Riding and Road Safety

In the summer of 2004 eight intrepid members embarked on the training needed to take and pass the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test. A huge amount of fun was had by all as we negotiated all the hazards we were likely to encounter on the roads in the safety of the field specially set up for the event. These included roundabouts, road junctions, road works, children playing, parked cars etc. The test involved negotiating a set course in the confines of the field plus a trip out onto the road with examiners watching our every move.

Why do it you may ask? Well apart from equipping us with the skills to keep ourselves as safe as we possibly can on our ever increasingly busy roads it also helps with our insurance. Should you unfortunately be involved in an accident on the road, having reflective gear on you and your horse and having passed the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test will help you and your Insurance Company demonstrate that you have taken all reasonable steps to ensure your safety which can only help if you are unfortunate enough to be faced with court proceedings.

The Bridleway Association is contemplating undertaking a re-run of the course this summer if enough folk are interested. The course consists of about 8 hour and half training sessions (you don't need to bring your horse provided we have enough horses for people to share) and a half day for the actual exam (done at your training location). The approximate cost is £30 for the exam, £30 for the training and £6 for the BHS book. You have to be at least 12 on the day of the exam. If you are interested please let Gill Morrell know ASAP either at meetings, by phone 01706 630311 or e-mail wff@tesco,net. If enough of you want to proceed then dates will be arranged and an up front non-refundable £30 fee to cover the exam will be collected. Training fees will be collected on each night. We need at least 8 to run this event.