Stay safe while sharing public spaces with horses
⇒ If you encounter a horse on the roads, footpath or trails, please adhere to the following for your safety and that of the horse and rider/driver:
⇒ If you are driving a car or riding a motorbike PLEASE SLOW DOWN to 40 km/hr or less. A horse can spook sideways and often are frightened INTO the road, putting you at risk.
⇒ If a rider or carriage driver signals you to slow down or stop — please follow their instructions. They are doing so for your safety as well as theirs.
⇒ Do not beep, rev your engine, or drive within 1 car space of any horse on the road.
⇒ If you’re walking, biking, or running and encounter a horse, alert the rider or driver to your presence and ask them how they would prefer that you proceed. Horses will vary in their experience and training level (as do their riders!) and some may need more space than others. Bikes move very quickly and quietly and the sunlight reflecting off metal surfaces can worry a horse.
⇒ If you approach a horse from behind, call out to the rider or driver and slow down or stop, until you can pass safely. Even well behaved horses can become fearful of something moving quickly behind them. They can kick out further than you expect — give them a healthy distance as you pass. Try to stay where the horse can see you (if you can see one of his eyes, then he can see you).
⇒ Horses have a right to be on Australian roads and you must share the road with them. In some states they are also permitted on footpaths and off-road trails (such as rail trails, fire trails and national parks).
⇒ Horses are not at all like dogs and are easily startled! They can kick out suddenly if they feel threatened. Once a horse has been frightened, it takes some time for them to settle down again. Give the horse plenty of space and do not approach of the horse is not standing quietly.
⇒ If you have children with you please please ask your children to stop and stand still. If you wish to approach the horse for a pet, please ask the rider or driver if it is okay. Don’t be offended if the response is no. Some horses are just learning and it is not safe to approach them. Most horse owners are happy to share the horse experience with others, when it is safe and they have time to do so.
Thank you for keeping everyone safe when enjoying the outdoors.
By: Karri Nadazdy – Animal Care Australia Horse & Livestock Representative. Originally published: June 2023 ACE Newsletter.
