The Principles of Riding Horses on the Highway — BHS Qualifications Occupational Qualification Animal Care & Veterinary Revision

    This subtopic covers essential knowledge for safely riding horses on public roads, including understanding the Highway Code, legal responsibilities, approp

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic covers essential knowledge for safely riding horses on public roads, including understanding the Highway Code, legal responsibilities, appropriate tack and hi-vis equipment, safe riding practices, and accident procedures. It underpins the practical ability to navigate highways while minimizing risk to horse, rider, and other road users.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    The Principles of Riding Horses on the Highway

    BHS QUALIFICATIONS
    vocational

    This subtopic covers essential knowledge for safely riding horses on public roads, including understanding the Highway Code, legal responsibilities, appropriate tack and hi-vis equipment, safe riding practices, and accident procedures. It underpins the practical ability to navigate highways while minimizing risk to horse, rider, and other road users.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    4
    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway

    Topic Overview

    The EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway is a specialised qualification designed for riders who wish to develop the skills and knowledge required to ride on roads and public rights of way in the UK. This award covers essential topics such as the Highway Code for equestrians, risk assessment, traffic awareness, and horse control in real-world traffic situations. It is a crucial step for riders aiming to become competent and confident road users, ensuring both their safety and that of other road users.

    This qualification fits within the broader context of equestrian education by bridging the gap between riding in an arena and riding in open, unpredictable environments. It is particularly relevant for those who plan to hack out regularly, compete in endurance or pleasure rides, or pursue careers in equine management or instruction. By mastering the content of this award, students demonstrate a commitment to responsible riding and a thorough understanding of legal and safety requirements on the public highway.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →The Highway Code: Rules specific to horse riders, including signals, positioning, and riding in groups. Students must know the relevant sections (e.g., Rules 47–58) and how to apply them.
    • →Risk Assessment: Identifying hazards such as traffic, road surfaces, weather, and other animals. The ability to assess and mitigate risks before and during a ride is critical.
    • →Traffic Awareness: Understanding driver behaviour, blind spots, and how to communicate intentions clearly. This includes making eye contact with drivers and using hand signals correctly.
    • →Horse Control and Manners: Ensuring the horse is obedient, responsive to aids, and accustomed to traffic. This includes schooling for road safety and desensitisation to vehicles.
    • →Legal Requirements: Knowledge of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Horse Riding Establishments Act 1964 (if applicable), and the duty of care to other road users. Also, the use of reflective/fluorescent clothing and lights in poor visibility.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Know the Highway Code, other legislation and recommended practices relevant to horse riders, Know about tack and equipment for riding and leading a horse on the highway, Know how to ride on the highway, Know procedures for dealing with an accident when riding on the highway

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for correctly identifying key rules from the Highway Code applicable to horse riders (e.g., Rules 49-55) and relevant laws such as the Road Traffic Act.
    • Award credit for explaining the purpose and correct fit of safety equipment including hi-vis clothing for rider and horse, and the legal requirement for lights at night.
    • Award credit for demonstrating understanding of correct road positioning, hand signals, and how to negotiate junctions and roundabouts safely.
    • Award credit for outlining the steps to take in the event of an accident, including securing the scene, providing first aid to horse and rider, and reporting requirements.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡For the assessment, be prepared to demonstrate practical application of the Highway Code, not just theoretical knowledge.
    • 💡When discussing equipment, always mention the BHS ’Be Safe Be Seen’ campaign and the importance of hi-vis.
    • 💡In accident scenarios, prioritize safety and show a systematic approach: assess danger, make scene safe, call emergency services, provide first aid.
    • 💡Use the correct terminology for riding on the left, passing on the left, and signaling clearly to motorists.
    • 💡When asked about risk assessment, always mention both pre-ride (e.g., checking tack, weather, route) and during-ride (e.g., adjusting position for approaching vehicles). Examiners look for a systematic approach.
    • 💡For practical assessments, demonstrate clear, confident hand signals well in advance. Ensure your horse is responsive to leg and seat aids before attempting to signal. Practice transitions and halting smoothly.
    • 💡Know the specific distances and rules: e.g., you must not ride on the pavement, and you should ride in the direction of traffic. Be precise about the Highway Code rule numbers to show depth of knowledge.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing advisory best practice with legal requirements, such as hi-vis being advisory not mandatory during daylight.
    • Incorrect hand signals, especially for turning left while riding a horse (extends left arm horizontally) versus driving signals.
    • Thinking that horses always have right of way, when in fact they must follow the same rules as vehicles.
    • Forgetting to secure the horse before attending to an injured rider at an accident scene.
    • Misconception: 'Riding on the road is just like riding in an arena, but with more space.' Correction: Roads present unpredictable hazards like fast-moving vehicles, potholes, and sudden noises. Riders must be constantly vigilant and proactive in communication.
    • Misconception: 'I don't need to wear hi-vis if I'm riding during the day.' Correction: Hi-vis clothing is recommended at all times to increase visibility, especially in shaded areas or when the sun is low. The Highway Code advises wearing fluorescent and reflective materials.
    • Misconception: 'I can ride two abreast on any road.' Correction: The Highway Code states that riders should never ride more than two abreast, and on narrow or busy roads, they should ride in single file. Riding two abreast can obstruct traffic and increase risk.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •BHS Stage 1 or equivalent riding ability (ability to walk, trot, and canter in a controlled manner).
    • •Basic knowledge of horse care and stable management (e.g., tack fitting, grooming).
    • •Understanding of the Highway Code for general road users (e.g., traffic signs, road markings) is beneficial.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Know the Highway Code, other legislation and recommended practices relevant to horse riders, Know about tack and equipment for riding and leading a horse on the highway, Know how to ride on the highway, Know procedures for dealing with an accident when riding on the highway

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