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Horses, riders plod safely around the streets

October 7, 2024 October 2024 No Comments

A dozen horse-and-rider teams plus a Miniature Pony and handler plodded several kilometers through Martinborough streets _ and round The Square in mid-September _ safe on their trek as local motorists showed courtesy and patience during the demonstration.

Demonstrating what, you ask? That horses and riders in Hi-Viz and helmets can tromp the streets and roads without causing chaos _ or even distruption _ during mid-morning Saturday traffic.

None of the horses showed any concern as motorists slowed, pulled to the roadside and shuttled past the 70-odd metre-long trekking mob as it moved from Shooting Butts Road to central town – and back. 

The only mishap: one buxus shrub in the centre of The Square was missing a few leaves,  grabbed by an eager mount. 

Riders gave clear arm/hand-signals at every turn. No driver appeared flummoxed by the trekkers.

The demonstration was by the local branch of “Pass Wide and Slow” (PWAS) _ a movement by horse lovers world-wide to ensure a group known as “vulnerable road users” have legal protection when using public roads.

PWAS New Zealand is made up mainly from members of pony clubs, riding for the disabled groups, equestrian sports groups,  Te Hapori Hoiho and other horse lovers. Its petition, for law that protects vulnerable road users, is due to be presented to Parliament bearing more than 3,000 signatures at mid-month.

In Europe, specific laws protect vulnerable road users – from horses and riders to cyclists, even pedestrians.

“This is the first time that New Zealand has taken part (in the international event) with 40 rides across the country,” organiser Louise Hyde told The Star.

“While this is the first time, we’re going to make this (street riding event) annual, and build on it as we go, getting more information out, and I would like to get cyclists and pedestrians (participating) as well,” she said as horses muched grass after the ride.

“It is about ensuring everyone is safe, not just us (horse lovers). It also gives other riders a reminder ‘you need to be in Hi-Viz, you need to follow the rules.’ It’s reminding everybody.”

The group has worked with NZTA/Waka Kotahi and with police nationally to draw up guidelines to help drivers keep horses and riders safe on the roads. 

The newly-minted guidelines include:

* Give at least 2 metres of space and slow down as you approach or pass;

* Do Not toot, shout, rev your engine as you pass _ or drive away;

* Observe and follow riders’ hand signals;

* When towing, take extra care to make sure nothing is flapping or making a noise that can scare a horse.

As one rider noted: a family nag, just like a racehorse coming out of a starting stall, can go from “zero to full speed in THREE seconds.”

“As well as having police support for the project, the trucking association and the AA (Automobile Association) are behind it,” Hyde said. 

“Everybody was very courteous (during the ride). People were happy to see us out and about. Being in the Wairarapa I think people are quite used to it. A lot of cars stopped and waited for us to go past.

“I saw one guy with a trailer go round another way instead of past us. A shout-out to whoever he was, much appreciated. 

“We’ve had lots and lots of interest about this event,” though some riders didn’t turn out.

“There’s perhaps some nervousness from the (potential) riders (but) now they’ll see it went well, see what the reaction has been, with drivers courteous and people happy to see the horses out there,” she added. 

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