* The Blog! *

Safety on the Road

Published by GHC • Jul 2nd, 2008 • Category: Riding Advice, by Sweetie

by Sweetie, age 12

With the Summer here, we’re all going on a lot more hacks. For some riders, this means riding on the road for a few minutes or more. This guide talks you through how to be safe on the road.

WHAT TO WEAR
As well as your usual riding clothes, high visibility (hi-viz)) clothing should be worn, especially if you are riding early morning or late evening. There are lots of different things for horse and rider.

For the rider:

  • Hi-viz jacket
  • Hi-viz hat silk
  • There are also some boots with hi-viz patches on them
  • If you are riding a young horse, there are some jackets that have a message on the back to warn drivers

For the horse:

  • Hi-viz saddle cloth/numnah
  • Hi-viz tail bandage
  • You can also find hi-viz bands for the reins and your stirrups

HAND SIGNALS
To start with, you must always keep to the left when riding on the road. You will need to make some of the following hand signals to tell drivers what you are planning to do.

Turning: To turn left, put your left arm out. To turn right, put your right arm out. Simple. When you are sure it is clear, you can turn.

Thankyou: If a driver stops or slows down for you, always say thankyou. You can do this by raising a hand and smiling. If you are too nervous to raise your hand, nod your head and smile.

Stop: To ask a driver to stop for you, hold you right hand in front of you. Do not be afraid to ask drivers to stop or slow down.

Slow Down: If a driver is going a bit fast, move your outside arm up and down slowly. Remember to thank the driver when they slow down.

Have fun over the holidays, and stay safe.

CONGRATULATIONS SWEETIE! This is your third blog as a guest blogger. You’re now eligible to join the Junior Blogger roster. If you’re interested, please let us know by commenting or using the contact form.

11 Nickers »

  1. Sweetie on July 2nd, 2008

    Thanks Lead Mare! I would love to be a junoir blogger, thanks!!

  2. mustangmane on July 2nd, 2008

    Congrats Sweetie!

  3. dressagerider on July 2nd, 2008

    what should you do if a driver doesn’t slow down? great blog!

  4. Horsecrazzz on July 2nd, 2008

    This is great! Congrats! I am so happy that you are joining the ranks of Jr. BLoggers! YAY!!!

  5. Madelaina on July 3rd, 2008

    Welcome to the Junior Bloggers Sweetie! You’re a fantastic blogger and it would be a pleasure for you to be a part of this virtual team. Congratulations :D As well, you’ve done an absolutely amazing job on road safety. Thank you for providing these rules and help.

  6. Sweetie on July 3rd, 2008

    Thanks everyone!
    dressagerider: They should if you are riding near your stables, because they will be signs warning them. If they don’t, try to get nearer to the side of the road, or go into a cut through.

  7. Lauren on July 3rd, 2008

    I don’t have a horse so I can’t go out on the road… great blog though!

  8. mustangmane on July 3rd, 2008

    Yay! One more JB!

  9. Sweetie on July 4th, 2008

    Lauren: If you ride at a riding stables, ask your instructor if you can ride on the road instead of going down your normal trails.

  10. stablegirl on July 21st, 2008

    This is an awesome blog! I have a friend that has rode horses before, but it has been a while since she has been on one. This blog helped her remember some of the things that she has forgotten! Thanks a bunch! :D

    Happy riding!,
    stablegirl

  11. Sweetie on July 25th, 2008

    Oh, thanks so much! I’m happy to help :). Oh, you’ve brightened up my day, I feel so pleased I helped someone :).