11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Road hacking should feel calm, not tenseespecially with todays busier lanes and unpredictable drivers. This friendly guide shows you exactly how to ride and be passed safely under the updated Highway Code, including the Dead Slow rule: drivers must pass at 10mph with 2m space, plus hivis and routeplanning tips for calmer, safer hacks. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Dead Slow Rule What To Do: Ask drivers to pass at no more than 10mph and only when they can give at least 2 metres; use a clear palm-down signal to slow/stop and wave on only when safe. Why It Matters: Prevents close, fast passes that can spook or injure horse and rider. Common Mistake: Allowing a squeeze-past when there isnt 2 metres of space. Area: Hi-vis & LEDs What To Do: Wear a hi-vis tabard or jacket and fit leg bands, reflective gear and white/red LEDs for 360-degree coverage; clean reflective areas before riding. Why It Matters: Maximises visibility in low sun, rain and darkness so drivers see you sooner. Common Mistake: Relying on dull, muddy kit or a single light. Area: Protective Kit What To Do: Use a certified helmet and a Level 3 BETA 2018 body protector; replace your helmet after any impact. Why It Matters: Proven impact protection reduces head and torso injuries if you fall. Common Mistake: Wearing an out-of-date body protector or a poorly fitted hat. Area: Route Planning What To Do: Choose routes with 3m+ width, 3.7m overhead clearance and good verges; avoid blind bends and report low branches or tight gates to the council/BHS. Why It Matters: Adequate space and sightlines prevent squeezes and collisions. Common Mistake: Repeating routes with pinch-points or risky right turns across traffic. Area: Signals & Positioning What To Do: Use Highway Code hand signals early, make eye contact, and take a central road position on narrow lanes to deter unsafe overtakes. Why It Matters: Clear communication controls passing and protects your space. Common Mistake: Hugging the kerb and inviting drivers to squeeze by. Area: Group Riding What To Do: Ride single file on narrow roads, double only for visibility and return promptly; keep an extra horse length between mounts. Why It Matters: Maintains control and gives room for spooks or sudden stops. Common Mistake: Bunching up or blocking junctions so no one can manoeuvre safely. Area: Urban Tactics What To Do: Time rides off-peak, simplify junctions, dismount and lead if your horse is stressed; liaise with marshals at roadworks and avoid box junctions if unsure. Why It Matters: Reduces exposure to complex hazards like buses, cyclists and multiple lanes. Common Mistake: Forcing a mounted crossing when the horse is anxious. Area: Report & Improve What To Do: After a near-miss, record the registration, time and location and report to police and the BHS; log route hazards with photos and measurements. Why It Matters: Reporting drives enforcement and fixes dangerous hotspots. Common Mistake: Venting on social media but not filing official reports. In This Guide The UK road rule: 10mph and 2 metres What to wear: BHSrecommended hivis and protective kit Plan safer routes: width, heights and where horses can go Signals, positioning and passing etiquette Urban and London riding tactics Winter and lowlight visibility Report nearmisses and improve access Your safety kit checklist Share the road, save a life: the Highway Code now puts horses and riders near the top of the safety hierarchy, and a few clear rules and habits make road hacking far safer. Whether you ride quiet lanes or London streets, heres how to stay seen, stay polite, and stay in control.Key takeaway: Drivers must pass horses at no more than 10mph and give at least 2 metres of space; riders should wear hi-vis and ride defensively under the Highway Code hierarchy.The UK road rule: 10mph and 2 metresOn UK roads, drivers must slow to 10mph and pass horses with a minimum 2 metres of lateral space. Horses and riders are classed as vulnerable road users, second only to pedestrians, so motor vehicles carry greater responsibility around them.This Dead Slow rule is now embedded in the Highway Code, championed by the British Horse Society (BHS). It applies everywhere in the UKrural lanes, town centres and major citiescovering ridden horses, driven horses, and even feral or semiferal animals on Exmoor, Dartmoor and the New Forest. If a driver cannot give 2 metres, they must wait. If your horse becomes anxious, signal drivers to hold back and let the situation settle before inviting them to pass.Dead Slow messaging is now incorporated within the Highway Code. British Horse SocietyQuick tip: A clear, firm palm-down signal to slow/stop is understood by most drivers and buys you those vital few seconds to regain control or create a safe passing point.What to wear: BHSrecommended hivis and protective kitWear hivis on both rider and horse as a minimumtabard or jacket for you, leg bands for your horseadding LED lights in low light. A correctly fitted helmet is essential; a Level 3 BETA 2018 body protector adds proven impact protection.Visibility is nonnegotiable in the UKs short winter days, wet roads and low sun glare. The BHSs guidance is clear:Wear hivis and reflective equipment, ideally on both you and on the horse, which could be seen from above as well as from the front, rear and side. We recommend a minimum of a tabard or jacket for the rider, and leg bands for the horse. Consider wearing LED lights. BHS Safety GuidelinesFor head protection, choose a certified helmet and replace it after any impact. From 1 January 2024, British Eventing requires the Level 3 blue BETA 2018 standard for body protectors, replacing the older purple BETA 2009, to increase safety at speed and over obstaclesmany riders sensibly use the same standard for road hacking. See the rule update from British Eventing.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend pairing a highcontrast hivis jacket with reflective leg bands and an exercise sheet with reflective panels for full 360degree visibility. Explore:Rider hivis tabards, jackets and LED accessoriesCertified riding helmetsHorse boots and bandages (including reflective options)WeatherBeeta exercise sheets and reflective gearPro tip: Add a small red LED on the tail flap and a white LED on your right shoulder or hat silk to help drivers read your direction quickly at dawn and dusk.Plan safer routes: width, heights and where horses can goChoose routes with good verges, clear visibility and appropriate equestrian dimensions: bridleways should be at least 3m wide with 3.7m clearance height, and bridges 3.43.7m wide; avoid overhanging vegetation below 3.7m.The BHS Specifications and Standards for Equestrian Routes set practical thresholds that keep mounted riders safe. A mounted riders minimum height above ground is about 2.55m; anything hanging below 3.7m risks catching a rider or spooking a horse. On bridleways, look for a minimum 3m width so two riders can pass safely; bridges should offer 3.43.7m, and byways/roads ideally 10 feet (about 3.05m) or more. If your local route falls shortoverhanging branches, pinched gateways or blind bendsflag it with your council or the BHS access team.Legal note: Under S.164 of the Highways Act 1980, barbed wire or electric fencing must not be within 2m of gates on bridleways. If you see noncompliant fencing, report it to your local authority; narrow, hazardous pinchpoints force riders into the carriageway and create avoidable risk.Planning basics that save lives:Tell someone your route and ETA; carry a charged mobile (for emergencies only).Prefer quiet times: early weekend mornings typically beat weekday rush hours.Use circular routes that avoid repeated right turns across traffic.Consider the BHS Ride Safe Award to sharpen roadcraft and hazard anticipation.Where suitable and designated, towpaths and active travel routes can be shared; the BHS Access Strategy urges inclusion unless proven unsuitable. See the BHS 2025 Equestrian Access Strategy.Quick tip: If hedges hang low after storms, carry a small hivis lead rope; you can dismount and lead safely under obstruction without losing control.Signals, positioning and passing etiquetteUse standard Highway Code hand signals for slowing, stopping and turning, and ride in a clear, visible road position that discourages unsafe overtakes. Be courteous but firm: your signals guide drivers to pass only when safe.The Highway Codes hierarchy places horses and riders as vulnerable road users. That means motorised vehicles bear greater responsibility, but you still set the tone. Make eye contact with drivers, thank patient ones, and be decisive with your indicatorshand out early, steady pace, shoulder checks before moving out. If you hear fast traffic behind on a narrow lane, move to a central position to prevent a squeezepast and wave drivers by only when you have a safe line of sight.Treat others as youd want to be treated yourself... Use the appropriate hand signals to make other road users aware of your intentions to manoeuvre. BHS Responsible Riding AdviceGroup hacks are safest in single file on narrow roads, double file only when it aids visibility and you can return to single file swiftly. Leave an extra horse length between mounts in case of spooks. If you must turn right across traffic, signal early, take a strong road position and wait for a clear, slow gapdont be pressured into a risky manoeuvre.Pro tip: Teach your horse a calm stand cue at home; on the road, it buys you time at junctions and when a bus air brake hisses nearby.Urban and London riding tacticsIn heavy traffic or at junctions, dismount if your horse shows stress and lead past hazards; a controlled lead is safer than a mounted spook in tight spaces. Time your rides to avoid peak hours and complex junctions.City riding adds noise bursts, reflective glass, cyclists filtering and multiple lanes. Choose simpler tack for quick controlmany riders prefer a straightforward snaffle and wellfitted bridle for clear aids. Use pedestrian phases where permitted, cross in straight lines, and avoid box junctions if your horse hesitates. At temporary roadworks, ask a site marshal to hold plant movement while you pass. On bus corridors, wave drivers to wait until youre fully through a pinch point, then thank them with a clear nod.If your horse fixes, backs off or plants at lights, step down, loosen one rein, and lead with your body between horse and traffic. Once calm, remount from a safe gateway or mounting blocknever from the live carriageway.Quick tip: Plan urban loops with parks or quiet cutthroughs where you can decompress for five minutes before reentering busier roads.Winter and lowlight visibilityIn the UKs short winter days, combine fluorescent hivis for daylight and reflective materials plus LEDs for dusk, dawn and darkness. Put hivis on you and your horse for 360degree coverage.Fluorescent colours pop in low sun and overcast conditions; reflective strips and piping bounce headlight beams back to drivers. Fit leg bands on the forelegs (moving parts catch the eye), a reflective breastplate or martingale, and an exercise sheet with large reflective panels. Add white LEDs front and red LEDs rear; check batteries before every ride. Build redundancyif one item fails, others keep you visible.Explore rider and horse visibility essentials:Hivis clothing and accessories for ridersReflective exercise sheets and accessories from WeatherBeetaPro tip: Mud kills reflectivity. Wipe reflective panels and bands with a damp cloth before you leave the yard; pack a microfibre in your pocket for onroute touchups.Report nearmisses and improve accessReport dangerous driving or nearmisses to the police and the BHS immediately; your data drives enforcement and safer infrastructure. Log route hazards like low branches or tight gates with your council.Timely reporting builds the evidence policymakers and police need to protect vulnerable road users. If a driver passes too fast or too close, note the registration, location, time and any dashcam or phone footage (from witnesses). Report to the police via their online portal and to the BHS incident hub; patterns of behaviour and hotspot mapping lead to targeted patrols and signage. For physical route hazards, include photos and measurementsoverhanging vegetation below 3.7m, bridleways under 3m wide, or noncompliant fencing within 2m of gates.The BHSs Access Strategy calls for equestrian inclusion in Local Transport Plans and on multiuser routes like towpaths unless theres clear evidence of unsuitability. Riders who report issues and suggest pragmatic fixescutting back vegetation, adding verge refuges, resurfacing slippery sectionsoften see results.Your safety kit checklistEquip yourself and your horse so youre seen, protected and comfortable from yard to road and back. Heres a practical checklist built around BHS guidance and UK conditions:Hivis for rider: tabard or jacket with large reflective panels; add LEDs in low light. See rider hivis.Hivis for horse: leg bands, reflective breastplate, and an exercise sheet with reflective strips. Browse WeatherBeeta reflective sheets.Helmet: certified and correctly fitted; replace after impact. Explore riding helmets.Body protection: Level 3 BETA 2018 body protector (the current British Eventing standard) for extra impact protection.Footwear: supportive boots with safe heels for stirrups and good grip on wet vergessee riding boots.Clothing: weatherappropriate, nonslip fabrics; consider grippy knees or fullseat options for stabilitysee womens jodhpurs & breeches and childrens jodhpurs.Horse legs: protective boots or bandages for knocks and to anchor hivissee horse boots & bandages.Tack choices: simple, roadsafe bridle and reins with reflective covers; consider a neck strap for extra security.Seasonal extras: in winter, keep your horse warm and dry before and after rides with suitable turnout rugs.Training aids: treats for positive reinforcement during trafficproofingsee horse treats.Savvy savings: check our clearance in The Secret Tack Room for hivis and seasonal kit deals.At Just Horse Riders, we roadtest what we stock and listen to rider feedback. Our customers often pair a bright gilet over a reflective softshell with an LED browband and hivis leg wrapsmaximum visibility, minimal faff.Practical rideplanning stepsBefore every road hack, tell someone your route and ETA, carry a charged mobile for emergencies, and choose quieter times and wider, bettersurfaced lanes. If in doubt, take the BHS Ride Safe Award to sharpen your roadcraft.Five-minute plan that pays off every time:Check kit: helmet secure, hivis clean and bright, LEDs working, girth snug, reins grippy.Route check: avoid blind bends and narrow bridges; prefer bridleways with 3m+ width and 3.7m clearance height.Weather and light: if visibility is poor, add lights or reschedule.Horse readiness: a quick groom removes mud that dulls reflectivity; a few minutes of groundwork sharpens your stand and walk on.Brief a buddy: share your route and expected return; keep your phone accessible but ride handsfree.Quick tip: If your horse is fresh, do a fiveminute school in the arena before you leavetransitions, circles, haltso you start the road section focused and supple.FAQsWhat speed must drivers use when passing horses on UK roads?Drivers must slow to no more than 10mph and give at least 2 metres of space when passing. This applies on all UK public roads and is embedded in the Highway Code. See the BHS guidance.Is hivis clothing mandatory for road riding in the UK?Its not a legal requirement, but the BHS strongly recommends it as a minimum: a hivis tabard or jacket for the rider and leg bands for the horse, plus LEDs in low light. Find rider options in our hivis collection.How should riders signal their intentions on the road?Use standard Highway Code hand signals for slowing, stopping and turning. Signal early, ride a clear road position and make eye contact with drivers before manoeuvring.What body protector standard is required for British Eventingand should I use it on the road?From 1 January 2024, British Eventing requires Level 3 BETA 2018 (blue label). While not compulsory on the road, many riders choose it for added protection. Read the BE update.Can I ride on towpaths with my horse?Yes, where towpaths are designated as bridleways and judged suitable. The BHS advocates inclusion of equestrians on multiuser routes unless theres evidence of unsuitability. Check the BHS Access Strategy and local signage.What are the minimum widths and heights for safe equestrian routes?The BHS specifies minimums of 3m width for bridleways, 3.43.7m for bridges, and 3.7m overhead clearance to accommodate mounted riders (who sit at roughly 2.55m). Report substandard sections to your council or the BHS.What should I do after a nearmiss or dangerous pass?Record the vehicles registration, time and location, and report immediately to the police and the BHS. Your reports support enforcement and improvements to signage and infrastructure.Ride bright, ride courteous, and ride prepareddrivers who see you clearly and understand your signals will work with you. If you need help choosing the right kit, our team is just a call or message away. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding HelmetsShop Boots & BandagesShop WeatherBeeta