Horses in traffic

We share our roads with horse riders in some Northern Beaches suburbs such as Terrey Hills, Duffy’s Forest, Ingleside, Warriewood and Oxford Falls.

Riders — Safety tips

Use horse trails where possible or ride on the left-hand side of the road in the same direction as the traffic
Use clear hand signals to notify motorists of intent to turn
Side-by-side riding is permitted if there is enough space to do so safely and you’re within 1.5m of each other.
Horse riders are permitted to walk or ride their horse on footpaths and nature strips unless signposted otherwise
Always give way to pedestrians
Horses must not be ridden across pedestrian or children’s crossings.
Ride during daylight hours and wear bright coloured clothing
Always wear an Australian Standard helmet

Horse riders have the right to share our roads.
Horses can be unpredictable around vehicles. Drivers must slow down and leave space when overtaking horse riders
Never use your horn or rev your engine as this could scare the horse.
Extra caution should be given when passing a younger rider
It is important to know horses have a blind spot and may not see you approaching. Pay attention to riders’ body language and hand signals
Stop if the rider is having difficulty with their horse

Bicycle Riders: It is a courtesy and good practice for bicycle riders to alert the rider of bicycle approaching and not to scare a horse. Preferably call out to the rider in a clear and low voice or gently ring the bell.
Motorbike riders: Slow down and allow horses to pass safely. Minimise the noise from the engine or turn off your engine if necessary.

Northern Beaches Council manages 4 reserves in the area and 3 of them are providing a range of horse facilities including:

JJ Melbourne Hills Reserve: Thompson Dr, Terrey Hills NSW 2084
Kinka Reserve: 254 Tooronga Rd, Terrey Hills NSW 2084
Anembo Reserve: Anembo Rd, Duffys Forest NSW 2084
Rhoker Reserve: provides a bush trial over a timber bridge, linking to the intersection of Thuddungra Rd & Joalah Rd in Duffys Forest, NSW 2084
Duffys Forest & Terrey Hills Community Bridle Trail: will be a 6.5 km all-weather trail connecting horse riding arenas between Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest.

There are a number of horse trails riding centres and clubs in the area including the Forest Hill Pony Club.