Why pass left to left on tracks but right to right on roads?

[Flame_]

I was just pondering about something that always confuses me. When riding down a road or little lane, you keep to the left hand side and any oncoming traffic or horses should be on the opposite side so you pass right hand to right hand. However as soon as you get off road onto a hardcore track, its supposed to swap over so you keep over to the right and pass left hand to left hand, is that right? How come? I normally stay on the left like when on roads but I know it narks some people off.

What is traditionally right? What does everyone else do? I know I should really know this.

 

[Honey08]

Are you sure? I've never heard that! I thought the only place that you passed "left to left" was in the school - would that be the kind of track that whoever told you meant?

 

[Flame_]

No, I'm not sure. It might be something I made up years ago but remember it as a fact. I don't know.

 

[Maesfen]

Right to right was originally due to fighting with swords I think but different parts of the country have different local rules sometimes. I remember working in Beaufort country and you always rode on the right of the road facing traffic even when riding and leading, don't know if they still do.

 

[Tnavas]

Road rules are that you ride in the same direction as the traffic, when leading you lead towards the oncoming traffic. When in the arena you pass left hand tp left hand.