Road Safety

A Cautionary Comment

By Nicole Butler

Spring has finally approached us, with some nice weather. And, in turn, this means that now horseback riders can ride on the trails. So this article is just a little reminder about road safety for both the rider and driver since most bridle trails are accessed by riding on the roads for a little while.

I am 18 years old and I have been riding ever since I was 10. I have two horses of my own that I ride for pleasure. I’d like to begin by explaining a situation I encountered one day on a trail ride with two friends.

We were riding on a very quiet dirt road when a car approached us. All of a sudden the driver took out a bullhorn and started yelling into it. Luckily, all of our horses are very good; they did little to react. But this just goes to show just how some drivers react to horseback riders. Please don’t miss understand, I’m not saying all drivers do this.

Horses can only see directly to the left and right of their bodies. This means they cannot see directly in front or behind them. Horses have monocular vision. Monocular vision makes it hard to measure speed and position of things around them and beside them. It is for these very reasons that horses are often nervous and can be frightened.

For both you, and the rider’s safety, give wide space between the horse and your car. Furthermore, drive slowly, approximately 10 miles per hour. Drive especially slowly for children riding. Do not scare or startle the horse by sounding your horn or revving the engine. If you notice the horse appears to be a bit nervous, slow to a stop and wait for the rider to wave you by.

One last safety precaution for a driver is to never brake or accelerate suddenly because both cause noise and throw gravel.

A horseback rider should always use a helmet. It doesn’t matter how well you know your horse, you can never predict a spook. Thirty-five dollars for a helmet is a small price to pay for your life! All riders should ride on the left side of the road and ride as far left as possible without riding on someone’s lawn or garden.

In addition, riders should ride single file. At the most, riders can ride two abreast. Pick your riding time wisely, too. If you know dusk is approaching, wear reflective patches. Never ever ride at night on the roads. Riding at night not only diminishes the horse’s senses, but the visibility for drivers as well.

I understand a horse can be a nuisance when you are hurrying to an appointment or picking up the kids from school. But it is important to remember horses do have the right of way. After all, they did come first. Although a horse may delay you for a few minutes, an accident can delay you for hours, months, or even years.

Most importantly, horse’s don’t dent … they die.

– Nicole Butler is a student at Nonnewaug High School