Rules about Animals

Reference: 🔗 Gov.uk - Rules About Animals

Rule 47: Compliance with Code of Practice for Horse-Drawn Vehicles

  1. Horse-drawn vehicles must comply with the Department for Transport’s Code of Practice.
  2. Includes a road driving assessment for operators.
  3. Requires safety checks to ensure the carriage and fittings are in good condition.

Rule 48: Safety Equipment for Horse-Drawn Vehicles

  1. All horse-drawn vehicles must have two red rear reflectors.
  2. It is safer not to drive at night, but if necessary, a white front light and red rear light MUST be fitted.

Rule 49: Helmet Requirements for Horse Riders

  1. Children under 14 MUST wear a securely fastened helmet that meets regulations.
  2. Sikh children wearing turbans are exempt.

Rule 50: Recommended Clothing for Horse Riders

  1. Hard-soled boots or shoes with heels.
  2. Light-colored/fluorescent clothing in daylight.
  3. Reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility.

Rule 51: Riding at Night – Visibility and Safety

  1. Avoid riding at night; if necessary, wear reflective clothing, and ensure your horse has reflective bands above fetlocks.
  2. Fit a white front light and red rear light on your right arm/leg/riding boot.
  3. When leading a horse at night, carry a white front/red rear light in your right hand.
  4. Fluorescent/reflective tail guard is strongly recommended.

Rule 52: Pre-Ride Safety Checks and Horse Control

  1. Before riding, ensure all tack fits well and you can control the horse.
  2. Inexperienced riders should take the Ride Safe Award from the British Horse Society.
  3. Ride with less nervous horses if yours is anxious about traffic.
  4. Never ride without both a saddle and bridle.

Rule 53: Safe Riding Practices on the Road

  1. Check behind before moving off/turning and give a clear arm signal.
  2. Keep left and follow traffic flow in one-way streets.
  3. Keep both hands on reins unless signaling.
  4. Do not carry passengers or objects that affect balance.
  5. Never ride more than two abreast, and ride single file on narrow/busy roads or bends.

Rule 54: Restrictions on Riding Horses in Certain Areas

  1. MUST NOT ride on footpaths or pavements.
  2. Should not use cycle tracks—use bridleways if possible.
  3. Use equestrian crossings where provided.
  4. Dismount at level crossings if a "horse rider dismount" sign is displayed.

Rule 55: Horse Riders on Roundabouts

  1. Keep left and watch for vehicles crossing your path.
  2. Signal right when crossing exits.
  3. Signal left before leaving.

Rule 56: Keeping Dogs Under Control Near Roads

  1. Dogs must not be loose on roads.
  2. Keep dogs on a short lead on pavements, roads, and shared paths.

Rule 57: Transporting Animals in Vehicles Safely

  1. In vehicles, dogs and animals must be restrained to prevent distraction or injury.
  2. Use a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard.

Rule 58: Herding Animals on the Road Safely

  1. Herded animals must be kept under control.
  2. Send a person ahead on bends or hills to warn other road users.
  3. Avoid moving animals at night; if necessary, wear reflective clothing and carry white front/red rear lights.