Obligations specific to riders
When you are a rider, there are many obligations that you must take into account when carrying out your activities. These are the obligations that help maintain order in the field of equestrian practice and bring out new riders, each one more talented than the last. Here is an update on the obligations that are specific to riders.
Mandatory practices for riders
To be able to ride alone on public roads, a rider must be at least 14 years old (art. 8.2 § 4 of the RGCR). From the age of 12, they can ride on the road if they are accompanied by a rider aged at least 21 (art. 3 Royal Decree of 25/03/1987). Article 55.4 of the RGCR also allows riders to ride two abreast on the road. However, for greater courtesy and safety, it is recommended to get back into single file when approaching a vehicle.
Normally, riders and their mounts cannot use cycle paths and sidewalks. Unfortunately, it can happen that in a dangerous situation the rider has no choice, he must then check for pedestrians or cyclists before entering. Similarly, outside built-up areas, riders can use the verges as long as they do not endanger other users. Riders must pay particular attention to their own signs, such as the prohibition of certain paths for their mounts. They cannot ride on paths specifically reserved for other users (roads for cars, etc.).
When riders are riding in groups of at least 10, a group leader aged at least 21 may be designated. He must wear an armband on his left arm in the national colours arranged horizontally, with the words "group leader" written in the yellow band. In the absence of traffic lights, the group leader may block traffic to facilitate the crossing of the group of riders at a crossroads. To do this, he must be equipped with a disc representing the C3 signal. In addition to this disc, La Sellerie Française offers many accessories that professional riders love.
Wearing a protective helmet is mandatory. Riders must be visible at all times. Riders are advised to wear a reflective vest when they go for a ride and are surprised by a storm or by nightfall. There are also reflective strips that the rider can place on the legs and tail of his mount.
Safety and courtesy rules
In addition to legal obligations, certain safety and courtesy rules may be applied when traveling. For example, the rider must bring the horse back to a walk when approaching a group of pedestrians, not leave authorized paths, not ride on fields or fallow land, leave enough space when overtaking a parked car, etc.
For safety reasons, it is also not recommended to ride on asphalt or on rough paths. In these difficult conditions, the horse may stumble and fall, crushing its rider in the process.