How riders can do all possible to increase safety on the road

High-vis, being polite and paying attention can all help towards keeping horses and drivers safe

- BECKY MURRAY

EQUESTRIANS have been reminded of their responsibilities while riding on the road – from why high-vis is useful in court cases to the importance of thanking drivers.

In a webinar hosted by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) on 20 August, as part of its Summer of Safety series, sergeant Zoe Billings of North Yorkshire Police and BETA CEO Claire Williams discussed how risk on the road can be reduced for riders and drivers.

Sergeant Billings, a horse owner and former riding instructor, said she rides and carriage-drives on the road and has the first-hand experience from both sides of the fence.

“I’ve been to fatalities involving horses and riders. I’m also that car driver that sees the behaviour of riders and how that can influence driver behaviour,” she said. “It gives me a bit of concern that we as riders aren‘t necessarily doing all we can to maximise our safety.”

The importance of being alert while riding on the roads and use of mobile phones was discussed.

“The number of riders in groups who are so engrossed in their conversation that the car ‘suddenly appears from nowhere’. If the first person who spots the car is your horse you should be embarrassed,” said Sgt Billings.