| It is very important for everyone to know that horses are prey animals and therefore their reaction to certain stimuli can be fight or flight. Horses can be frightened or startled by loud noises, bicycles, charging or barking dogs, trash blowing in the wind, balls and other toys rolling or flying toward them, speeding vehicles, bee stings, birds taking flight, and many other types of events. They may instinctively react to any one of these things as they would a pack of wolves or a mountain lion attacking them. Drivers should be particularly cautious when approaching or passing horses traveling on the side of the road as a frightened animal could potentially bolt into traffic, throw it’s rider, or runaway. For the safety of all; expect the unexpected. The following are the Maine statutes and laws regarding animals on our public ways: 1. Riding animals or driving animal drawn vehicles: A person riding an animal or driving an animal-drawn vehicle on a public way has the rights and is subject to the duties of a vehicle operator, except those provisions that by their nature have no application. 2. Unattended animal-drawn vehicle: A person may not allow an animal-drawn vehicle to be on a public way unattended unless the vehicle is reasonably fastened. 3. Frightened animals: When a person riding, driving or leading an animal that appears to be frightened signals by putting up a hand or by other visible sign, an operator approaching from the opposite direction must stop as soon as possible and remain stationary as long as necessary and reasonable to allow the animal to pass. When traveling in the same direction, the operator must use reasonable caution in passing an animal. 4. Annoyance: An operator may not knowingly operate a motor vehicle in a manner to annoy, startle, harass or frighten an animal being ridden or driven on or near a public way. 5. Throwing object: An operator or person in a motor vehicle may not throw an object or substance from the vehicle toward an animal being ridden or driven on or near a public way. Section History: PL 1993, Ch.683,A2 (NEW). PL683, B5 (AFF) Riders also need to observe some common sense practices when sharing the road and trails. Whenever possible ride out with a buddy, not alone. Use hand signals when crossing roads. If a horse is frightened or in trouble, you and your partner should signal to motorists and others so that they can respond appropriately. If you must ride out alone, leave information with someone telling them where you plan to ride and when you expect to return, always plan to return before dark. If possible, carry a cell phone with you ( do not attach it in any way to your horse) , a halter and leadline and a flashlight. Be aware of the weather and the conditions of the road and trails. Bring along a plastic shopping bag and some sort of scoop to pick up your horses manure on the trails and especially the roadways ( a plastic beach shovel or cat litter scoop work well). Be courteous, responsible and use common sense. Happy Trails! |
| Important “Rules of the Road” You Need to Know about Horses on Roadways |
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