The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is working with the British Horse Society to raise awareness among road users of how to use roads safely as both horse riders and motorists.
Through Operation Gallop, PSNI aims to develop working relationships and confidence between policing and the equestrian community.
PSNI says that it is “crucial” drivers understand what to do when they meet a horse on the road.
BHS advice is to:
- Slow down to a maximum of 15mph
- Be patient
- Pass the horse wide and slow (if safe to do so), leaving at least two metres if possible
- Drive slowly away
Supt Joanne Gibson, PSNI, said: “As part of Operation Gallop, we are placing an emphasis on road safety where everyone has their role to play, whether that be horse riders or 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 who sense danger and want to get away.
“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.”
As part of the campaign, PSNI is sharing stories from horse riders. Craig Hills from County Down has been riding horses for close to 30 years.
He said: “Even when riding and having full hi-viz on, people don’t seem to slow down. A couple of months ago, I had an incident where a car sped past the horse, went through a puddle and splashed the horse.
“The horse fell over and I fell off and the driver sped off and left me lying on the road. Luckily, both me and the horse had minor injuries, but it shows horses can be scared by the simplest of things.”
Craig urges drivers to approach with caution when they encounter a horse on the road and “take your time, give everyone space and care”.
He added: “Riders can make sure they can be seen, and also ride in suitable conditions – good daylight, when it’s not foggy or icy, for example.
“As riders, we have to make sure drivers can see us and also drivers need to be vigilant and give everyone space and time. It’s about sharing the roads and giving everyone the respect and safety they deserve.”
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