General Knowledge: Riding and Road Safety

Question 1

What are the safety procedures to follow when riding on a highway?

Answer 1

• Wear fluorescent clothing and equipment on yourself and horse.
• Keep on the left hand side.
• Ride single file on narrow roads, only ride two abreast if the road is wide enough.
• Acknowledge and thank other road users, especially those who are helpful.
• Give clear signals in good time to ensure understanding of your intentions.
• Safe positioning of your horse at all times
• Good judgement of what to do and when, maintain safety for you and other road users.
• If leading a horse in hand, place yourself between the horse and the traffic.

Question 2

What is the procedure for turning right from a minor to major road?

Answer 2

• Check behind you and signal
• Halt, look right, left, right. Look behind your right hand shoulder and if the situation has changed, signal again before turning.
• Walk in a straight line across to the other side of the road, and turn right, looking both ways as you cross.
• Look in front and behind to assess new surroundings and hazards.

Question 3

What is the procedure for turning left from a major to minor road?

Answer 3

• Observe and signal
• Observe behind right, look left and turn left if safe.
• Look down new road for any hazards.
• Look in front and behind.

Question 4

What visibility equipment should the rider wear?

Answer 4

• Reflective tabard/coat
• Light coloured gloves
• Reflective hat silk
• Reflective arm band
• Lights on boots

Question 5

What visibility equipment should the horse wear?

Answer 5

• Reflective boots
• Reflective exercise sheet
• Reflective pads on bridle
• Fluorescent reins
• Stirrup lights

Question 6

What is the correct etiquette when riding on bridle ways?

Answer 6

• Never ride on pavements or footpaths
• Never ride on ornamental grass verges or any areas where the grass is maintained in lawn condition.
• Ride along designated paths or along the headline of a field if crops are sown.
• Close gates behind you
• Keep the pace slow if there are other riders nearby or if a fast pace will cut up the ground.
• Ride around stock at the walk, never in a way where you disturb sheep or cattle.

Question 7

What is the correct action around other riders on bridleways?

Answer 7

• When meeting others on a track always make sure they know you are there, if approaching from behind.
• Slow down and request permission to pass.
• Always walk past horses
• Take a wide birth when passing or go single file if riding in pairs.
• Observe the country code.

Question 8

What action should be taken in the event of an accident on the yard?

Answer 8

1) Remain calm. Check for any danger/assess the situation.
2) Prevent further accidents.
3) Assess the casualty
4) Call for help. Dial 999 if required.
5) If conscious talk to casualty and treat as required. If unconscious, carry on with A, B, C until ambulance arrives.
6) After dealing with an accident, fill in report form. Make a full report of what happened in writing and report to a senior member of staff.