RIDING AND DRIVING ON ALBERTA’S ROADS Rules, regulations and safety tips for all equestrians
Alberta Equestrian
Federation © Will you and your horse be heading to From the comprehensive, yet introduc - the open road this season? Maybe you’ll be tory, information in this booklet, you’ll also herding cattle or driving your new buggy to learn where to turn for your future road the neighbour’s. Perhaps you’ll be taking safety questions or concerns. You’ll see part in a charity event or just enjoying a ride how your local police service, RCMP and down the road. Alberta Transportation can assist you, as Whatever your purpose may be, are can the AEF. you prepared? Do you As a member of the know how to safely share AEF, you receive personal the road with other vehi - liability insurance, which cles? The Alberta is included with your Equestrian Federation membership. You have the (AEF) has developed this option to purchase addi - booklet to inform eques - tional coverage at very trians about the rules and reasonable rates from the regulations for riding on AEF and Capri Insurance, Alberta’s public roadways. which specializes in The AEF has consulted with Constable Natasha equestrian-related insur - French of the Calgary ance. Through the AEF, Police Service, who was a you have easy access to member of the Mounted resources and knowledge - Patrol and lifelong equestrian. Corporal able people who can help you with all of David Heaslip, Livestock Investigator with your equine needs. the RCMP, also provided insights and safety Before you leave the yard, take a few information for cattle crossings, parades, minutes to learn the role you play on the and equestrian special events that take road. We’re all responsible for our own safe - place on public roadways. ty when we take our horses, ponies, don - As you read through this brochure, keys, or mules beyond our gates. And, since you’ll learn more about the role you play and we share Alberta’s public roads with a wide your responsibility to keep yourself and oth - variety of other equine enthusiasts, cyclists, ers safe. We’ll also provide you with informa - and vehicles, we must take even more care tion to help you prepare for a safe journey. when we leave our yards. This brochure provides a few do’s and don’ts By reviewing the information in this and recommended best practices for road booklet and sharing your knowledge with safety, including: the larger equine community, you can help G laws and regulations for riding on to ensure that you, your horse, and others public roads, have a safe journey and return home safely G tips for recreational riders and drivers, at the end of the day. G responsibilities while on the road, and G procedures for special-event rides. Happy, safe, trails to you!
Alberta Equestrian Federation 2 www.albertaequestrian.com TABLE OF CONTENTS
Where should your recreation take you? ...... 4
Practice safety on public roads ...... 5
Pedestrian or vehicle? Your actions determine your obligations ...... 6
Hand signals that can save your life ...... 7
Casual activity or special event? ...... 11
Special event examples: Municipal parades & country fairs ...... 12 Livestock/trail drives and crossings ...... 12 Miscellaneous special events ...... 13
For more information ...... 14 Participants ...... 15 Thank you ...... 16
Alberta Equestrian Federation 3 www.albertaequestrian.com Where should your recreation take you?
If you’re a recreational rider or driver, and training sessions will keep you and your your horse can provide a new type of equine partner safe and ensure a pleasura - freedom. Travelling at a more relaxed ble, confident outing. pace, viewing the scenery from a different When you decide that you and your perspective, enjoying time with family and horse are ready, take a minute to plan where friend s– all of these elements can free you you’re going. The first step will be commu - from your daily routine. nicatio n– have you told anyone that you’re But, before you decide it’s time to leave heading out on the trail? Will you be cross - your yard and see where the road takes ing or travelling down any public roadways? you, it’s essential to realistically assess Are there any bridges or train tracks on your situation. your path? Do you have the adequate skills to ride Plan a route that’s safe for your needs or drive on public roads? Does your horse and, if you have any inexperienced horses, have the training needed to handle a variety youth, or novice riders with you, be sure to of different sights, sounds, and surfaces? If adapt your path so that the least-experi - you have concerns about yourself or your enced in your group can still have an enjoy - horse, take the time to consult with a quali - able, stress-free time. fied coach or reputable trainer: find out In the next sections, you’ll read tips for where you might have problems and under - riding on public roadways, and you’ll also take some additional training before you learn hand signals that can keep you, your head out on the open road. Helpful advice horse, and other vehicles safe.
Alberta Equestrian Federation 4 www.albertaequestrian.com Practice safety on public roads
Whenever you walk out of your house, step out of your barn, or leave your property, you’ll likely be entering public roads or spaces that you share with others. You can’t control the actions of other people, but when you go for a ride or drive, you can take a few simple precautions to keep you and your equine safe.
Before you leave for your next outing, consider the following road and horse safety tips:
G Keep your tack in good repair G Be visible to other riders, drivers, and motorists G Carry a hoof pick G Consider wearing reflective clothing or G Carry a cell phone on you for emer - decal s– this is essential after dark gency situations G Be aware of limited visibility –this G Have a halter and lead shank in your could be due to curves, hills, trees, or pack buildings G Ride or drive horses that are properly G Leave your dog at hom e– more animals trained for your tasks on the road lead to increased distrac - G Provide appropriate supervision and tions for you and others guidance for youth G Maintain eye contact with drivers on G Ensure all child or youth riders and the roa d– if you look at a driver of a drivers wear helmet s– adults are vehicle, it’s more likely that they will encouraged to wear helmets when see you they ride or drive G Use hand signals, which are mandatory G Plan your route actions to inform other vehicles of your intentions
Alberta Equestrian Federation 5 www.albertaequestrian.com Pedestrian or vehicle?
Your actions determine your obligations way facing traffic approaching from the opposite direction.” Additionally, When you’re riding or driving your pedestrians should also be aware that, equine, you likely don’t consider yourself a when they’re not crossing at a desig - pedestrian. Perhaps not a vehicle, either. nated crosswalk, they must yield to However, when you’re on a public roadway, vehicles on the road. you are considered either a pedestrian or a vehicle by law. Your legal responsibilities will Vehicles change depending on which one you are. Part four of the regulation discusses How do you know what to call yourself “Animals on Highway,” and it specifies the or what rules apply? The Alberta Traffic duties that will apply whether you’re riding Safety Act provides the answers and, in gen - or driving your equine on public roadways. eral, if you’re riding or driving you’re con - Section 105 states that sidered a vehicle. Conversely, if you’re lead - “...a person who is riding an ani - ing your horse, whether under saddle, in mal or driving an animal drawn vehicle harness, or in hand, you’ve become a pedes - on a highway has all the rights and is trian. The Use of Highway & Rules of the subject to all the duties of a driver of Road Regulation , Alta. Reg. 304/2002 has a motor vehicle...” guidelines for both pedestrians and vehicles Additionally, if you’re riding on a public on public roads. roadway, section 106 states that you should ride as close as practical to the right curb or Pedestrians edge of the road. You should also not ride Under part three, section 90(2) of the beside other animals travelling in the same regulation, it states that direction, and you should ride in single file, “[i]f there is no sidewalk or path, except when you’re passing another animal a pedestrian who is proceeding along or riding in an approved parade. or on a highway shall at all times when For complete details on The Use of reasonable and practicable to do so, Highway & Rules of the Road Regulation , proceed only on the left side of the visit the AEF website or on the Government roadway or the shoulder of the high of Alberta website.
As a pedestrian, lead your horse on the left shoulder, facing traffic from the opposite direction. As a vehicle, ride or drive your horse on the right shoulder, going with the direction of traffic.
Alberta Equestrian Federation 6 www.albertaequestrian.com Hand signals that can save your life
Whenever you and your horse are rid - must gather the reins in your right hand, ing or driving on a public road, you’re con - then signal. It’s also a good idea to shoul - sidered a vehicl e– a slow moving vehicle, der-check to see if any vehicles are coming granted, but a vehicle nonetheless. You’re up behind you. Always be aware of who and responsible for communicating your inten - what is on the road before you show your tions to others, and you can do this by sig - intention to stop or change directions. nalling, using the universal hand signals for The three main hand signals to be cyclists and other vehicles that don’t have aware of are: signal lights. 1) Left turn : extend your left arm All of your hand signals will be done straight out, away from your body. with your left arm, as it’s the one most 2) right turn : extend your left arm visible to approaching vehicles. Keep this away from your body, bend your elbow in mind if you, like many other riders, use to 90 ˚ and extend your left hand into your left hand on the reins: your hand sig - the air, palm facing forward. nals must be done with your left arm, as other vehicles need to be able to see the sig - 3) StoP : extend your left arm away from nals and they will not be able to if you use your body, bend your elbow to 90 ˚ your right arm. Be sure to make the signals and extend your left hand down, big and obvious. But, before you do, you palm facing backward.
Left turn
Alberta Equestrian Federation 7 www.albertaequestrian.com STOP
LEFT TURN
RIGHT TURN
Alberta Equestrian Federation 8 www.albertaequestrian.com STOP
LEFT TURN
RIGHT TURN
Alberta Equestrian Federation 9 www.albertaequestrian.com STOP
LEFT TURN
RIGHT TURN
Alberta Equestrian Federation 10 www.albertaequestrian.com Casual activity or special event?
Recreational riders or drivers and office to obtain permission before they hold ranchers or farmers may take to the public the events on provincial highways. roads for a variety of reasons. Trail rides, If you are holding a special event parades, fundraisers, and cattle drives are a on a public road, contacting Alberta few of the possibilitie s– and that’s just for Transportation will be a big step, but don’t equestrian users on the roads. Since a vast overlook contacting other authorities or number of people share the road for a mul - agencies as needed. For example, you may titude of reasons, Alberta Transportation need to contact your local municipality, has developed the Special Events Guide to as well as RCMP or local police, and emer - help increase public safety on the roadways. gency services. Take the time to learn your You will find a copy of the guide and form responsibilities and to contact the appropri - on the AEF website. ate organizations prior to your special event ride or drive. Are you holding a special event? To view the complete Special Events As an equine rider or driver, your first Guide , including information on liability, point of interest will be learning when the signage, and event-specific guidelines, guide applies to your activities: what consti - you can download it from the AEF tutes a special event? Essentially, a special website or through event will be any scheduled activity held by www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/doc a recognized organization including a chari - Type233/Production/SPECIAL_EVENTS- table or sport organization, municipality, revised-2007-INTERNET.pdf. parade, or school division, to name a few. To learn more about the activities Examples of special events may include involved with planning a special event, parades, charity rides, or cattle drives, and check out the How to plan an equestrian organizers of these activities are required to event manual that’s available through contact their district Alberta Transportation the AEF.
Alberta Equestrian Federation 11 www.albertaequestrian.com Special event examples
Municipal parades & country fairs Livestock/trail drives and crossings Will you be organizing a parade or fair If you’re a farmer or rancher in Alberta, this season? These events are great ways for moving livestock may seem much more the public to get together to appreciate their like a regular chore than a special event. communities. But, if your activities will However, if these chores take you onto mean road closures or traffic disruptions, public roads, then you will require a special it’s essential that you contact Alberta event permit from Alberta Transportation Transportation, as well as your local RCMP before you begin your activities. or police detachment to get permission for There are two types of special events the event. permits for livestock/trail drives and cross - When reviewing your special event ings; for most ranchers, the first option will application, the appropriate authorities will be the most applicable. look at many different factors, including the: 1) The routine moving of livestock G Event schedule between pastures for grazing purposes. G Event location For this type of activity, a single permit G Animal involvement may apply to multiple crossings for a period of five years. G Road closure requirements G Planned route You would require a new permit after five years, or if any of the approved You’ll also need to hold your event dur - conditions change, such as crossing ing daylight hours and ensure that you have locations, traffic control requirements, adequate insurance to cover any injury or etc. accident that may occur. Once you’ve taken the appropriate 2) The herding of livestock for promo - planning steps to ensure public safety, let tional, fundraising, or heritage demon - the fun begin! Your equines will make won - stration events. As these are one-time derful additions to these classic summer - events, a new permit will be required time activities. for each activity.
Alberta Equestrian Federation 12 www.albertaequestrian.com When you apply for either of these The approval conditions for these spe - special events permits, several factors will cial events will include the event schedule, be considered in the approval process, route, animal involvement, traffic disrup - including: event schedule, route, herd size, tions, and other factors. distance travelled, number of highway or Safety of the participants and the railway crossings, and traffic control public is paramount, and organizers are required. You should note that livestock encouraged to plan a route that will not be crossings or drives will not be allowed on any freeways or four-lane highways. on major freeways and will be on highways with a minimum shoulder width of two Miscellaneous special events metres. Appropriate escorts, signage, and Sometimes you may have an equine marshalling may also be required, and activity that is more formal than a recre - liability insurance will be the responsibility ational ride, but not as large as the organ - of the organizer. ized special events discussed in the previ - When you start planning for any type ous sections. The Special Events Guide pro - of special event ride, you may be uncertain vides a potential list of these activities of your requirements and responsibilities. under section D2-16 “Miscellaneous Special If this is the case, don’t hesitate to ask. The Events.” Under this section, two equine- AEF, Alberta Transportation, RCMP, or local related activities may include: police are able to provide advice or refer you G moving a number of horse-drawn wag - to the appropriate contact for your ons and/or horseback riders along a inquiries. roadway, and The time spent planning road safety G having a single-person marathon for for you, your equines, and others in your charity or other reasons – not fitting group will pay off in dividends when you under the previous guidelines. enjoy a safe, successful event.
Alberta Equestrian Federation 13 www.albertaequestrian.com For more information
To learn more about equine road safety, Alberta Traffic Safety Act. please contact the following organizations http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?pag and review these informative documents: e=2002_304.cfm&leg_type=Regs&isbn - cln=0779738624. 1) Alberta Equestrian Federation. www.albertaequestrian.com. 5) How to Plan an Equestrian Event . 1-877-463-6233. Alberta Equestrian Federation. www.albertaequestrian.com, under 2) Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Educational Resources. 1-877-463-6233. Livestock Investigators. www.rcmp- grc.ca. Contact your local detachment. 6) Every Ride, Every Time (DVD on wear - ing helmets). Available through the 3) Special Events Guide , July 2007. Alberta Alberta Equestrian Federation, includ - Transportation. ing online store at www.albertaeques - www.transportation.alberta.ca/Conten trian.com. t/docType233/Production/SPECIAL_E VENTS-revised-2007-INTERNET.pdf 7) SaddleUp Safely: Horseback Riding Safety . Alberta Equestrian Federation. 4) Use of Highway & Rules of the Road www.albertaequestrian.com, under Regulation, Alta. Reg. 304/2002. Educational Resources. 1-877-463-6233.
Alberta Equestrian Federation 14 www.albertaequestrian.com Participants
Cst natasha french and Cpl Dave Heaslip and Duchess, Strider, a Quarter Horse a Quarter Horse
Cpl Chris reister and Gideon, Judith Orr-Bertelsen and her a Quarter Horse Mini
Jessica Snow and Baldy, a Susan Wall and fancy, a grade Quarter Horse Quarter Horse
Caveat: The material provided in this manual is intended for introductory educational purposes only; for complete details on any of the documents listed, refer to the applicable agency or organization. The AEF has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained therein, but assumes no liability in cases of error or changing conditions. Any business relations or other activities undertaken as a result of the information con - tained in this manual, or arising therefrom, is the responsibilities of the parties involved and not the AEF.
Alberta Equestrian Federation 15 www.albertaequestrian.com Thank you to the following organizations and individuals
Alberta Motor Association Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation Calgary Police Service Capri Insurance RCMP, Livestock Division Spruce Meadows Wild Pink Yonder Charitable Society
Cst Natasha French Wendy Kemble Cpl Chris Reister Maureen Germscheid Verne Kemble Monika Smith Cpl David Heaslip Shelley Newman Becky Snow Nickola Hughes Judith Orr-Bertelsen Susan Wall Amanda Kemble Jessica Paul Katy Whitt
Image montage courtesty of Patty Carley Brenda Otto Marie Couturier Vivian Slugoski Allen Hicks Cayley Sparks Lucille Landis Wild Deuce Outfitting Madison Monkman Wilmore Wilderness Foundation
Alberta Equestrian
Federation ©
100, 251 Midpark Blvd Se Calgary, AB t2X 1S3 toll free: 1.877.463.6233
Phone: 403.253.4411 fax: 403.252.5260 www.albertaequestrian.com
Alberta Equestrian Federation 16 www.albertaequestrian.com