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Horse safety

Horse riding is a popular activity in Suffolk and many riders still use the road. Although horses and riders are usually well trained they can be helped by care and attention from vehicle drivers.

In general, you should treat horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected. Horses are easily scared by noise and may panic around fast moving vehicles.

• When you see a horse rider on the road, slow down and be ready to stop.

• Don't try to pass unless you can give them a wide berth.

• Don't sound your horn or rev your engine.

• Watch out at roundabouts. Horse riders normally signal right only when they're approaching exits they don't intend to take. They'll keep to the left, and signal left when they get to their exit.

• Horse riders keep to the left even when they're turning right, because it's unsafe to position a horse between lines of traffic which might make it panic, with no escape route.

• Take extra care on keep your speed down on left hand bends and narrow country lanes.