Tips for Hacking on roads

[djlynwood]

Can anyone offer and tips or pointers for hacking on roads. Im an older person who started riding 3 years ago. I have done very little hacking on roads as Ive mostly been on bridal paths. The new horse I have on part loan is in a area where all the hacking is on roads, some lanes but mostly roads. We have to cross a busy main road to get out of the yard.

Im remembering to ride right leg to left hand to stop him jumping into the middle of the road if he spooks (easier said then done). Also, when signaling to turn I end up all over the show so that is going to take some practise in the school.

So, if anyone has some tips it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Get some Hi-Viz

 

[Pedantic]

Hi Viz and always take the safe option even if it's not particularly the legit one, eg. ride on cycle track instead of road and just move to one side if a bike comes along, if I'm holding traffic up I will pop onto the path to let them pass if no pedestrians about, or trot on to the next passing place, if you get my drift, I always have a ready answer for any complainers, my favourite being, "if you get those pratts to drive by the highway code them so will I" refering to the speeding cars whizzing past.

 

[Shannagolden]

I dont konw if they do a version of the British Riding Road Saftey Test for grown ups but it may be usefull to find out.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

[ QUOTE ]
I dont konw if they do a version of the British Riding Road Saftey Test for grown ups but it may be usefull to find out.

[/ QUOTE ]

R&R Safty Test can be taken by anyone of any age!!!!!

 

[Gorgeous George]

definately get some hi-viz and always wear it! I always carry a long schooling whip with a ribbon on the end and hold it out when cars come up and they give you a nice wide berth.

 

[lauraanddolly]

I also recommend the BHS Riding and Road Safety test, although i think you do have to be a BHS member to take it.
Hi vis gear and practicing the signals in the school will stand you in good stead for the test. A local BHS centre should hold them and possibily training for it too.

 

[Tinker_Belle]

Hi-Viz, Hi-Viz, Hi-Viz! & please wear it, it makes one hell of a difference.

Take the R&R test as well, it helps loads. There are some good books around as regards to road riding. Try Googling road riding advice & see what comes up.

 

[hadfos]

I find that always keeping an eye out for things you think your horse may spook at helps no end as i start to ride shoulder in right and get him concentrating away from object,purely so that the only way he can jump is away from traffic!!It helps to school when you are out to keep their mind preoccupied,sloppy rein will encourage them to mind drift elsewhere,lol!!Hi viz,fab advice!

The ride and road safety test is a good idea,pretty easy test to take as mostly common sense!!

Just get out there and enjoy!!

 

[PeterNatt]

I agree do the BHS road safety course and test.

You need a horse that is completely traffic proof on the roads and I would most certainly only go out with another horse and rider that are completely traffic/proof/sensible.

 

[YorksG]

Agree with HI-Viz and R&R and also say always stay alert, if you loose conctration you are an accident waiting to happen.

 

[flowerlady]

[ QUOTE ]
Also, when signaling to turn I end up all over the show so that is going to take some practise in the school.


I don't mean to be rude or even suggest that your not ready to go out onto the road yet but:

What do you mean you end up all over the show?

Do you mean you don't have a secure seat when signalling?

I so I think I would practice this in the school and on the bridleways your used to before venturing out onto roads. Maybe you need more lessons to secure your seat and hands more.

 

[pottamus]

Can I just say that I don't think the BHS would recommend holding out a whip in the road to slow traffic down!!! Please do not do such things as it really does not help the reputation of riders with car drivers at all!
If you have access to the internet, you can look on the highway code and it gives you all the correct movements and motions to signal to drivers to slow, stop and where you are going etc...very helpful.
I have always adopted the approach of trying to get drivers on my side and so far it has worked because I do not have problems with speeding motorists etc. So I ensure that I always listen out for traffic and either pull off the road before they get to me or at least keep in to the verge and make sure I am always in walk, so it is easier for them to pass me. I always thank them clearly too.
I think the key to riding on the roads is to be aware all the time of things that might spook your horse ahead and also listening out for traffic so you can respond quickly. The high viz has been mentioned already and it does work. I also memorise where all the gateways or inlets are so I know where to go if something bigger comes and need to get out of the way.
Good luck, it can be a pleasant experience riding on the roads if you just use common sense and have respect for other road users and look after yourself and horsey.

 

[PeterNatt]

I agree completely with the above. Very good and sensible advice.

When evaluating a horse on the road or starting to train it on the road you need to be using the roads when there are no motorists about such as first thing in the Summer mornings say at 4.00 - 5.00 a.m. You need to ride out on a daily basis so that your horse gets used to all the sights, noises and smells and it is best to use circular routes say first clockwise then anti-clockwise.

Your progress will depend on the temprement of the horse and rider. There is no doubt in my mind that there are some horses that never become laid back on the roads and will therefore never be safe on the roads. These horses should not be taken on the roads as they are a danger to everyone.

 

[Orangehorse]

You DO NOT have to be a BHS member to take the Riding and Road Safety test - it is for anyone. Our committee runs regular courses and tests and it would be a very good idea to go to one.
Look up on the BHS website to see who your local committee members are. You will very probably end up taking it with the local pony club!

Always have high-viz on the horse and you. I have a dressage whip with a high-viz (old pink breastplate) bit on the end, which I hold out sideways if I think a car is coming up too fast or too close, because it is a driver's height. I also have a high-viz tail attachment, which I put down quite low so it is a driver's height too.

I had a very spooky horse, so I got in the habit of halting and letting the car come past, which is OK in a narrow lane, but not so good if there is lots of traffic.

Have 3rd party insurance too!

 

[DiablosGold]

When signalling to turn, don't use your whip as it may spook your horse and look aggressive to drivers. Practise using your legs and seat to turn, and before you turn have your rein shortened a bit. (I.E if turning right have right rein slightly shorter.) Take the turn really slowly.

Be nice to drivers, I have recently started driving and I really notice small things, like saying 'thank you' with your hand, riding single file, letting drivers go even if it's technically your right of way and trotting if the car can't get passed.

Like others have said have plenty of hi-viz - a tabard and lights on you, and leg bandages for the horse (at least).

When you cross on that busy road, please don't take risks (not saying you would but that's a plea from a new driver!!).

You should be fine, it's common sense really isn't it

.

 

[Twiglet]

Well Hi Viz obviously

With regards to signalling and turning - work on it lots in the school beforehand. Moving across to the middle of the road to turn right can be some simple leg yield and turns can be leg and seat aids, so you have a hand free for signalling.

Do try and hack out with another horse, especially whilst you are not confident on the roads. It will be reassurance for you and your horse.

Always thanks considerate drivers - a nod, smile, raised hand etc goes a long way and definitely puts all of us in a more positive light in drivers' eyes.

I am not afraid to ask drivers going too fast to slow down (the demented sparrow arm movement as I like to call it) - however, once they have slowed down, I thank them for acknowledging it.

If I know there is a particularly spooky section of road, I get Twiglet into a good uphill, forwards working trot, with his attention fully focussed ahead and going somewhere.....with slight bend away from whatever's spooky! It does work for him because he's not dawdling along with time to worry about whatever it might be.