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.

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