Road Work Riding
Road work riding can be really fun.There are some basic requirements for riding on the road safely: • Always check tack and horse’s shoes before you set off • Wear the correct clothes – riding hat, gloves, riding boots and ideally a fluorescent tabard. • Ride on the left hand side of the road – maintain a good rein contact • Look, listen and think ahead at all times, be alert for possible hazards. It is always important to know the Highway Code when road work riding as there are a variety of traffic signs on the road that signify orders, warnings or instructions that you may need to follow whilst on the horse. RIDING IN GROUPS When road work riding in a group you should have an experienced rider at the front of the ride and an experienced rider at the back of the ride. These riders are responsible for looking after the group and slowing down oncoming traffic and traffic coming from behind. They are also responsible for giving signals. The rider at the front sets the pace of the ride to suit the group and decides on the route, taking into consideration the surface and terrain they will be riding on. The two riders must be alert for any possible hazards that may arise. Here are some basic requirements for riding in a group: • Experienced riders at the front and back of the ride • Young, inexperienced, novice horse or riders should be in the middle of the ride • Each rider should keep the distance of a horse’s length behind the horse in front • Signals are given by front and back riders • Ideally groups should be no more than eight When road work riding in a group it is important to maintain safety. Before setting off make sure that all tack and horse’s shoes have been checked and that each rider is wearing suitable clothing. To maintain safety in the group make sure the novice, inexperienced riders are in the middle of the ride and that the ride is at a pace that’s suits the riders. The pace should be regular, at a speed that can be followed by the whole group. The group should cross roads and junctions together, they should never become separate as horses left behind can become anxious and nervous. It is important for the riders at the front and back to prepare the ride in advance of any transitions, change of direction, stopping, possible hazards and to give the appropriate signals to oncoming traffic and traffic from behind to maintain the safety in the group. HORSE RIDING SAFETY 1. Assess the situation – By observing or asking people for information. 2. Prevent any further accidents – Make the area safe, collect vital information from the scene 3. Assess the casualty –Ask if they can feel any pain, observe their response, watch the colour of their skin and eyes for dilation of the pupils. Observe and collect all the information possible about the causality 4. Send for help – send for appropriate help…..ambulance, helicopter, yard manager. State the telephone number, location, accident details, number of casualties involved. HORSE TACK INFORMATION When riding outdoors the correct clothing and equipment should be worn: Riding hat – correctly fitted conforming to the BSI standards Boots – they should be strong to protect the foot and ankle. They should be heeled to prevent the foot sliding into the stirrup and becoming stuck. The soles should be smooth to allow the rider’s foot to slip out of the stirrup easily in case of a fall. Gloves – they should be non-slip gloves. TIPS FOR SAFE ROAD RIDING When road work riding on the road make sure you are in control of the horse. That you maintain a good rein contact and that you keep the leg aids on and in contact with the horse’s sides. You can wear florescent tabards that say “pass wide and slow” to inform other road users. It is important to know where you are planning to go and that you have told someone of your route and how long you are expected to be. It is a good idea to take money and a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency. Look, listen and think ahead at all times and be alert for possible hazards.
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