Drivers urged to pass horses safely as part of Operation Arabis

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South Wales Police has been working with partners to promote the safe passing of horses on the road as part of Operation Arabis.

Led by the force’s Mounted Section, the operation has seen officers working alongside the British Horse Society (BHS) and Project EDWARD, which stands for Every Day Without A Road Death, to raise awareness of how motorists should safely overtake horses and riders.

As part of the operation, officers recently carried out an enforcement and education initiative in Miskin. The location was selected following concerns raised through the British Horse Society’s Horse i app, which identified the route as an area where a number of incidents involving horses and riders have been reported. During the operation, police officers rode horses along the route without displaying identifying police markings, allowing them to observe driver behaviour naturally and assess how motorists interacted with horses on the road.

Officers monitored passing vehicles and stopped drivers where necessary to provide advice and education on safe driving around horses. That afternoon, 27 vehicles were stopped and seven drivers were spoken to about their manner of driving, with one receiving a traffic offence report.

The operation focuses on educating both drivers and horse riders, reducing the risk of collisions and helping to keep everyone using the road safe. Riders are also encouraged to play their part by wearing high-visibility clothing where appropriate and following good road safety practice.

Last week, officers also attended the Royal Welsh Show, where they joined partners to demonstrate the importance of passing horses safely. The event provided an opportunity to speak to members of the public and reinforce the key messages around sharing the road responsibly.

Horse riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and horses can easily become frightened by vehicles passing too quickly or too closely. By slowing down and giving horses plenty of room, drivers can help reduce the risk of a collision or serious injury.

Sergeant Terresa Sullivan said:

“Operation Arabis is about helping drivers understand how to pass horses safely. By slowing down, leaving plenty of space and showing patience, motorists can help keep horses, riders and everyone else using our roads safe.
“The recent operation in Miskin enabled us to observe driver behaviour and engage with motorists about the way they pass horses on the road. The data provided through the British Horse Society’s Horse i app is invaluable in helping us identify routes where riders are experiencing problems. We will continue to target enforcement and education activity in areas where high numbers of incidents are reported, ensuring drivers understand their responsibilities and helping to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Drivers are reminded to follow the Highway Code when passing horses:

• Slow to 10mph or less.
• Leave at least two metres of space.
• Pass wide and slowly.
• Avoid revving your engine or sounding your horn.

For more information about passing horses safely, visit: https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/riding-out-hacking/riding-on-roads/advice-for-motorists/