I’m sure many of you will have now seen this video on social media by now, if you haven’t you will find it below. I think this video is great. It explains how to pass a horse and why. It isn’t pushy or rude, just explains things nicely and briefly touches on what can go wrong.
However, if you scroll through the comments under these videos, I am annoyed by many of the comments from drivers. Many of them just show that drivers don’t care, they just want to get where they are going as soon as they can.
Because of this, I think some short TV adverts showing the damage a horse can cause to a car and driver would be more effective in the long run. Because I personally feel that the majority of problems involving horse and driver stem from the driver not caring enough to slow down, rather than not understanding how to pass a horse. I’m sure this video will help with those who want to do the right thing, but are just unsure as to what that is. But I feel that there will still be problems on the roads.
Riders need to do their part too, such as the following:
– Don’t ride along busy roads at peak times if you can avoid it
– Thank anyone who has stopped/ waited or passed you correctly, even if you can only smile and nod
– Try and pull over to let cars past where possible and/or trot on so you can reach a safe place to stop and let the car pass sooner
– Wear Hi Vis
– When riding 2 abreast, if safe to do so, move into single file to allow cars to pass more easily
What are your opinions on the campaign?
Last Updated on 07/08/2018
I posted on my blog about the Pass Wide and Slow Campaign in December.
I agree that riders need to make the effort to be seen, you cannot expect a responsible driver if riders are irresponsible.
The hi viz is all year round, not just in winter. I feel “naked” if I forget her breastplate! I wear a minimum of two things as does she.
Perhaps it should be law that riders need to pass a test before going on the roads similar to drivers? You need a permit for example.
One of the most common things I hear is we should be riding in fields. I would be if it hadn’t been built on by a new out of town superstore, this now cuts off the bridlepath, so it’s inaccessible.
So glad to see this awareness campaign. Totally agree that riders need to do their part too and always wear Hi Vis to help drivers spot them sooner. Showing how badly damaged a car can be in an accident with a horse sends a strong message that the advice is there to protect everyone – driver, horse and rider.