The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Horses have the right of way.

Tags
cars
7K views 49 replies 26 participants last post by  Clava 
#1 ·
Too many times have I been riding and almost get clipped by a car. I know the rule on horses habing the right away are deep inside the textbooks, but they're still there.
I just had a inflating argument with a "non horse person" on this note. He said that horses shouldn't be on the side of the road while people are driving. Really? Come on.
I was with a group of about 40 horses and their riders (of course) and we saw that a car was coming so the stragglers started to get on the same side of the road as us and the car gave no patience to that. It zoomed right by and was literally a foot from all of us. We had no where to go, the car had us right up against a ditch.
Then when cars go speeding right past you over and over as you're riding trying to be "cool". Would it be "cool" if I "accedently" threw a rock and said my horse spooked because of their choices. Would I be wrong?
Sorry, just wanted share a few experiences out of the hundreds. Anyone care to share some of theirs?
 
#4 ·
Yes horses have right of way but you still have to use common sense. I ride on the road all the time, you have to be aware of your surroundings, same as if you are driving on the same road. If there are cars you should not be on the paved part of the road.

It's not the people just driving by that are the issue but the ones that throw things at you or honk the horn. But once again it all comes down to common sense.
 
#9 ·
Then when cars go speeding right past you over and over as you're riding trying to be "cool". Would it be "cool" if I "accedently" threw a rock and said my horse spooked because of their choices. Would I be wrong?
If you are the one throwing rocks at a passing car then you are the one "purposely doing something stupid."
 
#7 ·
Southern, my question was intended to get more information, not take the OP to task. There are good reasons someone has to ride on the edge of the road.

Yes, horses are supposed to have the right of way, but many, many non-horse people don't know that and there's very little ability to enforce it unless a police car happens to be behind someone harassing you.

If you HAVE to ride on the roadways do it as far onto the shoulders as you can get, and even get off the roads if you have the option.

Throwing rocks at passing cars is a bad idea, and can result in injury or even death for you, your horse, and the vehicle driver.

I understand that it's frustrating, but vehicles and prey animals do not mix well. Do everything you can to be courteous, and stay out of the roadway and as far onto the shoulders as you can.
 
#12 ·
The way i understood it in my area, pleasure horses don't have the right of way, they must stay on the burm or shoulder of the road (i have to check my book again) And working horses (drafts, ect) have the right of way when moving from field to field, as the Amish do when in cart or buggie. And other farm equipment and such during crop seasons. I'm not 100% sure on this. But i've ridden roads many of times and most of the drivers are curtious and cautious, esp when my gelding gets the notion to stand in the middle of the road for no reason i can find. I mostly stay on the edge of the road, if i have to road ride. :)
 
#13 ·
EB, I find in the more rural areas like where I live, people tend to be nicer and more cautious around horses. Most of them raise cattle or other livestock, so understand how prey animals think.

We have the Amish starting to move into my area, and I frequently see their buggies on the back roads. I treat them like any other vehicle, and pass when I can. Otherwise, I stay a decent distance behind them.
 
#15 ·
Some people are just going to be idiots about it. No way around it. But you, as a rider, can take precautions to minimize the risk of an accident, ride along the shoulder, be aware of your surroundings and know when a car is coming.
Yep
Having the right of way is one thing - having others respect it is another. Similar to being at a 4-way stop, just because it is your turn to go doesn't mean some other idiot won't decide to go too and hit you. Right of way or no, it is always in your best interest to drive/ride defensively to keep yourself and your mount safe. The only control you have is over yourself, your mount and your actions.
 
#16 · (Edited)
In the Uk we have to ride on roads and sometimes in busy traffic. I do not ride right on the edge but take up more correct space in the road as a road user. Horses have an absolute right to be on roads, cars have to apply for road tax before being allowed. Always thanks drivers for slowing and always be polite, generally I find most drivers are OK, but some do come too close and risk our and their own lives by doing so. I only ride two abreast when with a young inexperienced horse as this is the accepted and correct thing to do here (provides space for the nervous horse). If the road is very narrow, we will trot on until finding a wider place for cars to pass if posible.

I always wear hi viz too.

This video I really dislike as I think the horses are "acting" badly, but it makes a point.
 
#17 ·
I believe it is important, for all riders who must ride on public roads, to look up the laws in their particular state. Each state laws are slightly different. A few have no laws at all, regarding horses. Some have laws which differ from riding a horse, to one who is driving a horse-drawn vehicle. In some states, a rider is required to ride 'with' the traffic. Others require the rider rides against the traffic.

But regardless of the laws in any given state or even country, every rider should be very aware, that the majority of motorists one will meet, are not horsey. They might even get a thrill from trying to scare the horse and rider. In most areas, motorists are required to slow down and give a horse a wide berth when passing. Few know that law or bother to do so.

I suggest anyone who must ride on roads, first try as often as possible, to ride inside a fenced area, along a roadside, so their horses become very used to all kinds of traffic, the noise and speed. It takes time and patience, to train a 'traffic safe' horse and even if solid, one still has to deal with the idiots who will try to spook a horse.

Sometimes, if you live in an area where many horses are constantly ridden on public roads, you can encourage your local officials, to post signs to warn of horses. After all, many areas have such signs for deer.

Lizzie
 
#18 ·
There are horse crossing signs posted all over the roads here. My horses are boarded where there is an animal preserve all around. There are also many ranches. The trails are even for horses and no biking or four-wheeling allowed. The rules in the California parks down here all say horses have the right of way. Any person that is an animall person would know and understand that. However, there are a lot of rude people out there who don't care. That is where you have to not just expect to be respected because you are on a horse and take control of the situation yourself and being aware of your surroundings no matter who is in the right or wrong.
 
#19 ·
Different country and culture, Clava. You're on a small island and have limited space.

Anyone actually riding in the road here in the US would likely end up getting a ticket from the police. Vehicles are supposed to give horses a wide berth, but riders are not allowed to ride in the road proper. There are even certain roads where horses aren't permitted, and signs have been put up warning riders they're not allowed.
 
#25 ·
You may very well be. But when you ask about throwing rocks at passing cars on a public forum, that does not come across as being a "smart and safe" rider. Its okay to vent about your frustrations; we all have them. But what you said is out there now. Its not going away. What if you do get into an accident? A good lawyer could find this post and see what you said about throwing rocks and get you for that. "Joking" about putting someone in harm's way is NOT smart no matter how funny you want it to be.
 
#28 ·
I also had to ride on roads on a daily basis in the UK and mostly found the traffic to be more horse aware than in the US where they seem to come far too close - no excuse as the roads are so much wider here
The CT Horse Council has advise on riding in traffic but that doesnt reach the drivers.
Attached some pics of the road outside my old UK house and adjoining that I had to use to get anywhere as we dont have the trails there. The speed limit on it is 60mph!!!
OP - I dont think for one moment you meant you would throw a rock but honestly I have felt like doing it myself too many times - doesnt mean I would
 

Attachments

#29 ·
I just had a similar experience on my last trail ride. I had my green 3 year old out on a rural road and a car passed by very quickly and very close which upset her. She calmed down quickly though and she'll get over it, but I did complain about it to my husband, haha.

But, what I really wanted to say - if this is a common problem where you live, try to think of yourself as an ambassador of all trail riders. Drivers may honestly not know a thing about horses, how to pass safey, or that it could be dangerous to pass. It should be common sense to pass with caution to everyone, but not everyone has common sense.

So, as the ambassador, when you see a car approaching, move to the side, stop, smile and wave at the car. Instead of being "that jerk horse rider that takes up the road", be the friendly horse rider that is courteous, cautious, and friendly. People will interact with those that project friendliness, and be likely to slow down, and perhaps even say hi. If they do, thank them for slowing down. Resist being mad with them. People do not like to interact with angry glares, shaking fists or obvious signs of irritation, and will likely speed to get away from you.

And I get you don't mean you would actually throw rocks, but if you did, first off they would know it was you and not the horse, but second it would make them irritated at all riders and would not encourage them to pass safely in the future. Your intended point would not be the point they get, they'd just think you were a huge jerk.
 
#30 ·
If riding on the side of the road is something you have to do, why not ask the local government to post warning signs along the road that there are horse back riders present and to slow down for them?
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#31 ·
ive had this problem -_-. im in pa where theres lots of horses and amish. we ride on the side of the road and people honk, speed and try to hit horses. mostly teenagers who think its funny. we have a big trail around and trails specifically for horses have people on them. try galloping at full speed and stop on a dime so you dont run them over.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#34 ·
Arizona law:

28-858. Approaching horses and livestock
A person operating a motor vehicle on a public highway and approaching a horse-drawn vehicle, a horse on which a person is riding or livestock being driven on the highway shall exercise reasonable precaution to prevent frightening and to safeguard the animals and to ensure the safety of persons riding or driving the animals. If the animals appear frightened, the person in control of the vehicle shall reduce its speed and if requested by signal or otherwise shall not proceed further toward the animals unless necessary to avoid accident or injury until the animals appear to be under control.

OTOH, Louisiana:

"It shall not be lawful for horses, mules, donkeys, or asses to go on the paved, black-topped and asphalt treated highways of the state system and the rights of way therefor."

Others: Riding on Public Roads
 
#36 ·
While I can't help you OP and for that I'm sorry as I know the dilemmas that come with road riding, I will say what it is like in NZ, as I'm not sure where you are from.

In NZ, a horse is classed as a legal mode of transport and motorists do not have to give us horse riders any more respect than they do to that of an actual car, they are legally allowed to pass us at 100km/h and don't even have to give horses a wide berth or anything. Even out here in the countryside I have had people driving full horse trucks (which would indicate they know about horses) come absolutely flying up behind me on a very green horse not giving a toss what-so-ever. Honestly, when the road is concerned in this country, it's full of idiots, even the equestrian community when driving on the roads don't seem to give a damn.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top