Local horse riders are getting involved in a national initiative to raise awareness of horse riders’ vulnerability on the road and remind motorists how to appropriately pass them.

The ‘Pass Wide and Slow’ initiative also aims to draw attention to a lack of effective legislation in New Zealand which puts horse riders on the road at risk and to build support for a petition which asks for them to be more appropriately represented in the Land Transport Rule.

Upper Clutha residents Anne Steven, Emily Blakey, and Kris Logan will be among 47 groups of horse riders from around the country who will ride on public roads this weekend to raise awareness.

‘Pass Wide and Slow’ is an initiative of the New Zealand Equestrian Advocacy Network (NZEAN) and it is supported by another 30-or-so equestrian groups.

NZEAN said the frequency and seriousness of reported road riding incidents involving horse riders has prompted the network to step into the arena of road safety messaging.

A recently released road incidents survey released by the network highlighted the dangers horse riders face when they are on public roads, NZEAN spokesperson Julia McLean said.

Common themes shared from survey participants included issues around “speed, space, horns, hand signals and respect,” Julia said.

Wānaka riders have experienced some of the same issues, with reports of drivers failing to slow down and pass appropriately, and even abuse or threats by drivers.

This is despite horses being legally entitled to be on the roads.

Julia said because horse riders are considered ‘other’ road users in the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, rather than being labelled ‘vulnerable’ like pedestrians and cyclists, they do not feature in public road safety messaging and education.

“The lack of clarity, detail and meaningful safety initiatives that comes with that label puts horse riders in an extremely vulnerable position,” she said.

NZEAN, on behalf of equestrians, is leading a petition to the House of Representatives for horse riders to be formally recognised as a vulnerable road user and included in off road pathways, Julia said.

Learn more about the petition and sign it here.

Locals can also look out for Anne, Emily and Kris, who will ride from Albert Town to Eely Point and return this Sunday (September 15) in support of ‘Pass Wide and Slow’.

Anne said there is space for one or two more riders (who must have hi-viz, a helmet, and a horse which is competent with traffic and roads) and she can be contacted on 0212939207.

Advice for drivers sharing the road with horses and riders includes:

Slow down and pass carefully, giving the horse and rider plenty of room.

• Don’t sound your horn, rev your engine or pass at speed, as this could frighten the horse.
• Follow communication signals from the horse rider 
• If the horse and rider are on a bridge or narrow road, be very careful – slow down or stop.
• If the horse appears frightened, stop.
• At night, dip your headlights when approaching a horse.
• Vehicles coming from opposite directions should avoid passing near a horse at the same time.

Read more: Police warn motorists to slow down around horses

PHOTO: Vicky Sanford