The police are urging people driving in the Wanaka area to take care around horses, just as they would with cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.

The warning follows a spate of incidents where local horse riders - including children - have been abused or threatened by drivers.

“There have been serious injuries and it is so scary,” local horsewoman Jo Simpson-Shaw said.

Jo said there are a “huge” number of horses in the Upper Clutha, and more than 500 members of the Riders of Central Otago Facebook page.

Recently riders shared their experiences on the Facebook page, including a disturbing number of incidents where motorists have abused them for being on the road.

A 10-year-old rider on Maungawera Valley Road, on a lead rein. PHOTO: Vicky Sandford

“I had an experience on our shared private access road once, where a lady (visitor) came zooming down doing at least 60km/h in a 30km/h zone, while my daughter and I were riding to the side of it. When she came up to me she slammed her brakes and waved her arms, as if we did something wrong. On our private road,” one woman said.

Another said someone was verbally abused for leading a horse on a road verge. 

“Drivers hardly ever slow down and cyclists zoom up behind without calling out. We hardly road ride now - too dangerous,” they said.

Other issues included being passed too fast; their hand signals to slow down being ignored; people speeding up; and even a case on Mt Aspiring Road where a couple in a van leaned out the window and banged on their doors.

Local riders on Domain Road. PHOTO: Anne Steven

“We want people to realise we are allowed to be there, and we want to be there, but we’re scared to be there because some people are being so inconsiderate and dangerous,” Jo said.

“We are trying to create awareness to people that it is legal for you to slow down. Thirty kpm is sensible - like with road works, and maybe 40 to 50kph on a tar sealed road. Cyclists just need to yell out that they are there.”

Jo said riders are grateful to those who are courteous and slow down. 

“We appreciate those people, we really do. We’ve got no way of showing it but saying it publicly,” she said.

Jo said local riders are also trying to find alternatives to roads, including seeking access to various tracks. The Department of Conservation recently agreed to put a sign on the Grandview Track to say horses are allowed, and access is being created for riders along part of the Cardrona River.

Read more:

Improving access for local horse riders

Jo also acknowledged that riders need to do their part and wear high visibility vests and helmets.

A police spokesperson told the Wanaka App that horse riding is popular in this rural area.

“We ask that drivers watch their speed around horses, and treat them and their riders with the same respect they give to others on the roads,” they said.

NZTA 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.
• 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.

Drivers who are not careful around horse traffic can be charged with careless or dangerous driving.