Cars and horses in traffic — mutual consideration is required

Horses are flight animals and are therefore not infrequently startled when they are overtaken by a fast-moving car within a short distance. It is therefore essential that riders get their horses used to road traffic and that drivers are particularly careful when they encounter a horse in traffic.

What should you watch out for when horses and cars take part in road traffic?

According to § 28 Abs. 2 StVO, the road traffic regulations also apply to riders and people who lead a horse. As long as signs do not prohibit riding, horses are allowed to participate in road traffic. The prerequisite, however, is that you stay on the far right at the edge of the road. Riding side by side is generally not allowed. Riding is prohibited on sidewalks, cycle paths, motorways, and motorways.

Overtaking maneuvers

If a horse is overtaken by a car, a minimum distance of 1.5 m to 2 m must be maintained. You should not accelerate quickly but overtake at an appropriate speed. You also have to reev in front of the horse with sufficient distance. Likewise, sudden braking maneuvers and the use of the horn are only to be limited to extreme emergencies. Since horses are flight animals, they may be frightened and then wedged or run away. Both can have devastating consequences for riders and drivers.

Cell phone on horseback

It is well known that cell phones are banned while driving. Occasionally one sees riders with cell phones on the horse. Since, according to § 28 StVO, the regulations of the StVO apply to riders, they are only allowed to make phone calls using a hands-free system on the horse. If an accident happens and it turns out that the rider typed on his mobile phone while riding, this can trigger extensive liability claims.

Riding in the dark

In the dark or poor visibility (fog or rain) the horse must be secured with a white light at the front and a red light at the back. It is not recommended to ride in traffic in the dark. If this cannot be done without, the rider should also wear a luminous/reflective safety vest and the horse a luminous warning blanket. This means that the horse and rider are easily recognizable from afar.

Alcohol on the horse

There is no explicit regulation of a ban on alcohol for riders. However, you should not sit on the horse under the influence of alcohol, because you are obliged to have the horse under control at all times. If the horse is not under control despite alcohol and an accident occurs, the rider’s license can still be withdrawn.

Dispose of horse droppings

If the horse should pick apples while riding, the rider is obliged to dispose of the remains by Section 32 (1) StVO. This is often not that easy in practice but should be done with a view to road safety and residents. If it turns out that an accident occurs due to horse droppings lying on the street, this can sometimes lead to unsightly liability issues.

Conclusion:

Mutual consideration is essential so that everyone involved can reach their destination without an accident. If in doubt, it is better to be a little more careful than to have the damage later.

Do you have questions about horse law? Then please contact lawyer Sandra Baumann here via the Anwalt.de profile or the contact details provided!