Motorist spooks horses during Pass Wide and Slow campaign in Benoni
Other riders were forced to dismount as their horses were badly spooked.
What was meant to be a peaceful awareness ride promoting horse riding safety on the roads turned unsettling when a motorist revved his engine, spooking several horses and causing one rider to fall during the Pass Wide and Slow campaign on September 14, at Norton’s Home Estates.
Despite this incident, the ride, known as Ride 235 and started at Fifth Avenue Equestrian in High Road, was a success and was well supported by the community and passing motorists.
However, organisers said the incident highlighted the urgent need for greater respect from motorists, stressing that horses are easily startled and that a lack of patience on the road can result in serious injuries and even fatalities.
“The ride was eventful, with the majority of motorists being polite and cautious around the riders and walkers. Unfortunately we had an incident when a driver in a bakkie pulling a trailer revved his engine, resulting in one rider falling,” said Ward 24 Clr Nicola da Silva.
“Other riders were forced to dismount as their horses were badly spooked. This is precisely the type of behaviour that causes accidents involving vulnerable road users. Unfortunately the rider who fell was injured in this incident,” Da Silva added.
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The event is celebrated globally to promote horse riding safety and awareness, particularly on roads.
It encourages motorists to slow down if travelling in the same direction of a horse and give it a wide berth if the horse is near the road and pass it and the rider slowly.
Furthermore, if a motorist is going in the opposite direction and the horse and rider are near the road, the motorist must slow down or stop to allow the rider and horse to pass.
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