Horse and Rider Road Safety Under Discussion: An Urgent Call for Awareness

The topic of horse and rider road safety is set to take centre stage during an upcoming meeting of the (Irish) Local Authority Road Safety Officers and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on February 18th. This critical agenda item is being championed by a road safety officer who is committed to raising awareness about the safety of equestrians and their horses on public roads.

This meeting is a significant opportunity to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by horse riders across the country. Roads that are dangerous for equestrians not only endanger the lives of riders and their horses but also create safety risks for all road users. The inclusion of this issue on the agenda demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts.

In addition to this meeting, the road safety officer is also engaging with other county officers to discuss how various regions are tackling the issue of horse and rider safety. This dialogue is essential for developing consistent and effective strategies nationwide.

How You Can Help

Horse riders and advocates have a vital role to play in ensuring the success of this initiative. By voicing your concerns and sharing your experiences, you can amplify the message and help make horse and rider safety a top priority.

To contribute, email your local road safety officer to express your concerns about dangerous road conditions for equestrians in your area. Mention that you are aware of the upcoming meeting on February 18th and emphasize the need for urgent action. Your email can help ensure that this issue receives the attention it deserves from policymakers and authorities. Attached is a list of contact emails for your local Road Safety Officer.

Here at Equitas, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote the safety of equestrians on public roads. We believe that education and collaboration are key to fostering a culture of respect and awareness among all road users. However, we are aware that while many equestrians may not have direct experience of being on the roads with their horse, that doesn't mean we all can't come together as one voice for all equestrians.

It's important to hear from our community members to gain further insight into the harsh reality of the situation here in Ireland.

A Close Call...

Woah! Woah! SMACK. My head and shoulder hit the cold hard tarmac on the road. I was on the ground before I knew what was happening. That was 3 years ago. Still to this day I am hesitant about riding on the road, but my love for hacking out has not left me.

It was a Saturday in spring, one of those days that brought rain of course but we caught a dry break and decided to go for a hack.
I live on a country road with a few houses and fields of cattle and corn in between. At the typical peak times it gets busy, as people come and go to work during the week, or on weekends if it's mass time or farm jobs.

Albert was 6 at the time and had been out on the road a good bit, proving to show confidence with every outing we went on. I always went with a friend as we rode two abreast. I would be sheltered on the inside near the ditch if anything big or scary were to come up.
On this Saturday in particular there were puddles on the road and few people passing doing the odd job.
We were only 1/4 mile down the road on a straight stretch when I heard a jeep and trailer coming. My friend was telling me a story about where she was heading to later that day and didn't hear me when I interrupted and said let's stand in this gateway and that there was a jeep and trailer coming quite fast. I pulled in but she had continued to walk. She then stopped but it was a few yards away from me and it was too late for her to turn round and shield me.
The jeep and trailer passed with speed, splashing a nearby pothole and spooking Albert. He subsequently jumped towards the ditch, sliding and slipping and started to bronc as I lost my stirrup and reins.

Before I knew it, I had hit the tarmac within a matter of seconds and Albert was on the other side of the road.

Luckily he didn't run, I jumped up and caught him. The jeep and trailer kept going, not even looking in the rearview mirror to see the carnage.
I walked Albert home in hand - shook. When we got back to the yard , I got back up on him and walked him round the yard to make sure he was OK with me getting back on board and not spooky of the fall and thankfully, he was a pure pet.

After this it took us a good while to get back out. I had to take a few steps back and go on the road in hand with him and chose a calmer to help him relax on the road around cars.
My friends with her older horse continued to chaperone and shield us to get our confidence back and now, he is hacking out on his own. If a car does go too fast or too close, he may still get a fright, but with my calm voice and a soft hand there is no big spook or bronc. Thank God.

I just wish people knew the danger they put not only us in, but themselves when a 700kg animal could land on their windscreen crushing them and their loved ones.
We are someone's daughter, mother, sister, auntie, granny, wife, cousin or and friend 🧡
Please slow down and take care. 
Lorraine

"Education is key to keeping horses and riders safe on Ireland’s roads. Both drivers and equestrians have a responsibility to understand and respect each other. With the right knowledge and patience, we can prevent accidents and protect lives. Awareness isn’t just important—it’s essential."
- Muireann O'Toole Brennan, Equitas.

Let’s work together to ensure the voices of equestrians are heard and that action is taken to protect our community.

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