UNDER the banner of Operation Gallop, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are working to raise awareness as widely as possible on how to use roads safely, as both horse riders and motorists. Horses and horse riders are vulnerable road users, the same as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

The Highway Code in Northern Ireland and Rules of the Road in Ireland highlight that, irrespective of the method of transport, those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others. Horses and their riders are extremely vulnerable on the road.

Safe practice therefore needs everyone who uses the road to promote understanding, patience and respect for one another to keep everyone safe - let’s make our roads safer for everyone.

Superintendent Joanne Gibson of the PSNI said: “As part of Operation Gallop, we are placing an emphasis on road safety where everyone has their part to play, horse riders and motorists. Understanding what to do when you meet a horse on the road is crucial. Speeding cars, engines being revved, loud music or horns being blasted, any of these can easily startle horses. Horses are flight animals and if they sense danger they want to get away from it.

“Even for experienced riders and well-trained horses, it can be a really difficult situation to control as horses are large, powerful animals and their instinct, if they have cause for alarm, is to move away quickly. Worse still, if a collision occurs, it can have devastating consequences. That’s why it is so important to know what to do, and to be aware of the safe distance and speed required when passing a horse on the road.”

It is vital you play your part, even as equestrians yourselves. If you see a horse on the road, we would ask that you do the following -

Riding on the road is not always easy, as many readers know first-hand. With that in mind, PSNI is encouraging everyone who uses the road to do so with understanding, patience and respect for one another. This will help to keep everyone safe and make our roads a safe place to be.

Everyone who uses the road has a responsibility to do so safely. Horse riders should be clearly seen and should ideally wear hi-visibility clothing.

Riders should be alert at all times and avoid any mobile phone use whilst on a horse, as this can be distracting and mean you may not have your full attention on your horse or the road.

Susan Spratt, British Horse Society manager for Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, said: “Horse riders are vulnerable road users and, with few places available for them to ride off-road, they unfortunately have to exercise horses on the roads, which can be challenging.

“Our statistics show that passing too close and too fast are the main causes of collisions on the roads. No one wants to injure a horse or rider, with devastating results for all parties. We appeal to all road users to please follow the guidelines, be patient and show empathy to horses and riders.”

Susan continues: “Recording your road incidents in our BHS “Horse i” app, as well as reporting to the police, gives us the data to campaign for change at a local and national level. Whether it’s a close pass or a near miss, your experience matters.

“The more evidence we gather, the stronger our case for better infrastructure, legislation and support for riders and carriage drivers on the road.”

Download the app today by scanning the QR code on this page.

Superintendent Gibson added: “Horse riders and owners, please ensure all field boundaries and gates are checked for security to ensure your horses cannot break out onto the road, where they could be at risk of serious harm or may cause a collision. Unfortunately, we have witnessed the significant consequences when a horse has been involved in a collision.

“Remember we want to share our roads safely and with respect. That small amount of time taken to respect another road user can be critical to the safety of all who use the road.”