Toti drivers and residents are urged to approach horseback riders with caution.
It is a common sight to see groups of people on horseback in the Toti area, but many motorists don’t know the rules of the road when approaching horses.
They hoot, speed up, drive too fast and too close, then drive around for a second look. What people don’t realise is that horses are terrified of cars and noise. It’s dangerous to spook a horse, especially for the riders, as a fall from a horse could mean hospital.
“It’s important the horses go out,” said Paula McKenzie of Toti Ranch. “We don’t have much space and it’s like having a dog caged.
We also teach children to ride and I would hate for something to happen to one of my pupils. Horses are skittish animals, which can be dangerous in a riding school. Taking them out desensitises them to new sights and sounds.”
Paula said she often leads the horse when taking an inexperienced youngster out. She also makes a habit of carrying a shovel or plastic bags with her to pick up any mess the horses make while out in public.
“We ask motorists to slow down when approaching a group of horses and drive around them. Please do not hoot,” said Paula, who was almost knocked off her horse by a vehicle at the beginning of the year.
“Cars often come too close or drivers come up behind us and hoot. Motorbike riders also come up behind us quietly and then open their throttle when they pass.”
She said they will usually go out twice a week and the neighbouring community is friendly and wave to them when they pass.
Gary Coetzee of Gary’s Beach Horse Rides said certain drivers are polite, but some have no patience. “We thank the drivers who are cautious. Just be aware that a horse can be spooked, either by a plastic bag blowing in the wind or a dog barking. They are well-trained animals, but they can be easily spooked and we wouldn’t want an accident to happen.”
In First World countries, horses are given the right of way on public roads.
Toti’s horses make it unique and part of its charm. A little bit of patience and courtesy will go a long way to ensure horses and motorists can share the roads.
