Dangerous Riding on Roads

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Keep Trying

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Hi All,

It has been reported to me today that there are two young riders (girls I think) aged about 11 and 13 who are riding dangerously on the public roads.

Apparently, their 'responsible adults' have purchased two equines from the local meat dispersal sale, one of which is a thoroughbred, for these kids to ride. The only problem is that, allegedly, neither of them can ride...

They have been seen on the horses after school without hats or high viz and ride up a country road to a small track. They then gallop the animals up and down this track throughout the evening. It has got to a stage now where the thoroughbred is saying 'No' and is getting a beating for its trouble. Apparently on a couple of occasions now the thoroughbred has bolted back down the track and back along the road towards 'home'.

On some of these occasions,when the kids are going home it is getting dark and they are riding in the middle of the road blocking all traffic and when anyone has asked them to move to the side they have been 'effing and blinding' back at the drivers.

The problem is what to do about it? I haven't seen them myself but I have advised the person who has informed me to speak to BHS legal line first to see which laws are involved and then make a report to the local Police - although I don't really think the Police are going to be that interested until there is an accident. Likewise, I am not sure about how much influence speaking to the RSPCA is going to be - apparently, and to add to their misery, these animals are in very poor condition.

Does anyone have any advice as to how to take this forward correctly? These kids have been spoken to politely by drivers but are really rude with their responses so it might be fair to guess that the parents/carers/guardians are not going to be much better either.

Thanks.
 
Without seeing it yourself, there isnt much you can do. I would (if you can) go to where they ride when they are likely to ride and try to see them yourself. Then ring WHW and report what you yourself have seen, and also add what you have heard.
 
Keep Trying said:
Hi All,

It has been reported to me today that there are two young riders (girls I think) aged about 11 and 13 who are riding dangerously on the public roads.

Apparently, their 'responsible adults' have purchased two equines from the local meat dispersal sale, one of which is a thoroughbred, for these kids to ride. The only problem is that, allegedly, neither of them can ride...

They have been seen on the horses after school without hats or high viz and ride up a country road to a small track. They then gallop the animals up and down this track throughout the evening. It has got to a stage now where the thoroughbred is saying 'No' and is getting a beating for its trouble. Apparently on a couple of occasions now the thoroughbred has bolted back down the track and back along the road towards 'home'.

On some of these occasions,when the kids are going home it is getting dark and they are riding in the middle of the road blocking all traffic and when anyone has asked them to move to the side they have been 'effing and blinding' back at the drivers.

The problem is what to do about it? I haven't seen them myself but I have advised the person who has informed me to speak to BHS legal line first to see which laws are involved and then make a report to the local Police - although I don't really think the Police are going to be that interested until there is an accident. Likewise, I am not sure about how much influence speaking to the RSPCA is going to be - apparently, and to add to their misery, these animals are in very poor condition.

Does anyone have any advice as to how to take this forward correctly? These kids have been spoken to politely by drivers but are really rude with their responses so it might be fair to guess that the parents/carers/guardians are not going to be much better either.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

If they are danger on public roads I would inform the local police.

For what its worth, they are going to come a cropper if they continue this irresponsible behaviour. The child riders are just as doomed as their poor horses.
 
As far as I'm aware it's illegal for anyone under the age or 18 to ride without the correct protective headgear.
As for talking to them - if they're 'f'ing and blinding at the passing traffic I wouldn't put yourself on the receiving end of it. You don't desrve to be treated so disrespectfully.
What I would do, is take a video camera to where they normally ride and try to get proof of what theyr'e doing then take that to the police and the RSPCA.
Do you know if they're at a yard or riding from home? If they ride from a yard the owner should be able to help (at least with their safety gear!)
Failing that, try posting warnings for road users, anything is worth trying....!
 
jinglejoys said:
Isn't it illegal to ride without a hat on Public land at that age?
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Yep, it is for under 14's.
However, without seeing it first hand,who can say ? I'd be inclined to think it may not be quite accurate. Are the girls doing any more than a lot of riders hunting,doing endurance, competing or going to pony camp ?
Just wondering if the source isn't a snob ?
 
Bettyboo222 said:
They are breaking the law arn't they ? Don't all riders on public roads under 14 have to wear a hat ?
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Yes:[Laws H(PHYR) Act 1990, sect 1 & H(PHYR) Regulations 1992, reg 3]

Safety equipment. Children under the age of 14 MUST wear a helmet which complies with the Regulations. It MUST be fastened securely. Other riders should also follow these requirements. These requirements do not apply to a child who is a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban.

Also:

You MUST NOT take a horse onto a footpath or pavement, and you should not take a horse onto a cycle track. Use a bridleway where possible. Equestrian crossings may be provided for horse riders to cross the road and you should use these where available (see Rule 27). You should dismount at level crossings where a ‘horse rider dismount’ sign is displayed.

The other parts of the Highway code are 'advice' and not a regulation, as in 'should' not 'must'...........
 
One lady I know has spoken with them and tried to help guide them in the right direction as regards to wearing hats and riding safely on the road but got a tirade of abuse as a result.

I'll try and find out the best time to see them and see for myself. Am not sure about the age limit for hat wearing but am sure BHS will know the legal position for this situation.
 
Just as an update to this, I have sought legal advice and been told that basically nothing can be done until they cause an accident.....:confused:

We are notifying the local Police and will just have to see what happens....:rolleyes:

Apparently, if they cause an accident and someone else sustains damage or injury then these riders can be sued for compensation......yeah, right.....whatever.....:mad:
 
Oh oh oh! Le'me at them! :D I'll bring fat gyp over and his fat arse will sit in their way, nothing gets past his wide load :D
As for the poor horses, I'm not surprised the TB gallops off home, I bl00dy well would! And dump them in the hedge on the way!
The parents probibaly don't even know what they do when they ride. The kids are most probably stuck up snobs, I like to state as 'chavs' :rolleyes:
Don't you just hate them!
I'd get a video of what they're doing and send it to BHS maybe?
 
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