Equestrians
Equestrians, on this part of the website you will find tips on how to keep safe, what to do during a dog encounter, how to report them and everything in between.
Riding etiquette when meeting a dog or riding areas where dogs may be walked, (everywhere)!
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When encountering dog walkers while out hacking, we follow the "Stop, Talk, Walk" approach:
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Stop. Pausing your horse can reduce the chance of triggering a dog’s prey drive and makes you less of a moving target. It also allows the dog walker time to recall and leash their dog.
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Talk. Use a friendly voice to reassure both dog and owner. A simple “Hello” or “Is your dog okay with horses?” opens communication and helps the dog associate horses with calm human presence. Always thank them for their cooperation.
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Walk. Only pass dogs at a walk to avoid exciting or alarming them. Never trot or canter past.
Additional tips:
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Always reduce speed to walk when approaching dogs or areas with limited visibility or corners.
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Announce your presence early if approaching from behind and you haven't been noticed. A clear “Horses!” or “Hello!” helps avoid surprises.
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Give space! If you have more room, pause and allow the dog walker to pass safely.
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Offer positive experiences if it's safe and appropriate, and the owner agrees, stop briefly for a calm interaction. Just a short pause can help desensitise the dog to horses and create safer future encounters for other riders.
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And finally, wear hi-vis clothing, it's not just for roads! It's for visibility to walkers, cyclists, other riders, and emergency services, in all weather and seasons. Please put hi-vis on both you and your horse, if the worst happens and you get separated then your horse has a chance to be seen better.
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Respectful and responsible riding helps keep you and your horse safer.
When things go wrong
Dog attacks on horses are sadly happening more often and they can be serious. The best practice approach in the event of an incident is as follows:
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Stay calm – Panic can escalate the situation for both horse and rider.
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Create distance – If possible, ride away calmly to separate your horse from the dog.
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Protect vulnerable riders – Shield younger or less experienced riders if safe to do so.
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Keep your horse’s head away – This may reduce the chance of facial bites or panic.
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Allow your horse to defend itself – Horses may kick or move instinctively in self-defence.
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Note details – Try to remember key identifying features of the dog and its owner.
​​In addition, we recommend:
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Ride with a camera to record the incident for any follow-up or legal action.
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Remain still and composed until it becomes unsafe, then leave quickly but in control.
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Dismount if necessary. If there’s a serious risk of falling, it's often safer to dismount to avoid being dragged, trampled, or seriously injured.
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Carry legal deterrents. Some pet corrector sprays are legal in the UK, but make sure your horse is desensitised to them beforehand. A riding crop may help to deter a persistent dog, but be aware that using it excessively could have legal implications.
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Assess your escape route. Some dogs can match a horse's speed. If you need to flee, your safety comes first. Just be aware of your surroundings: make sure there’s enough space, that you can stay in control of your horse, and that you’re not putting others at risk. If possible, alert other path users or call out for help, someone nearby may be able to intervene or assist.
Every situation is different. In moments of high stress, decisions must often be made in seconds. Your priority is always your own safety — whatever that needs to look like in the moment.
What happens during/after
the incident
If you believe your life or the safety of others is at immediate risk due to a dog, call 999 without hesitation.
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If you or your horse have any injuries, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. A veterinary record may be needed in court.
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If the incident has happened, please report it to your local police force using 101 or their website. There may be no outcome, but a record has been made.
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Alert other riders if you can.
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Please then use the British Horse Societies HorseI app or through the record an incident form on their website: https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/record-an-incident/
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​No matter how small the incident, please report it. Gathering statistics through the BHS is vital to our campaign.
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Report to the police, record to the BHS.
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If you are happy to share video footage of your incident publicly (Good or bad!), you can do so by contacting Victoria (EnduranceWithDarcey) through her social media channels or email endurancewithdarceyofficial@gmail.com. Please note: Any videos related to active police investigations will not be shared or used, in order to avoid compromising the outcome of the case.
