Hacking - Safety

(Just a heads up when I mean "hacking" I mean hacking on roads)

Hey, hope you are all well :)

Today, class, we are going to be talking about safety when hacking :P Okay, I know yawn, but it is genuinely something riders need to be aware of and you shouldn't throw a tantrum when someone asks you to put a hi viz vest on. Okay, so I know some people find it hard knowing what to take out with them when out on a hack so here I will list five things you should take to keep you safe.

1. A hat, obviously like any riding you should always wear a hat.
2. A mobile phone (if you don't want to wreck your iphone etc. just get a wee £3 phone PAYG)
3. Some form of hi viz on you, I permanently have a high viz band on my

hat , also vests and arm/ankle bands are good too though.
4. Something hi viz on the horse, boots/tail bandage/coat/bridle accessories, make sure you have something so if you fall off and your horse gets loose he is seen a bit more easily.
5. Any medicine you would need in an emergency i.e. epipen, inhaler etc.

So, it's not too much and it really does give drivers and other road users a quicker knowledge of you and your horse on the road. I especially use hi viz because a lot of the time there is a lot of cloud cover so the light is dulled and also I go through quite a few junctions where you need to be noticed.


Another thing is arm signals, now I was going to take pictures of this but things got in the way so I guess its PAINT time!

 (These diagrams are from the back)
If you want to go right, slow down, stick your arm out straight to the right.
Also if you have a crop, have it in the other hand.

 Same for the Left, slow down, stick your arm out straight to the left and have your crop in the other hand

To thank drivers and other road users for letting you past etc. just give a gentle wave and continue with the same pace.















If you want a driver to stop who is in front of you hold your hand up in a square position, gesturing it forward. Again, crop in your other hand.

To indicate slowing down. Stick your arm straight out and then make the motion up and down. Make sure that is up and down not side to side as drivers will think you are asking them to pass.












Righto, I think that is everything that needs to be said. Now please, be safe on roads, make sure that you are insured and don't be an idiot about it. Anyhoo I guess since I have just thought the worst in you all I should probably be nice. You're all beautiful. Okay, this is the end. Love you all. Bye x