Sharing the Road with Horse Riders: Anne Steven

On today’s show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anne, who shared some valuable insights into the often-overlooked rights and responsibilities of horse riders on public roads. Whether it's a busy highway, a quiet rural street, or even a shared pathway, horse riders have as much right to these spaces as any other user. Here are some key points from our conversation to keep in mind as we all aim to share the road safely and respectfully.

Horse Riders’ Rights on Public Roads
Many drivers may not be aware that horse riders are legally entitled to use public roads, just like cyclists and pedestrians. Anne emphasized that roads—whether highways, rural roads, or residential streets—are open to horse riders. That means drivers must be mindful of how they behave when encountering a rider. Respecting this right is crucial for everyone’s safety, especially since horses can be easily startled by sudden noises or fast-moving vehicles.

Passing with Care and Respect
One of the most important aspects of road safety when interacting with horse riders is how vehicles pass them. Anne urged drivers to slow down to around 20 km/h when passing, especially if you’re towing something, carrying a rattling load, or driving a noisy vehicle. She explained that horses are prey animals by nature, meaning they can easily panic at unexpected or loud sounds. By giving horse riders plenty of space—just as you would for a cyclist—you ensure the safety of both the rider and the horse.

Easements Across Farmland: Shared Space for Horse Riders
Many people assume that farmland and easements are exclusive to farm vehicles and workers, but as Anne highlighted, this isn’t always the case. Horse riders may have the right to use certain easements, even if there isn’t a specific horse rider logo on the sign. Drivers and farm machinery operators should be alert for hoofprints or other signs that horses may be in the area, and again, slow down and give wide berth when approaching them.

Staying Alert: Recognizing the Presence of Horses
One of the practical tips Anne offered was for drivers to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when driving in rural or farmland areas. Signs of horses, such as fresh hoofprints or even droppings on the road, can indicate that a horse rider is nearby. Being alert to these cues can help drivers prepare to slow down and pass safely.

Creating a Culture of Respect and Safety
The interview with Anne reminded us of the importance of creating a culture of safety and respect on our roads, not just for cars and cyclists but for horse riders too. While it may be easy to overlook the needs of riders, their presence is a reminder that our roads are shared spaces. By being patient, slowing down, and giving horse riders the space they need, we can help ensure that everyone—whether on four wheels, two wheels, or horseback—gets to their destination safely.

Final Thoughts
It was great having Anne in the studio to raise awareness about the rights of horse riders and to remind us all to be more considerate on the road. If you're out driving in rural areas or on shared pathways, keep an eye out for our fellow horse riders, and remember to pass with care and respect.