Top Safety Tips for Riding Your Pony on Roads

Riding your pony along roads can be a delightful experience, but safety must always be the priority. Whether navigating quiet country lanes or busier highways, ensuring both you and your pony are clearly visible and alert can prevent accidents and make every ride enjoyable.

1. Safety Comes First: Essential Gear

Before heading out, always equip yourself with a riding hat that meets equestrian safety standards. Avoid cheap alternatives; proper head protection is non-negotiable for your safety. Pair this with suitable riding boots featuring heels to prevent feet from slipping through stirrup irons.

Check your tack thoroughly: girths, stirrup leathers, reins, nose bands, and all bridle components should be maintained well, clean, and secure before every ride to avoid equipment failure on the road.

2. Visibility: High-Visibility Clothing and Equipment

Being seen is critical. Wearing high-visibility clothing enhances your presence to motorists, especially during sunrise, sunset, or foggy weather. Reflective gear for your pony, such as leg bands or tail wraps, further increases visibility. However, avoid riding in dense fog or mist despite gear, as visibility can be dangerously low.

3. Stay Alert: Awareness and Positioning

Always remain vigilant about your surroundings and your pony's behaviour. Road surfaces may be slippery or uneven, increasing the risk of slips — especially with shod ponies. Ride on the verge where safe, watching for hazards like drain covers or debris.

If riding with companions, keep sensible spacing and avoid riding side by side on roads with traffic. Move into single file well before vehicles approach and keep as close to the verge as possible until the vehicle has passed safely.

4. Training and Pony Behaviour in Traffic

Horses and ponies may be spooked by sudden or loud noises, such as air brakes from heavy vehicles. Prepare your pony by gradual exposure to traffic and sounds in a controlled setting before venturing onto busier roads. Understand your pony's reactions and learn safe ways to calm and manage your mount.

5. In Case of Emergency: Stay Calm and Prepared

If you encounter difficulties, keeping calm is key. Ponies are highly sensitive to riders’ emotional states and may mirror fear or anxiety. Speak softly, make smooth, slow movements, and if you must dismount, avoid standing directly in front of your pony to reduce injury risk if it moves suddenly.

Carry a mobile phone securely in case you need help and have emergency contacts, including your vet’s, easily accessible. Riding with a friend is safer and ensures assistance is at hand if needed.

6. Follow the Rules: Know and Respect the Highway Code

Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws concerning horse riders and always adhere to them. Use clear hand signals to indicate turns or stops to motorists. Riding defensively, anticipating driver behaviour, and assuming that motorists may not always notice you will help reduce risk.

Conclusion

By prioritising safety through proper equipment, visibility, attentive riding, and calm handling of your pony, you can greatly enhance your well-being and that of your mount on the road. Avoid riding in poor weather conditions, maintain your pony’s confidence in traffic, and always ride with caution and care.

For those looking to acquire a pony, it’s important to research and find reputable sources to ensure you provide a responsible and loving home. Horses for sale from trusted sellers can be a good starting point for prospective pony owners.