KAROO NEWS - The picturesque surroundings of Graaff-Reinet are often enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, whether from the comfort of a car or the back of a horse. 

However, the scenic routes can become perilous due to speeding vehicles, posing significant risks to horse riders. Local resident Bronwyn Grobbelaar recently encountered a dangerous situation while taking a friend of her teenage son out for a ride on Kendrew Road, about two kilometers from town.

 A truck with a trailer passed them, followed by three to four speeding cars, startling the horses. Grobbelaar highlighted that Kendrew Road is a popular route for training by various riding clubs and individual riders. 

She warned that "there is an accident waiting to happen again". She recalled a tragic incident two years ago in which a rider and her horse were struck by a speeding bakkie, resulting in severe injuries to the girl and the euthanasia of the horse due to its critical condition.

 "The speed and driving behavior of vehicles directly impact the horses' reactions," Grobbelaar emphasized. Fortunately, during the recent scare, Grobbelaar was able to keep her friend's child calm and ensure the horse remained steady, averting a potential disaster. 

Grobbelaar's experience underscores the urgent need for better road safety measures to protect riders and their horses in the Graaff-Reinet area.

When a driver encounters a horse on a road or trail, whether with or without a rider, they should adhere to the following rules to ensure safety for both the horse and its rider, as well as themselves:

General guidelines

• Slow down - Reduce your speed significantly when approaching a horse. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle horses.
•  Give space - Pass the horse wide and slow. Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the horse to avoid causing alarm.
• Be quiet - Avoid honking your horn, revving your engine, or making any loud noises. This can easily spook a horse.
•  Observe the rider's signals - If the horse has a rider, watch for hand signals or other gestures that indicate their intentions or instructions for you to follow.
•  Keep steady movement - Avoid sudden acceleration or braking. Smooth and steady movement helps prevent startling the horse.
•  Turn off high beams - If it is dark, switch to low beams to avoid dazzling the horse and rider.
•  Follow local laws - Be aware of and adhere to any local traffic laws regarding interactions with horses on roads and trails.

Specific situations on roads

• Approaching from behind - Approach slowly and be prepared to stop if necessary. Wait for a safe and clear opportunity to pass.
• Passing - Only pass when it is safe to do so, maintaining a low speed and giving ample space. Signal your intentions early.
•  Meeting head-on - Slow down and be prepared to stop. Move as far to the side as possible to give the horse and rider space to pass.

Specific situations on trails

• Yielding the right of way - Horses often have the right of way on trails. If you are driving on a trail, stop and allow the horse to pass.
•  Communication - If possible, communicate with the rider to understand the best way to pass safely.

Riderless horses

•  Loose Horse - If you encounter a horse without a rider, slow down and proceed with caution. The horse may be scared and unpredictable.
• Report - If the horse appears to be lost or in danger, report the sighting to local authorities or animal control.

Safety and courtesy

•  Patience - Exercise patience and understanding. Horses can be unpredictable, and their safety, as well as that of their riders, depends on your careful driving.
• Emergency Situations - If a horse becomes spooked and poses a danger to traffic, be prepared to stop and wait until the situation is under control.

Following these guidelines will help ensure the safety of all parties involved and promote a respectful coexistence between drivers and equestrians.

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