The Driver
What do you think is the most common reaction to horses on the road by drivers?
If you discuss this question amongst your family and friends, these might be some of the answers:
“Horses shouldn’t be allowed on the road, they do not pay rego, they do not hold a licence, they do not have any insurance….”
“Riders and horses can look after themselves. The horse must be used to traffic so it won’t be bothered by me”
“Most riders don’t know I’m behind them and don’t thank me for waiting for them”
“I’m in a strong steel box and so I’m less likely to be fatally hurt in an accident”
“My car can accelerate quickly past slower moving objects”
“Horses can move quickly out of my way if they need to”
“Is that rider really under control? They don’t look as if they’re really ‘with it’ to me”
Add to this – your own experiences. Car drivers are not horse psychologists.
Car drivers do not understand that even the most quiet and calm horses can sometimes trip and because of their size and weight, may have to take a few steps sideways in order to get their body and legs under control again.
Many drivers do not understand that horses are creatures of fright and flight, they do not understand that it can be taken by surprise and cannot control the urge to jump like humans can.
Drivers need educated and we can help through good example of riding using courteous manners on the road.
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