Riding a horse on the road

Horse riders have the right to share our roads. They have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, motorcycle riders and bicycle riders. Horses can be easily scared so it’s important to take extra care when driving near them.

Table of Contents Show

Safety tips for drivers
Safety for horse riders
Horse riders
Animal-drawn vehicles
Travelling on a road or path
How to avoid a collision with an animal
Is it legal to ride a horse on the road UK?
Can you ride a horse on the road in WA?
Can I take my horse on the highway?
Can I ride a horse on the road Qld?

Safety tips for drivers

Be aware that horses can be easily frightened and unpredictable
Slow down and take extra care on bends, crests and on narrow roads, particularly in areas close to horse riding schools or where you see warning signage
If you’re passing a horse, whether it’s being ridden or led, or is pulling a vehicle, remember to:
- Slow down and allow plenty of room when overtaking
- never use your horn or rev your engine, as this could scare the horse.
It’s not just about leaving enough room while passing a horse, it’s about not driving too fast or making loud noises that can scare a horse
If you are involved in a crash, you are required to stop and provide relevant information. If someone is injured or there is damage to property, call Triple Zero (000). If a horse is injured, contact the nearest vet.

Ensure you are familiar with and follow any warning signs alerting you to the presence of horses:

Safety for horse riders

Use horse trails where possible. If you do ride on the road:
- Always obey road rules
- avoid tight corners or crests and instead ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight
- ride on the left hand side of the road in the same direction as the traffic
- use clear hand signals to notify motorists of intent to turn.
You are permitted to walk or ride your horse on footpaths and nature strips unless specifically prohibited and provided you give way to pedestrians at all times.
Ride during daylight hours and wear bright coloured clothing.
You can ride side-by-side with another horse rider as long as there is enough space to do so safely and you’re within 1.5m of each other.
You should always wear a helmet that meets Australian Standards.

Download our Horses in traffic brochure (PDF, 150KB) for more information.

Whether you’re riding your horse, or driving past a horse rider you need to follow certain road rules. Rules also apply to drivers of animal-drawn vehicles, and when you lead an animal when walking.

Horse riders

Horse riders must give way to pedestrians when riding on a footpath or nature strip.

Vehicle drivers must stop at the side of the road and turn off their motor if a horse rider signals that their horse is jumpy or agitated. The horse rider can signal to the driver by raising a hand and pointing to the horse. The driver must not move the vehicle until the noise of the motor, or the movement of the vehicle, won’t aggravate the horse.

The rider of an animal must not lead more than 1 animal on a road, unless they hold a permit issued by a local council.

Animal-drawn vehicles

Your animal-drawn vehicle must have effective brakes, and adequate lights and reflectors if used at night or when visibility is poor. You may drive an animal-drawn vehicle on or over the edge line on a road to allow other vehicles to pass or overtake. You do not need a driver licence to drive an animal-drawn vehicle, and the vehicle does not need registration.

If you carry passengers in a horse-drawn vehicle you are also required to comply with local government regulations. Check with your local council or police station for more information.

Travelling on a road or path

You should ride or lead your animal on the footpath or nature strip (or other road-related area), if it is practical to do so. Only ride or lead your animal on a road if there is no footpath, nature strip or other road-related area.

The driver or a passenger of a vehicle must not lead an animal from the vehicle, including tying the animal to the vehicle. The same rules apply to bicycle riders.

A person in charge of an animal must not allow its droppings (on a road) to cause a problem for other road users. The driver or rider is responsible for removing any droppings that fall on the road.

How to avoid a collision with an animal

If you need to take evasive action to avoid an animal on the road, assess the situation and take appropriate action that avoids or prevents risk to yourself and other road users. You must not unreasonably obstruct the path of other road users or cause a traffic hazard.

You may safely stop or drive on the road shoulder to avoid hitting an animal, and if you have a clear view of approaching traffic you may safely:

drive to the right of the centre of the road to avoid hitting an animal (if there is no centre line)
or

drive to the right of a dividing line, a dividing strip, over a single continuous line, over two parallel continuous lines or over a painted island to avoid hitting an animal.

Any evasive action you take must be considered necessary and reasonable.

Is it legal to ride a horse on the road UK?

Can I ride my horse on all roads? You should never ride or lead a horse on a pavement or footpath, nor should you take your equine onto cycle tracks. You are not allowed to ride a horse on a motorway. It's preferable to use a bridleway, when you can.

Can you ride a horse on the road in WA?

These include paths and nature and strips. Horses can be ridden across roads but must give way to all other traffic. Riders must give hand signals when changing directions.

Can I take my horse on the highway?

In most states, horse riders and handlers of horse-drawn vehicles can use the roads and must adhere to all local traffic laws. The animal's owner should still exercise caution and try to keep the road open for easy traffic flow.

Can I ride a horse on the road Qld?

Travelling on a road or path Only ride or lead your animal on a road if there is no footpath, nature strip or other road-related area. The driver or a passenger of a vehicle must not lead an animal from the vehicle, including tying the animal to the vehicle. The same rules apply to bicycle riders.