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What are the legal responsibilities of riding a horse on the road?

A friend and I have recently bought our first pony. We intend to take him out on the road (narrow country lanes) where he will be either on a lead rein, being led by us or an other adult, or will be being ridden by an older child who is unsupervised by an adult. Naturally common sense and due care and attention to other road users will apply when out on the road, but what are our legal responsibilities - is it compulsory to have some sort of insurance were his actions to cause an accident with a motorist? Members of the equine world tend to be twitchy and startle easily.

Asked on 17 March 2012 by BM, via email

Answered by Honest John
This is very dangerous. I've noticed that sensible riders are very careful to have a rear warning system. Someone wearing a high vis coat walking at least 100 metres behind the pony to warn any approaching vehicles. On open roads with good sight lines riding is not so dangerous, but on narrow roads with tight hedges, it can be very dangerous indeed. So just think of the precautions before you take the pony out. Yes, you need insurance, but the law is a bit muddy about damage to vehicles by horses and ponies.
Tags: horses
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