What would you of done?

[Irishcobs]

Took my two for a hack and part of it we have to go along a road with 2 S bends, we went down in single file but had some learner driver over take on a blind bend and a van was coming the other way, luckily the van managed to slam the brakes on and somehow get up the bank to avoid hitting the learner. So on the way back we went 2 abreast, just for the S bends to stop cars overtaking us, a car came right up behind us and shouted out the window, 'You should be single file' I said ' not on this main road, read your highway code'.
We then pulled over to let the cars go from behind us and she slowed down and shouted 'I've been riding 14 years and you should never be 2 abreast, what you are doing is pathetic!'
I just replied 'read your highway code'.
Now the new highway code says:
never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

But it also says:
Always ride with other, less nervous horses if you think that your horse will be nervous of traffic.

So with the fact we had idiot car drives overtake on blind bends I think we were right to ride 2 abreast, what are everyone's thoughts?

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

Not up to date on Highway Code as I gave up being a driving instructor 14 months ago, but having just checked it on line regarding the two abreast issue (this has been discussed endlessly with the BHS as well) the Highway Code does not quote a law regarding riding two abreast. Therefore, I think I'm right in saying that although they say you shouldn't ride two abreast, there is no law stating catagorically that you must not. For example see points 48 and 49 below, both of which have the word MUST in big black letters.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069853

IMO common sense should prevail as conditions dictate. You need to make sure drivers see you early enough (assume you were wearing full hi viz gear?). If this means riding two abreast to keep yourselves safe, then so be it. I live in a very quiet rural area but if I hear a car approaching and I'm on a bend, I will move into the road so the driver sees me earlier (and then of course move back swiftly to the left).

I have seen people carrying a dressage whip with a long piece of hi viz tape tied to the end, which they carry out to one side - the driver may see it before the horse on a left hand bend.

Just keep yourself safe whatever you decide to do.