Riding Safely on Streets

Riding Horse On Pavement

Always ride at a walk when on gravel, and never rush up, or down a hill. When riding on pavement protect your horse's feet and joints by riding slow. Remember that shod horses can slip on pavement, their shoes being as slick as ice skates. Even barefoot horses can slip on pavement, especially if it is wet, or muddy, or when there are lots of leaves in fall.

Riding in a Group

If riding in a group always ride in single file along the street in THE SAME direction as the flow of traffic. It is illegal to ride on the wrong side going against the traffic. Some horses that do well with cars may become nervous, or spook with trucks or motorcycles. In some cases it may be helpful to let the horse face in the direction of a vehicle but that should truly be the exception. A horse that does not do well with all kinds of traffic is likely just not ready for the road.

Crossing the Street

Don't just ride off. Always wait for everybody to finish mounting their horse and reach the road. Some horses have difficulty standing still if they feel they are being left behind.

When crossing a road, it is best for everyone to cross at the same time because some horses left behind may get nervous and balk. If your horse gives you a hard time and won't stop, pull his head around and start circling away from the road, rather than getting into a tug of war, and pulling contest this close to traffic. We found that if we signal our intention to oncoming drivers to slow down, or stop their car, more often than not they will do so.

Always remember: no matter how experienced your horse and how safe your tack accidents can happen. A horse can still trip and fall, get startled, bitten, or kicked by another horse, get something into his eye, spook, or run off at any moment. So be prepared:

• Ride a suitable horse for your riding skill level
• ALWAYS wear a helmet
• Wear safe footwear and opt for a riding vest
• Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing
• Know your surroundings, stay on known trails
• Don’t canter, lope or gallop unless you can see well ahead
• Think ahead, anticipate danger
• Listen to your instincts (and horse!)
• Tell someone when and where you are going
• Or better, don't ride alone, and stay together
• Stop at intersections and wait for all cars to pass
• Look and listen

Open a Gate On Horseback

Learn how to open and close a gate on horseback from top clinician Julie Goodnight. Click & Learn!  More »