WHAT TO WEAR SAFETY RIDING ON ROADS WHERE CAN I RIDE COUNTRYSIDE CODE

Tips For Riders

We have put together some handy tips for riders from where you can ride to what to wear . As well as all the handy tips below, when heading out for a ride there are some things that you shouldn't forget.

You can download the 'Road Sence For Riders' leaflet below:-

Road Sence For Riders.pdf

Always tell someone your intended route and estimated time of return
First aid kit including sun cream
Mobile phone for emergencies or incase you loose your way!
Drinks and snacks including something for your horse
Extra layersand a waterproof jacket
Don't be a dark horse - Be seen to be safe, both yourself and your horse should have reflective or fluorescent gear
Check your tack before you set off

 

What to Wear

Riding Hat: The most important piece of equestrain clothing is the Riding Hat, which should conform to the current safety standards which are PAS015 or BSEN1384. The hat provides protection for your head should you fall or be kicked. It is recommened that the hat is also worn whilst handling any horse.

The hat should fit securely but comfortably and should have a chin strap which should be adjusted correctly and fastened when the riding hat is worn. The size of the hat should be determined by measuring the circumference of the head just above the ears.

Riding Boots: The two types of basic riding boots are the full length riding boot and ankle boots known as jodhpur boots. The long riding boots can be restricting and uncomfortable in hot weather but they do offer protection to the rider's legs and ankles. The Jodhpur boots are generally more comfortable to wear but they offer no protection to the rider's legs and so they are most often worn with half chaps or gaiters that cover the lower leg.

Riding Jackets: A riding jacket is usually worn for formal equestrian events rather than for everyday riding. The jacket should not restrict movement and with the vent at the back of the jacket it should lie smoothly over the back of the saddle.

Jodhpurs and Breeches: Close fitting riding trousers with reinforced areas around the inside of the knee, they should be comfortable and allow the rider to bend their knee without them cutting into the back of the leg. Jodhpurs end at the ankles and are suitable to be worn with jodhpur boots or long riding boots, whereas breeches end half way down the calf and are suitable to be worn with long riding boots only.

Chaps: Chaps can be full or half length. Full length chaps help to keep the legs warm and dry whilst riding which can be very useful in the winter. They can come in a variety of materials and consist of two independant leg covering attached to the waist by a belt and are worn over jodpurs. Half chaps cover the leg from below the knee to the ankle where a strap goes under the boot. They are worn with jodpur boots and offer some protection to the lower leg.

Body or Back Protectors: These protectors are designed to give protection to the back and chest area of the rider should they fall or be kicked. The protectors are foam filled and are worn over the top of clothes. Although the protectors are designed to give protection, injuries cannot be entirely provented but the body protector can reduce the severity of possible injuries. Any body protector should be fastened tightly and correctly and should conform to the current safety standard which is BETA 2000.The protector should be replaced at least every 3-4 years as the foam padding may start to degrade.

Safety

Be seen to be safe. It is never advisable to ride or lead horses/ponies on the road after dusk, in foggy conditions or when the light is poor. However, if it is unavoidable, or you are caught out while on a ride – be prepared follow the example of the Police: be seen to be safe. Make sure you have the following readily available:
· Fluorescent jacket or tabard with reflective strips – or at least, a reflective Sam Browne belt.
· Reflective / fluorescent leg bands and exercise sheet for the horse / pony.
· Fluorescent hat cover, or one with reflective spots or strips.
· Lights showing white to the front and red to the rear (essential after lighting up time)

No matter what the weather is like or the time of year, it is always advisable to use reflective / fluorescent gear.

DO NOT panic if your horse slips and falls. Stay calm and let him find his feet. Check he is uninjured and remount on non-slippery ground.

DO NOT trot on slippery surfaces.

Do take extra care when crossing farmland. Obtain permission from the land owner if crossing private land.

If you join the British Horse Society. As a full member you enjoy FREE Third Party Legal Liability Insurance as well as many other benefits.

Riding on Roads

Do thank motorists that are courteous to you.

Do read and learn from the BHS Riding and road safety manual.

Do take the BHS riding and road safety test read the appropriate sections of the highway code.

Do ride on the left hand side of the road.

DO NOT ride out on roads known to be dangerous from snow or ice.

DO NOT attempt to accustom a green horse to the road without a steady horse present.

DO NOT take a mounted group of more than eight horses on the road. If there are more of you, form into groups, each with a competent leader and shepherd.

DO NOT ride more than two abreast on the road.

DO NOT ride on the road in foggy conditions or after dark.

Give clear and accurate signals and remember other road users.

DO NOT trickle over a major crossing. Always cross in a group.

Acknowledge and return courtesy, a smile and nod are enough if your hands are full.

Where can I ride?

On the Rights of Way network, horse riders may use bridleways (BW’s), byways open to all traffic (known as 'BOATs') and restricted byways (RB’s).roads used as public paths ('RUPPs'). In addition, there are a few unsurfaced, unclassified roads that can be used. It is not legal to ride on footpaths unless you believe you have the right to do so or you have been given permission by the landowner.

Follow advice and signs. Download and print out our Finding Your Way Advice Sheet to take with you. It shows all the up to date signs and symbols. This sheet is out of date and does not include restricted byway.

How do I find out which routes I can ride on in Shropshire?

A copy of the legal Definitive Map may be consulted at Shropshire County Council's Countryside Access office in Shirehall, Shrewsbury - please contact us if you would like to visit.

In practice the various classes of Rights of Way are shown on modern Ordnance Survey maps. The best are the Explorer series (orange covers). These are available at most bookshops or direct from the Ordnance Survey. Those that cover Shropshire are as follows:

OS Sheet Number 201 Knighton and Presteigne, 203 Ludlow, 216 Welshpool and Montgomery, 217 Longmynd and Wenlock Edge, 218 Wyre Forest and Kidderminster, 240 Oswestry, 241 Shrewsbury, OS Sheet Number 242 Telford, Ironbridge and The Wrekin, 243 Market Drayton, 257 Crewe and Nantwich.

Rights of Way are also shown on the Landranger (pink cover) series, but there is less detail (for instance field boundaries are not shown), and therefore they are less suitable for finding your way across the countryside. Beware of old maps - they do not show definitive Rights of Way reliably.

You can also download and print out our Guide for horse riders and cyclists on bridleways and byways in Shropshire to take with you. It shows all the up to date signs and symbols.

Countryside Code

Be safe – plan ahead and follow any sign

Even when going out locally, it's best to get the latest information about where and when you can go; for example, your rights to go onto some areas of open land may be restricted while work is carried out, for safety reasons or during breeding seasons. Follow advice and local signs, and be prepared for the unexpected.

You’re responsible for your own safety. You may not see anyone for hours and there are many places without clear mobile-phone signals so as an added precaution, let someone know where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back.

Follow advice and signs. Download and print out our Finding Your Way Advice Sheet to take with you. It shows all the up to date signs and symbols.

Check weather conditions before you leave, and don't be afraid to turn back.

Leave gates and property as you find them

Please respect the working life of the countryside, as our actions can affect people's livelihoods, our heritage, and the safety and welfare of animals and ourselves.

A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs; if walking in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates.

In fields where crops are growing, follow the paths wherever possible.

Use gates and stiles wherever possible - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping.

Our heritage belongs to all of us - be careful not to disturb ruins and historic sites.

Leave machinery and livestock alone - don't interfere with animals even if you think they're in distress. Try to alert the farmer instead.

Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home

We have a responsibility to protect our countryside now and for future generations, so make sure you don't harm animals, birds, plants or trees.

Litter and leftover food doesn't just spoil the beauty of the countryside, it can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals and can spread disease - so take your litter home with you. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences.

Discover the beauty of the natural environment and take special care not to damage, destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants and trees. They provide homes and food for wildlife, and add to everybody's enjoyment of the countryside.

Wild animals and farm animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they're with their young - so give them plenty of space.

Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property - so be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette at any time of the year. Sometimes, controlled fires are used to manage vegetation, particularly on heaths and moors between October and early April, so please check that a fire is not supervised before calling 999.

Keep dogs under close control

The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people.

By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. You must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and at all times near farm animals.

You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.

If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead – don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.

Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife – eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.

Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections – so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also make sure your dog is wormed regularly.

You can also find out more by phoning the Open Access Helpline on 0845 100 3298.

Consider other people

Showing consideration and respect for other people makes the countryside a pleasant environment for everyone - at home, at work and at leisure.

Whether you’re walking on your own or with a large group, you’ll have an impact on the local environment. Follow these brief rules to make it more pleasant for visitors and locals alike.

Busy traffic on small country roads can be unpleasant and dangerous to local people, visitors and wildlife - so slow down and, where possible, leave your vehicle at home, consider sharing lifts and use alternatives such as public transport or cycling. For public transport information, phone Traveline on 0870 608 2608.

Respect the needs of local people - for example, don't block gateways, driveways or other entry points with your vehicle.

By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways.

Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions from the farmer.

Support the rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops.