Horses Rule The Road
Maine has many miles of rural land with many farms, barns, and stables. With warm weather nearing, more and more horses will soon be out and about on our roadways. Therefore, it’s important to know the rules of the road both for horses and their riders, as well as approaching drivers.
Horses are prey animals, which means they react to their surroundings. They can be frightened or startled by loud noises, bicycles, barking dogs, cars, trucks, and just about anything around them. Horses react instinctively, potentially causing unforeseen circumstances. For the safety of all, when near horses, it is wise to expect the unexpected.
There’s no age requirement to ride a horse on the road and by law riders do not need to wear reflective gear at night, so it’s important for both drivers and riders to be careful. Doing so will help prevent injury to all parties involved.
The following is a summary of the Maine statutes and laws regarding animals on our public ways:
- Horses are allowed to be ridden on all roads unless there's a sign indicating otherwise.
- A person riding an animal or driving an animal-drawn vehicle on a public way has the rights and must obey the laws of a motor vehicle operator. When a rider has dismounted, he or she is considered a pedestrian and the horse an animal.
- It is illegal for a driver to operate a motor vehicle in a manner to annoy, startle, harass or frighten an animal being ridden or driven on or near a public way.
- It is illegal for a driver or person in a motor vehicle to throw an object or substance from the vehicle toward an animal being ridden or driven on or near a public way.
- When someone riding, driving, or leading an animal that appears to be frightened signals by putting up a hand or other visible sign, a driver approaching from the opposite direction must stop and remain stationary allowing the animal to pass. When traveling in the same direction, the operator must use reasonable caution in passing an animal.
Riders must also observe common sense practices when sharing the road and trails:
- Whenever possible, do not ride alone. If you must, leave information with someone telling where you plan to ride and when you expect to return.
- Always carry a cell phone, halter and lead line, and a flashlight when riding.
- Use hand signals when crossing roads.
- By law, you do not need to have any form of lightening on your horse, but it is advised to use safety gear when night riding, including reflective vests, quarter sheets and bandages.
- If a horse is frightened or in trouble, you should signal to motorists and others so that they can respond appropriately.
- Bring along a plastic bag and scoop to pick up your horse’s manure on the trails and roadways.
- Be aware of the traffic around you. Drivers have the benefit of rear view mirrors, riders do not.
- Give clear hand signals.
- It is illegal to use your mobile phone while riding along roads.
- If your horse shies or starts playing up, get off immediately.
Riding on the road is common practice in Maine and often unavoidable when travelling from stable to trail. But by using common sense and knowing the rules of the road, both the driver and horse and rider’s travels will be much safer.
And that’s the kind of enjoyment we all want with the warm weather.
For more information on the rules of the road regarding horses and their riders please visit: www.horserides.org/horse-road-safety.html.
