What Car? Q&A - Horses two by two

Q: On the fairly narrow, country roads near my home there are often people on horses, riding side by side, holding up the traffic. Are they allowed to do this?
Brian Locker

A: It is accepted that horse-riders ride in double file on public roads often when escorting young and inexperienced horses or riders, or in particularly fast or heavy traffic to slow drivers down. Doing this is safer for everybody involved. Remember a horse has a mind of its own and must be treated as a potential hazard.

The Highway Code states: 'Be particularly careful of horses and riders, especially when overtaking. Always pass wide and slow and remember that horse riders are often children. Look out for riders’ signals and always heed a request to slow down or stop.'