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.