Spotlight on Horse Road Safety: Sharing the Road, Staying Safe
We’re pleased to have joined forces with Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs team and British Horse Society (BHS) to tackle the growing problem of horse-related incidents on rural roads.
Using our specialist facilities and staff at Upcott Park Rehoming Yard near Holsworthy we have created a new series of short, practical horse road safety films. We were delighted to bring our expertise and equines to this collaboration and to help share clear, positive safety messages with riders, handlers and drivers.
Filmed in North Devon, the videos explain how to share the road safely and what the Highway Code really means for equine road users. They cover:
- Good road etiquette for riders and handlers
- Clear hand signals and communication
- Safe passing distances and speeds for drivers
- Visibility in different weather and light conditions
- How to record and report dangerous driving and near-misses
The films feature PC Lucy Wyatt from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs team and Lisa Supple from British Horse Society, with our horses and handlers demonstrating best practice. High-visibility clothing and equipment were kindly supplied by Redpost Equestrian, based near Totnes.
Jenna Goldby, Head of Welfare and Rehoming at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, believes all riders and handlers should regularly review and refresh their knowledge of road safety.
“Every ride or walk on the road carries risk, and we all need to treat road safety as seriously as we do our horse’s health and keep up to date with changes and new advice. Keeping yourself and your horse safe are top priorities, and a small amount of knowledge and planning can make a massive difference. Be seen, be courteous and stay safe. As a charity we work closely with other organisations and, in partnership, we’re proud to be part of sharing these vital messages and championing equine welfare and safety on the roads for all users.”
We are proud to be part of this South West partnership, working together so that everyone, on hooves, feet and on wheels, can use rural roads safely and confidently.
Where to watch
The full series of horse road safety shorts, filmed and produced by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, are available here and on our social media channels.
Horse Road Safety Films:
Safety First: Stay Seen, Stay Safe
Essential Etiquette: Follow the Road Code
The films are free to watch and easy to share with local community groups, riding clubs, livery yards, schools and rural businesses across the South West and beyond.
More information:
To refresh your Highways Code knowledge on equine road use, please follow this link.
Further information and details of current Devon and Cornwall Police operations and campaigns can be found here.
Find out more about BHS road safety campaigns here.