Whanganui, Aotearoa New Zealand · Affiliated with NZPCA · Central Districts Region Contact & FAQ

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Pony Club Manual No.1 · Pages 24–25 & NZ Road Code

Road rules for horse & pony riders

Essential rules from the New Zealand Road Code and Pony Club Manual No.1 — covering hand signals, road etiquette, group riding and what to do before you head out.

NZTA Road Code for horse riders ↗ Jump to hand signals ↓

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Pony Club Manual No.1 reference

The rules and diagrams on this page are drawn from Pony Club Manual No.1, pages 24–25 (Code of Conduct & Riding on the Road) — the standard syllabus for D, D+ and C Certificate riders. All club members riding on public roads are expected to know this material. The manual is available from Horselands ↗ and other equestrian retailers.

Before you ride out

Check your equipment

Saddle, bridle and girth correctly fitted and secure
Approved safety helmet, properly fitted and tagged
Hi-vis vest for you — and consider hi-vis for your horse too
Secure footwear with a heel

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Tell someone your plan

Always let someone know where you're going
Give your expected time of return
Leave a note if nobody is home
Take a phone if possible

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Choose your route carefully

Avoid busy, high-speed roads (e.g. state highways) if a safe off-road alternative exists
Ride the route in advance on foot if it's new
Avoid riding near stock during lambing or calving

General road etiquette

The rules

Required Single file on the road at all times, unless two abreast is needed to protect an inexperienced horse.

Required Keep left — ride on the left-hand side of the road, as far to the left as safely possible.

Required No more than 2 abreast and never on the right of a moving vehicle.

Required Keep your horse under control at all times. Do not canter or gallop on paved roads.

Tip If your pony shies, turn his head away from what he is shying at — this stops him swinging his hindquarters into traffic.

Tip Always acknowledge drivers who slow down and pass wide with a nod or wave.

The trot is one of the worst paces near traffic

The Pony Club Manual notes that a fast, unbalanced trot is one of the worst things for a pony's legs and manners on the road. Keep your horse steady, active and calm — a good active walk is one of the best paces on the road.

Never let your pony get into the habit of going slowly away from home and rushing back. By all means have a canter in a suitable place — but never alongside a road.

In town: ride single file, obey traffic signals, and respect pedestrian crossings. The walk is the only safe pace in traffic.

Communicating with traffic — hand signals

Use clear hand signals so drivers know what you are about to do. Give the signal early and clearly — not just as you are turning.

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Turn right

Extend your right arm straight out to the right, parallel to the ground.

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Pull in / turn left

Extend your left arm straight out to the left, parallel to the ground.

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Slowing / stopping

Extend arm out and slightly down, and move it slowly up and down.

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Difficulty controlling

Wave arm to warn drivers to please slow down — I am having difficulty controlling my pony.

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From the Pony Club Manual No.1

Official hand signal diagrams — pages 24–25

Official Pony Club Manual hand signal diagrams showing: I intend to move out or turn right; I am having difficulty controlling my pony — please slow down; I intend to pull in or turn left; I am about to slow down or stop

Hand signals as illustrated in the Pony Club Manual No.1. From top left: Move out/turn right · Difficulty controlling pony (slow down) · Pull in/turn left · About to slow down or stop.

Group riding on roads

Lead and sweep

›The most experienced rider leads at the front of the group and sets the pace.

›Another experienced rider acts as "sweeper" at the back, keeping the group together.

›Less experienced riders and nervous ponies should ride in the middle of the group.

›Ride in single file on the road. When stopping to check traffic, act as a single unit — cross together when it is safe.

›Obey all traffic signals and signs. Groups must wait for a safe gap and cross together.

Country vs town roads

Country roads

Use the grass verge where available. Walk if the going is rough or the pony is unshod. Remember the danger of the pony bruising a foot on a sharp stone — always check the road is clear by looking behind before moving off.

Town and city streets

Obey all traffic signals and respect pedestrian crossings. The walk is the only safe pace in traffic. Ride single file and stay alert — anticipate what is around corners or parked vehicles.

Quick reference summary