Duty of Care and Accident Prevention

As in all walks of life accidents will occasionally happen but many may be avoided by following the guidelines below.

• All harness should be in a sound condition and adjusted to fit the horse or pony.
• The vehicle should be in sound condition and of a type suitable for the terrain to be covered.
• Never put a horse/pony into an environment which you believe it will find alien.
• Before attending a group event e.g. rally, show, ensure that your horse is happy driving with other turnouts.
• When driving in company never move off adjacent to another horse being put to without checking that the other driver is happy for you to do so.
• When driving in company leave sufficient distance from the vehicle in front to permit change of pace or direction.
• After descending a slope remember that all turnouts behind must be clear of the slope before anyone increases pace.
• Look well ahead and remember what you miss(!) that your horse sees could be the start of a problem.
• Avoid driving on the highway at dawn/dusk and at night. If this cannot be avoided reflective clothing and carriage stickers are essential.
• After lighting-up time vehicles on the highway must have reflectors and red rear electric lamps - candle lamps do not provide sufficient lighting.
• Your whip is an aid - and should be in your hand and not the whip socket.
• Never tie a turnout to a fixed object with a horse/pony still in the shafts.
• Never tie a turnout to another turnout.
• Never dismount from the vehicle unless you have someone at the horse's head.
• Never remove the bridle until the horse is free of the vehicle.
• Always approach a ridden horse with extreme care.
• An active groom or passenger should be carried in the vehicle at all times.
• Always stop in a space which allows you to exit easily at any time, especially applicable to groups.
• Pass pedestrians and other horses, ridden or driven, carefully - not too close or fast.

Click here to download the BDS Health & Safety Checklist for Area Commissioners