Am I Ready?
According to the Australian Road Rules, the horse is considered a vehicle on the road and is therefore permitted to be ridden or driven on the road.
Whilst you and your horse have every right to be on the road it is in everybody’s best interests for you to be highly visible and obey the road rules.
Before you take a horse onto the road, make sure you can control it in a broad range of situations.
Things you can do to practice:
- Riding around common roadside objects at home first (e.g. wheelie bins, witches hats).
- Ensure the horse is obedient to your aids (get the horse listening to you before going on the road) e.g. halt to trot, move sideways
- Practice standing still and halting for longer periods of time than normal, as if you were waiting on the side of the road ready to cross
For safety, keep horses hooves and shoes in good condition.
Young, inexperienced or untrained horses are not suitable to ride on the roadways. However, if necessary – always ride with other calm and steady horses. Avoid main roads and peak traffic times.
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