Are you Roadworthy?
Eventer Victoria Bax
Courtesy of Aloeride, the naturally organic aloe vera supplement for horses, we caught up with sponsored rider and top eventer, Victoria Bax.
Victoria, like many riders these days, has to undertake a certain amount of roadwork. Here is her advice on keeping safe on the roads
Riding out on the roads can be very daunting these days, as there seem to be more and more vehicles on the road and less and less of them actually slowing down for horses. I’m not sure if the reason they don’t slow down is because they are being totally ignorant to the fact that you are there or that they simply do not realise what a horse could do if spooked by a fastmoving or noisy vehicle coming past them. I have recently put this to the test and in my opinion it is more of the later. For years I have ridden on the roads wearing a plain yellow high visibility vest over the top of my jacket, however just recently I have purchased a pink high visibility jacket with the words, “PLEASE PASS SLOW AND WIDE, THANK YOU” written across the back in bold letters. I really do think that this has made an enormous difference to the speed motorists pass me now, who when approaching me from behind take note and have acted on it. However, vehicles travelling towards me are still moving a bit faster than I would like. So first things first if and when you do ride out on the road I really do suggest wearing a tabard of some kind which actually tells motorists what you would like them to do as then they are in no doubt as to how to pass you. My horses also wear fluorescent Golly Galoshes gaiters over their boots. These offer additional visibility with their bright colour and reflective strip. Before I take a young horse out for his or her first hack I make sure that I have total control of my youngster in the arena first. I have to be sure that the horse is accepting my leg and rein contact and not running away from it and that I can stop and go and turn both left and right confidently without hesitation.
The first taste of traffic for my young horse would take place in my quiet private lane to start with to get them used to very minor traffic. I am very fortunate to have the use of our little lane, as it does not go anywhere, it simply services the properties within it. However, at the end of the lane is a working farm, so it is very common to come across a farm vehicle which can be very beneficial as I am able to distance myself by using a field gateway or a neighbour’s drive, so I can let the vehicle pass whilst standing at a safe distance. Only once my young horse is happy with this light traffic do I then venture out onto the main road. For the first hack out onto the main road, I make sure that it is a bright, clear day, so that the visibility is plenty good enough for motorists to be able to see me without a problem and both my horse and I would be kitted out in our high visibility gear. I arrange for a fr iend to come along with her more experienced horse to act as a nanny for my young horse to gain confidence from. As we ride along the road, we do so two abreast where safe to do so, with my young horse on the inside and the more experienced horse on the outside shielding my young horse from the traffic. When approaching corners I do not tuck myself into the side of the road, but stand out a little towards the middle so that I can be seen as early as possible by the oncoming traffic. At all times I make sure that I have a good contact through the reins with my young horse and I am confidently pushing him forward with my leg aids. I start with short rides, so as not to wear out my young horse too quickly and to hopefully encourage him to enjoy his hacking on the roads.
Make sure you are visible to other road users
Every time a vehicle passes and the driver is considerate and slows down for me, it is really important to thank them. On the first few hacks, I would not let go of the reins whilst riding my young horse so I smile and nod my head to thank the drivers, however, as my young horse starts to feel more confident if I feel it is safe to do so, I thank drivers by raising my hand to them and then very quickly replace my hands onto the reins. Only after a good number of hacks with a companion do I attempt to ride my young horse out alone on the main road. Again, when I do so for the first few times I make sure it is only short hacks to help build his confidence alone. Whenever you hack whether it is on the roads or on grass you must be extremely vigilant; listen and look out for things going on around you. Do NOT simply walk along chatting to your friend, as you will have no idea as to what is going on around you or that you may be approaching a hazard that really does need your attention. Enjoy yourself, but be aware and always take your mobile phone with you in case of an emergency, but never ride along using it! www.aloeride.co.uk 01858 464 550 Photography: Thoroughbred Sports Photography Editor’s note: Also consider wearing back protection as the road is one of the hardest surfaces upon which you can land!
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Thank courteous road users
powder sachets. 30 sachets (30 days’ worth) contain a massive 12 litres of aloe vera juice, so your horse can look and feel his best. Alongside a glossy coat, healthy skin and strong hooves, Aloeride® can also help assist in accelerated rejuvenation and recovery and offering anti-inflammatory properties. Aloeride® aloe vera has also been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds, so whether you own a top competition horse or happy hacker, you can be reassured that your equine friend has pure aloe vera and nothing less or more when you feed Aloeride®. RRP: £55.20 (1 x months supply) www.aloeride.co.uk 01858 464550
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1 box per EL region FOR SALE GOOD ALL-ROUNDER!
Aloeride® is a pure organic aloe vera supplement, which offers a natural approach to your horse or pony’s well-being. Aloe vera has long been recognized as an important plant in human holistic supplements with regards to supporting a healthy immune system and digestive system, as well as helping to promote healthy skin, hair and nails and now these benefits plus numerous others can also be offered to your equine friend via taste-free, easy-to-feed Aloeride®
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