What to do if horses are on the road

It may sound quite rare, but actually on country journeys you will from time to time encounter horses and their riders using the road. And you may also come across other animals too.

When you come across horses with riders on them, remember that some horses are more or less trained and erratic and so whilst most may be quite calm around traffic, others may not be. And in addition the quality and experience of the rider means they may have more or less control over the horse that they are riding.

There are often signs that warn you that there are horses and riders nearby, although this won't always be the case. So how should you drive in the event that you do encounter a horse and its rider whilst driving on country roads?

Well you should use common sense, and that says that you should slow right down before you get near to the horses and their riders.

In order not to spook or unsettle the horses, try to keep the engine noise low - so no sudden revving or acceleration and quick movements; rather move past them at a steady speed. In addition give them as much space as you safely do so in the road conditions you find yourself driving in. If you think it is too narrow an area to pass safely, then you will have to wait until the road widens or the horses exit the road.

Related Articles...

driving theory test
Driving Theory Centres
Finding the nearest driving theory centre to you is easy as the government makes this information available to you online. There is a website that enables you to find the nearest driving...

Nervous Driver Tips
Many people who learn to drive have a combination of nerves and excitement. Even if someone says they have no nerves and are perfectly confident when it comes to driving, the first time you get...

Your vehicle's age is important
The age of your car is important for several reasons. The main reason is that if your car is under three years old, there are four documents that you must be in possession of in relation to...

Skidding: what to do if you skid
No-one wants to skid, because skidding is a hazard that can lead to potential damage for you and other road users; in other words it is a dangerous situation to be in. However sometimes it...

Things to look for when checking tyre condition
The tyres are extremely important elements of the car, yet many people do not think much about them when checking that their vehicle is roadworthy. However, in addition to checking the amount...

What to check on your car daily
A car is a sophisticated piece of machinery, although it is commonplace and therefore taken for granted by many there are considerable elements working together to make it work. And if one...

Reversing Exercises in the driving test
There are three reversing exercises that you could be tested on in the driving practical test. You will be asked to perform two out of these three so that the person undertaking your test (the...

What to do at a roundabout
Roundabouts come in all shapes and sizes, but the basic rules that govern roundabouts are simple. However that doesn't stop people interpreting the rules and indicating and lines in all sorts...

Tips on buying a vehicle
When it comes to buying a car, many people buy second hand in order to save the costs of a new car which of course often come at a premium having had no previous owner. However there are risks...

Driving and Eyesight Requirements
If you require glasses in order to meet the requirements for driving legally, then you must ensure that you wear them whilst you drive (or corrective lenses). There are some conditions that...


Back to home page of driving theory test questions