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 Test
Until relatively recently in driving history, there was no theory test. From the time the first person passed a driving test in the UK in 1935 through to 1996, there was no separate theory test. ...

Your car and the lights on it
We are all used to seeing cars in the dark, and also seeing their indicators in the day to communicate to other car drivers. But what must you ensure with regard to the lighting of your...

When to expect your licence
The answer to this question depends on whether you have a licence issued after March 2004 or not, which was a photocard driving licence. If so, then you h'll have the option to get it...

Vulnerable road users - pedestrians
Pedestrians whether old or young are all potentially vulnerable. Any impact at all on a pedestrian is potentially fatal, and that goes for a pedestrian of any age. Of course within the class...

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...

Why is there a Hazard Perception Test
The statistics have long shown that the newer the driver, the more likely they are to be involved in accidents on the roads. This is probably because they are inexperienced as drivers, although...

What causes accidents: speed
There is a well known saying from safety campaigns which simply says that "speed kills". Although many people think that you have to be travelling really quickly in order to make an impact...

Your ignition warning light
When you turn on the electrical circuits in your car, then the ignition warning light will come on: make sure that this does indeed happen. Once the engine itself is started, then the ignition...

What a slippery road surface sign could mean
The problem with a slippery road surface sign is this: whilst you know what it means, you don't know what it means. If that sounds confusing, then the point is simply this - what is it that is...

Vehicle Test Certificate Explained
The MOT test is no doubt something you have heard of before, but you don't pay that much interest to what it actually is before you are a car driver and faced with the prospect of requiring such a...


Back to home page of driving theory test questions