What should you do to minimize risk when crossing a road on a horse?

• A. Walk slowly and calmly, keep to and from traffic, stay in single file, find a safe crossing point, and use a helper if possible.
• B. Run across quickly to minimize exposure.
• C. Parallel the traffic and sprint when space allows.
• D. Let the horse decide when to cross without guidance.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is to maximize control, predictability, and visibility when you’re crossing a road with a horse. The safest approach is to go slow and keep everything calm as you cross. Walk the horse rather than ride through busy traffic, so you can guide and react quickly if the horse hesitates or spooks. Keeping to the side of the road and moving in single file with any helpers helps you remain in a straight line and minimise distractions or confusion for the horse. Choosing a safe crossing point means you pick a spot with good visibility for approaching drivers and where you have a clear plan to move across. If possible, having someone on the ground to help hold or lead the horse adds an extra layer of safety, especially in busy or uncertain situations.

This is preferable to rushing across, which can startle the horse or make you lose balance; or to sprinting alongside traffic, which reduces control and increases danger. Leaving the crossing to the horse or letting it decide when to go introduces unpredictability, which increases risk for both horse and rider.