Be safe in the countryside
Safety is an important consideration for
everyone when out riding.
We have listed some basic safety tips, but we do advise you
to visit the British Horse Society website for more
detailed safety information.
We also recommend that you take the British Horse Society
Riding and Road Safety Test.
- Leave details of your intended route, and estimated time of
return, with a responsible person.
- If riding alone, take a mobile phone with you.
- Wear correctly fitted protective headgear to currently approved
standards (current standards BS EN1384, PAS015 or ASTM F1163), a
shoe with a small heel and instep, and consider wearing a BETA
standard body protector.
- Ride on the left hand side of the road, even when preparing to
turn right. Do not ride more than two abreast, use clear and
accurate hand signals and be courteous to other road users.
- Avoid busy main roads whenever possible.
- Have knowledge of the Highway Code, especially rules 35 to 41,
and always follow the code.
- Wear high visibility fluorescent clothing on roads. Avoid
riding in fog, failing light or darkness.
- Check your tack for weak stitching, wear and cracking.