.You should already know that horse riders must ride on the left hand side of the road but did you know your horse can legally take up the same space as a car? This doesn’t mean you should ride as close to the centre white line as you can but you do not have to stick so close to the trees, hawthorns and brambles that rip holes in your jodhpurs and shred your skin! Give yourself some room, create your safe bubble with a HV taped dressage whip or crop, if you have space you have more chance of gaining control over your horse should he spook or get scared by traffic. Riding in your rightful space also forces cars to slow down and check the oncoming traffic in order to overtake safely.
Manoeuvres
Turning right, you must stay left until you reach the shortest route to your right turn at ‘B’. Check the way is clear both ways before turning right.Roundabouts - Again, you must stick to the left and only signal left when you are approaching the exit you wish to take. When passing exits you are not taking, signal right (this action tells other road users you are not taking that exit).
Signalling
Hand signals are a vital part of road safety; they alone can tell approaching traffic of your intentions or to tell them to take an action that will avoid incidents. Before making any signals ensure that you look around to see whether it safe to begin.Turning Right – Hold your reins in your left hand and hold your right arm out straightTurning Left – Hold your reins in your right hand and hold your left arm out straightTo Stop – Hold the reins in your left hand and hold your right arm behind you with your fingers and palm facing the traffic. It is advised by the BHS not to wave a driver on after you have asked them to stop, drivers must take the appropriate precautions themselves Slow Down – Hold the reins in your left hand and hold your right arm out with palm facing downwards and move you arm slowly up and down. It is advised by the BHS not to wave a driver on after you have asked them to slow, drivers must take the appropriate precautions themselves
Two Abreast
The Highway Code advises that young riders and riders of young or inexperienced horses ride on the inside of a steady and calm horse and rider. It is perfectly legal to ride two abreast but riders are expected to return to single file on narrow and/or busy roads and on bends as this will be safer. If one of the horses is on a lead rein, always have them on the the side closest to the hedge/barrier as you will have no control over their hind quarters
Clothing and equipment
Children under the age of 14 MUST wear a helmet which complies with BS Standards. It MUST be fastened securely. Other riders should also follow these requirements. These requirements do not apply to a child who is a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. All riders should wear;1.Boots or shoes with hard soles and heels2.Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight3.Reflective clothing if you have to ride at night or in bad light/poor visibility4.A body protection item such as a back protector or air-vest5.Clothing that fits more snug so as not to catch on hedges or risk being caught by a passing wing mirrorIt may be obvious but it is surprising how many riders do not take safety seriously and ride without due care and attention to other road users. Before taking your horse out on the road you must take steps to ensure the horse does not pose a high risk to you or others. Good ground training to desensitise your horse to potential hazards it may come across whilst out on a hack is essential. Many people become comfortable with their horse and forget that it can still spook. If you were riding in a lesson, your teacher would correct you, out on the road you are alone and need to correct yourself.•Always put both a bridle and saddle on your horse, wear a hat, hi viz, good riding boots, keep your feet in your stirrups and keep your hands on the reins except when signalling. •Never use your mobile phone whilst in the saddle, this device should be for emergencies only and ensure you have an ICE contact (in case of emergency) number easily accessible should an incident occur.•If safe to take a hand off the reins, say thank you by waving, nodding or smiling. This should be an automatic reaction!•Only ride when conditions are suitable. If you have trouble walking on the ice or snow then your horse will too.•You are responsible for the safety of your horse. If you care for it, you’ll protect it.
Finally..
Remember that there are more than 4.2 million riders in Britain and 26 million licensed vehicles on the roads. Every day there are more than 8 horse related traffic accidents – if you don’t wish to be one of this 8, take your Riding and Road Safety Test. To find out where you can take your test, please go to https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/ride-safe-award/ or call the British Horse Society Examinations Department on 020476 840500 or email enquiry@bhs.org.uk
Useful contacts
For any emergency call 999 immediately. For non emergency road traffic incidents, including abusive verbal attacks and non contact incidents please call the non emergency police number 101 and report. If you can remember a company name on commercial vehicles or a registration number, report the incident to the company, most will discipline careless driving. They also like to hear about the good drivers too so don’t hesitate to contact a company to praise them!For a full list of what to do in the event of an accident read the HorseSolicitor article here:Seasonal RidingRiding horses should always be done safely. In clear dry weather this goal is usually easily achieved, but in the long, dark, wet winter months more care is required to ensure you,your horse and everyone else are safe. However it is not only the winter months that can be a danger. Spring brings its own issues as does summer and autumn. The following will hopefully bring up some lesser known or overlooked issues.
Spring
Spring is a lovely time of year, but if you have a new horse or one that you have not ridden in Spring you may get a bit of a shock. The Spring grass coming through gives horses a little sugar boost and some horses may be a bit more fresh. Aside from a fresh horse, there are other dangers in spring. Horses, like humans, can get hay-fever and other allergies such as sweet itch making them extremely uncomfortable. An uncomfortable horse will be even more unpredictable than usual and surely very grumpy. This will obviously make them more dangerous on the road, as a driver will not know that your horse has an ailment, they will just assume your horse is out of control. Always consult a vet if you have issues with your horse. Signs of pollen allergies or sweet-itch•Constant rubbing of the tail/mane•Head shaking or tossing•Kicking out with the hind legs•Tail swishing•Trying to scratch on anything in reach•Rolling (even with you on!)•Sneezing•Coughing•Snot Another issue in spring can be on public bridleways and in fields with livestock. Spring is the time for birthing and many animals especially cattle are very protective of their young.
Summer
Summer comes with many of the same issues as spring but there it is more likely to be hotter and dryer (if you’re lucky!) which in itself brings dangers. If your horse relies on a fresh running river in the field, make sure it is still flowing as a dehydrated horse can easily collapse if exerted. The same goes for any riders. If you plan a long hack be sure to take a water bottle attached to the saddle or in a back pack and also don’t forget sun block. Be sure to put some on your horse if they have white areas e.g. ears or noses. The ground may also be very hard and riding on it may jar or hurt your horses legs so excessive galloping over a bridleway may be out of the question. Roads may also become slippery in extremely hot weather, making them almost as slippery as ice especially if your horse is shod. If you feel the road may be slippery try to stay to the sides where the is likely to be more debris which can help your horse to stop from slipping too much. Car tires can also be effected by this, so ensure drivers can see you and ask them to slow down when approaching you. If the weather is extremely hot many riders are tempted to ride with just light clothing but hi-viz is still essential for the roads. If you feel your horse may overheat in a hi-viz exercise sheet there are alternatives on the market such as the parsons rump which will keep your horse cool.
Autumn
Autumn brings with it the change of colour on the trees, the leafy monsters that chase our horses, rain and the loss of the summer nights. When the rain starts it make the fields turn into bogs and the roads can easily flood. but it also decreases visibility. A horse and rider can easily blend into the background. If you must ride in the rain, ensure you wear fluorescent and reflective clothing.
Mud
Riding in fields and on bridleways becomes practically impossible when the ground is saturated. However if it is essential then being safe about it is key. Mud is obviously slippery so studs in a horses shoes will help to stop them sliding. Letting them find their own balance by dropping the reins will help if your horse does begin to slip. Do not force your horse to go any faster than a walk in very deep mud as they could pull a muscle or trip over. If your horse does become stuck in really deep mud or falls to its knees you will have to dismount. If it is safe and necessary to do so it will be easier and faster to get across the mud away from your horse on your stomach. Your horse may work itself free but if you need help you should call the Fire and Rescue service on 999. While waiting try to keep your horse calm and if it exhausts itself, make sure to keep its nose out of the mud. Remember you will be the priority for any rescue services, so keep yourself safe first and foremost and they will be able to get to your horse a lot faster.
Floods
If you are caught out in the rain or have had a lot of rain and a road you need to pass becomes flooded you must check it before you ride through it to ensure it is safe for your horse. When a flood happens the following dangers need to be considered: •Debris can be washed onto the road for example, bottles, logs, stones and metal, all of which can trip or injure your horses hooves. •Floods also cause some old or ill-cared for roads to collapse leaving large craters or washing away the edges of the road. •If the flood is cause by rain water surging from a drain, the drain cover may become dislodged leaving a hole on the road. Never walk over a gateway you don’t know there may be a cattle grid in place. Flooded roads may even be closed by the police as they are deemed dangerous to pass. It is not illegal to pass one of these signs so you may still ride through it, its possible the water is just too deep and cars may break down in it. But to be on the safe side follow these simple guidelines:•If possible do the route by car first. Get on your wellys or waders and bring a stick so you can walk through the flood (keeping to the middle) to assess any danger.•Stick to roads you know. If you know a road was perfectly fine before a flood, it is likely to still be okay. New routes may have roads that already had issues which you can not see due to the water.•Stay in the middle. It is the most shallow part of the flood and the least likely to be effected by potholes or debris. •Wrap your mobile in plastic for example a sandwich bag. Should your horse trip, become injured or spook and you come off, it is very handy to have a dry phone!
Winter
Along with the wet and the dark, the winter usually brings the cold. Ice and sometimes snow can halt the whole country, but horses still need to be cared for. Riding in these conditions brings with it probably the greatest of risks as drivers are less in control of their cars especially if they do not expect to see a horse on the road.
Ice
If you need to hack your horse in winter, the following tips will help you be better prepared on the roads if there is frost:•If you have shoes on your horse, look into getting road studs. They will give grip on the ice.•If the road is used regularly there might already be grit on the road which will help. Try to stay on the tracks of cars that have driven on the road as these areas will be less icy. If the road has not been used at all, try to stay close to the edge where there may be more gravel and debris which will give grip. If it is a farm lane with a grass centre, stay on the grass. •If you have a body protector wear it to hack out. You are much more likely to come off a horse if there is ice about.•Ensure you and your horse wear all the correct gear i.e. hat, saddle, bridle.•Keep it slow, if your horse is very forward and strides out well try to keep them collected. You should not trot or canter on ice unless you have specific ice nails in the shoes of your horse (Commonly used by competitors of ice rides on Icelandic ponies)•NEVER jump on ice•Should your horse slip a lot it would be safer to get off. Your horse will be able to balance better and you are less likely to get hurt by him falling. •Should your horse fall with you still on and you come off or get injured try to stay still. If you managed to stay on your horse, do not get off unless your horse is very unsettled or is hurt. You may have a broken bone that will be made worse by you moving to get off your horse. If you are off, try not to move and wait for help (if there are passers by) or call 999•Making sure you are seen with hi-viz can effect the speed drivers go, thus the speed they slow at. On ice all cars have the potential to slide if they are going fast enough and not slowing down gradually.
Snow
Snow can be beautiful and fun to ride in but it comes with the same dangers as ice but with the added danger of not being able to see the road or where the ice is. If the world is white, these guidelines should help you decide if you want to ride in it or not:•Visibility is extremely poor in snow, it is best to avoid roads altogether if it is snowing or about to snow. If the snow has fallen and the sky is blue, a short road hack is possible provided you follow the same guides for Floods and Ice •Again, never walk over a gateway you don’t know as there may be a hidden cattle grid.•If you have a bridle path, make sure you know it like the back of your hand and preferably have used it within the past few days so that any changes or damage could be noted. Also ride only in fields you know, and on hilly/higher ground. Low ground may have puddles that have turned to ice which have then been covered in snow. •Snow balling in the hoof will cause the horse to become unbalanced and be unable to walk correctly, as if they were on stilts. To avoid snowballs forming in your horses hooves you can ride in either boots or using specific snow pads which a farrier can put on. If you have neither of these then the best prevention is to use Vaseline in copious amounts on the hoof and underneath. Avoid putting it on the shoes or very edges of the hoof where it may interfere with walking. Consider the type of snow too, soft fluffy snow i less likely to ball in the hoof whereas hard compact snow will.
Darkness
Unless you have a lit arena or have time in the day to ride, riding or leading in the dark can be unavoidable. The biggest issue is of course people not being able to see you until they are extremely close. Horses are prey animals and the most dangerous time for them (if they were in the wild) is night time. Horses generally have good eyesight in the dark but this can also be a disadvantage as something that we cannot even see may be terrifying to your horse. The following tips will help to increase your safety if you need to ride in the dark. •Reflective wear is a must when riding or leading in the dark. You should wear at least vest and hat strip on yourself and your horse should have at least a tail guard and martingale. You can get many more reflective items to wear. •Flashing lights are a good way of being seen before the car is close enough to see your reflectivity. You can get specific rider vests with flashing lights, tail guards and halters/nosebands too. The cheaper way is to get bi-cycle lights and attach them to your horse. Remember that red must go to the back and white to the front to signal to drivers which way you are facing. If possible you should carry an extra light to put on your hand so you may be seen when signalling to turn.
Animal Encounters
Many endurance riders, hunters and even happy hackers need to go across open land to reach a destination, or just for pleasure but a lot of the time this land has other animals in it. Most of these animals will flee at the sight of you, such as deer, sheep or flocks of birds, but some animals will stand firm. It goes without saying that most riders will know not to ride with other loose horses, as they all tend to get excited and run!
Cattle
Cattle are naturally curious but also very protective. If you encounter a field you need to ride through with cattle and calves in it ride slowly facing away from the cattle (even if this means you must leave the path) so as not to startle them or give them cause to chase you. Should the worst happen and the cows chase you, then take the following steps:•If you are close enough to the exit, try to get through fast. This will probably be easier if you are dismounted. But if you don’t think there will be enough time DO NOT dismount as the cows may crush you against a wall/gate should they turn aggressive. •If you are a confident rider and your horse listens to you well, you may be able to speed up and get away from the cattle. They should stop if they feel they have achieved their goal of seeing off the threat, but be aware this chase may make your horse run away with you or bolt.•If you can not trust your horse to listen to you safely, the best thing to do is part ways. Dismount your horse and make sure the reins are not left loose. Your horse will get away from the cows and defend itself and might distract them from you making you able to get away and call for help. •If you have parted with your horse and are not near a hedge/gate, and the cows still come at you, stand as large as possible with your arms and legs held out. If you have a crop or jacket on wave it about and start yelling loudly at the cows. They should hopefully stop before you, giving you the time to back away slowly never turning your back on them and still making yourself look large. NEVER take your helmet or body protector off in order to scare the cows as they may protect you if they still attack.•If this does not stop the cows and you feel impact is immanent, curl into a tight ball on the floor making sure to cover your neck and head with your arms. Keep still and hopefully the cows will back off when they realise you are no longer a threat. Call 999 if you are able to and try not to move.Most cows and calves are just curious and mean you no harm or they are expecting to be fed, but it is best to let them know you won’t tolerate them being close to you. Cows will fiercely protect their young so if you are asserting yourself to them, try to direct it towards the cows not the calves. If there is bulls in a field it will have a sign on it, it is highly recommended that you do not ride in a field with a bull in it, as they can be highly aggressive and are much less likely to be scared off by a threatening stance and will attack with intent.
Wild Boar
Wild boar have recently been re-released into the UK forests. As a rule they are typically very shy and flighty so they will run off as soon as they suspect something and as such you may not even know one is near. However if one is injured or is taken by surprise they can be incredibly dangerous. Boar have very strong maternal instincts and will fight to the death to protect their young or family group. The male boars are usually alone, but will still fiercely protect themselves with their 6cm long tusks. A boar coming at your horse with all its strength is very likely to break legs, or leave very deep lacerations so use the following rules to keep safe:•When you know you will be riding in an area that is close to a dense forest, be sure to ask the local forest trust if any wild boar have been spotted in the area. •If boar have been spotted the best method of not encountering one is to make noise and smell. Wear fly spray or perfume, sing, talk to your horse or just make general noise. This way the boar will know you are there and will avoid you. •Should you come across a boar make a point of letting it see you stop, back off, turn around and actively make an effort to get away. A smart boar will not start a fight with a very large animal for no reason. Boar do not typically associate horses with predators, but they will generally avoid each other. •Should your horse spook at the sight/smell of the boar and you part ways, again try to make a point of making your way in the opposite direction of the boar in a non-threatening manner.•Should the boar attack you, curl up into a tight ball and cover your head and neck. The most dangerous part of a boar are its tusks so if you are riding in a forest wear long sleeves, long boots and a body protector.•Never be tempted to feed boar if they seem timid, this can be very dangerous for walkers as boar will seek them out for food. •Be more cautious in the breeding season, which is typically spring. If you see young boar piglets know that the rest of the family is likely very close by, do NOT approach them. If you think the piglets are in danger call the local wildlife trust for advice, never remove them from the environment. •If you spot boar in front of you but they have not yet spotted you, stop, make some noise and if possible let them move on in their own time. •Be aware of the floor, boar tear up the ground looking for roots and may leave deep holes and wallows (mud baths) which your horse may trip on or get stuck in.
Deer
Deer are very shy and will always try to escape when they see a horse. Deer have been hunted by man on horseback for thousands of years, so it is in their nature to be shy of them. The trouble with deer will be if your horse spooks at them. The deer will usually be far enough away that your horse should only give a start but if they come across a fawn in the deep grass they may spook when it leaps up to flee. Work on methods of calming your horse. Should a stag come at you the best method to avoid injury is to turn the other way and get away as fast as you are able. Most stag attacks are territorial, especially in the rutting season and they rarely give mush chase.
Small animals
Most horse riders have been riding when a bird flies out of the hedge or a rabbit runs in front of you. The horse may see this as a deadly adversary and likes to run the opposite way. There is no way to stop these animals doing this but you can avoid your horse being so surprised by bomb proofing at home. Have your horse in the school and roll a football towards him, or have a plastic/crisp bag tied to the fence of the arena.
Other
Many more wild animals can be encountered on a ride, especially near dawn or dusk. Foxes, unless ill and injured, should flee away from you as will badgers or any smaller animals such as squirrels or stoats, however all animals are unpredictable so never let your guard down around them and always treat them with respect.If you encounter an injured animal on your journey please call the RSPCA or a local Wildlife rescue. DO NOT attempt to rescue the animal yourself as many wild animals are extremely frightened by humans and may attack, plus many of them carry dangerous diseases that can be fatal to livestock and horses.
