Operation Gallop urges road safety for horse riders and motorists in Northern Ireland

(Left to right) Superintendent Joanne Gibson, Operation Gallop lead; Mark Robinson on Monty, Susan Spratt (BHS) and Head of Road Policing Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson. (Image: Parkway Photography)

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), in collaboration with the British Horse Society (BHS), has intensified efforts to enhance road safety for horse riders and motorists through Operation Gallop, a UK-wide initiative targeting equine-related crime, welfare, and road safety.

As part of this campaign, the PSNI is urging drivers and riders to exercise caution and mutual respect to prevent accidents that could have devastating consequences for both horses and road users.

Superintendent Joanne Gibson, a key figure in the Operation Gallop initiative, emphasised the critical need for awareness on Northern Ireland’s roads.

“Understanding what to do when you meet a horse on the road is crucial,” she said. “Speeding cars, revving engines, loud music, or sounding horns can easily startle horses, who may instinctively bolt to escape perceived danger.

“Even for experienced riders and well trained horses, it can be a really difficult situation to control as horses are large powerful animals and their instinct, if they have cause for alarm, is to move away quickly. 

“Worse still, if a collision occurs it can have devastating consequences. That’s why is so important to know what to do, and to be aware of the safe distance and speed required when passing a horse on the road.”

Operation Gallop, led nationally by Hampshire Constabulary as part of the National Rural Crime Team, aims to reduce equine-related crime, improve animal welfare, and promote road safety.

Benny, Superintendent Joanne Gibson and Craig Hills.

The initiative fosters collaboration between police forces, equestrian organisations, and charities to deter offenders, enhance crime prevention, and provide practical advice to the equine community.

A dedicated website (www.psni.police.uk) offers further information, while the PSNI encourages the public to follow Operation Gallop’s Facebook page for updates.

A shared responsibility

The campaign highlights the shared responsibility of all road users to ensure safety.

Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson of PSNI Road Policing underscored this point:

“Everyone who uses the road has a responsibility to do so safely. Riders should wear high-visibility clothing to be clearly seen, while drivers must be considerate of all road users. If we all play our part, we can keep everyone safe.”

Susan Spratt, BHS Manager for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, noted the vulnerability of horse riders, who often have no choice but to use public roads due to the scarcity of off-road riding areas.

“Our statistics show that passing too close and too fast are the main causes of collisions,” she said. “We appeal to all road users to follow the guidelines, be patient, and show empathy to horses and riders.”

The BHS also stressed the importance of secure field boundaries to prevent horses from straying onto roads, where they risk serious harm or could cause accidents.

“Owners must regularly check gates and fences to ensure their horses remain safe,” Spratt added.

Real-life risks

The dangers of careless driving near horses were vividly illustrated by local riders who shared their experiences. Craig Hills, a County Down rider with nearly 30 years of experience, recounted a frightening incident.

“Even with full high-visibility gear, some drivers don’t slow down,” he said. “A few months ago, a car sped past, splashed my horse with water from a puddle, and caused it to fall. I was thrown off and left lying on the road. The driver didn’t stop. Thankfully, we only had minor injuries, but it shows how easily horses can be spooked.”

Hills urged drivers to approach horses cautiously, advising, “Take your time, give everyone space, and care. Riders should also ensure they’re visible and ride in suitable conditions, like good daylight. It’s about sharing the roads respectfully.”

Roseanna Andrew from Belfast shared a similarly harrowing near-miss in Lisburn.

“My friend and I were riding with high-visibility vests and a bright yellow bridle on my horse, Arnie,” she recalled.

“We heard a sports car approaching at high speed. We pulled in as tightly as we could, and thankfully our horses stayed calm. The car missed us by inches and sped off. If our horses had spooked or moved slightly, it could have been fatal for us all.”

The incident left Andrew wary of riding on roads.

“There are fewer off-road options for horses every year,” she said. “Most riders have no choice but to use roads for exercise. I urge drivers to be patient and give horses space. A half-tonne animal crashing through your windscreen isn’t something you’re likely to survive. It’s not worth risking lives to save a few minutes.”

Practical advice for drivers and riders

Operation Gallop provides clear guidance for drivers encountering horses on the road:

• Slow down and be prepared to stop.

• Keep your distance, avoiding actions like revving engines or sounding horns that could startle the horse.

• Pass slowly (no faster than 10mph) and widely, giving at least a car’s width (approximately two metres).

• Watch for rider signals and exercise extra caution, as many riders are children.

Riders are encouraged to wear high-visibility clothing and ensure their horses are clearly visible. Regular checks of field boundaries and gates are also essential to prevent horses from escaping onto roads, where they pose risks to themselves and motorists.

Superintendent Gibson highlighted recent incidents of horses straying onto roads, warning, “The consequences can be devastating for both horses and drivers. Secure enclosures are vital.”

A call for collaboration

Operation Gallop represents a united effort to protect Northern Ireland’s equestrian community and promote safer roads. By combining police expertise with the knowledge of organisations like the BHS, the initiative aims to reduce equine-related incidents and foster greater understanding between riders and drivers.

For more information on road safety and Operation Gallop, visit www.psni.police.uk or contact your local crime prevention officer on 101.