PWAS Northern Ireland Equestrian Road Safety Awareness

GREAT NEWS! Our Horse & Road Safety issues have reached Westminster.
BUT! Now Northern Ireland needs to do the same! 🐎🐎
British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), BHS Ireland, NI Road Policing and Safety, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Causeway Coast & Glens PCSP, Share the Road to Zero, Road Safe NI Charity, Horses & Road Safety Awareness, Pass wide and slow
Endurance Riding Ireland - ILDRA, , The International Horse Agility Club
🐎JOIN US! - ANNUAL HORSE & ROAD SAFETY RIDEOUT, 14th Sept 2026,
in PORTRUSH, N.IRELAND-
Contact: Wendy Saunderson.
PWAS Northern Ireland Equestrian Road Safety Awareness 🐎🐎

Big News from Westminster! 🐴🏛️

Our voices are being heard where it matters most. During this week’s Parliamentary debate on Horse and Rider Road Safety, the BETA National Equestrian Survey was cited to show the sheer scale and importance of our community to the UK.

Data might sound like "just numbers," but it’s the fuel for real change. When we show Parliament that there are 1.8 million riders and a £5 billion industry behind us, they listen.

Working together for a safer future: BETA is proud to stand alongside the British Horse Society (BHS) and other key bodies to act as a joined voice for the British equestrian community. By combining our research with the BHS’s safety expertise, we are pushing for:

✅ Better driver education ✅ Stronger Highway Code protections ✅ Recognition of riders as vulnerable road users

Our research is just one of the tools we use to make sure you and your horses are seen, heard, and protected.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in our surveys over the years—you are helping us build the evidence that drives change!



https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/34151af9-193f-434b-8235-1ad12cf5e989?in=17:19:35

THANK YOU for this awareness post NI Road Policing and Safety & BHS Ireland
Please, let’s *all* share our roads safely & responsibly.🚶‍♀️🐕🐎🚵🏼‍♀️🏍️ 🚗🚕 🚛🚒
Thank you! from PWAS Northern Ireland Equestrian Road Safety Awareness 🐎🐎
(contact Wendy Saunderson for info🏇)

Horses are large, powerful animals and, if they have cause for alarm, their instinct is to move away quickly.

Speeding cars, engines being revved, loud music or horns being blasted, any of these can easily startle horses.

As road users, understanding what to do when you meet a horse on the road is crucial.

If you encounter a horse when you're behind the wheel, slow down to no more than 10mph, keep your distance and prepare to stop.

Avoid any actions that may startle the horse.
Watch out for signals from the rider and, when it's safe to do so, pass the rider with at least 2m room, at least a car’s width.

Riders should ensure they are clearly seen and wear hi-visibility clothing. Lights can also be useful to highlight your presence. Use the appropriate hand signals to make other road users aware of your intentions to manoeuvre.

To all road users, slow down and play your part in keeping everyone who uses the roads safe.

If a collision occurs it can have devastating consequences.

Thank you Cara Hunter MLA - we had a fabulous (now worldwide) annual awareness rideout with fantastic horseriders - despite the rain!

Yesterday Horse and road safety ride by PWAS Northern Ireland Equestrian Road Safety Awareness took place in Portrush! . They rode approx 8 miles raises awareness of about "Passing Wide and Slow" when you meet a horse and rider on the roads. We have a thriving equestrian community here in the North, many use our rural country roads and lane ways for short local "hacks" its important to know how to keep everyone safe , driver, rider and horse.

🐴🚗 Tips for Passing a Horse & Rider Safely

✅ Slow right down to 10–15mph

✅ Pass wide and slow – give at least a car’s width of space at least 2 metres↔️

✅ Be patient – wait until it’s safe to overtake

✅ Never rev your engine, honk your horn, or rush past

✅ Watch for hand signals from the rider ✋

✅ Drive away gently once you’ve passed

⚠️ Remember: horses are unpredictable animals – one sudden noise or movement can spook them. A little patience can prevent a serious accident.

Let’s share the road safely and protect both riders and animals. 🐎💛