Bridleway gate safety

Bad design or disrepair of bridleway gates can have huge impacts on rider and horse safety. For a rider to maintain control of the gate, whilst the horse passes through and turns to close it, requires much dexterity from both horse and rider. A badly hung gate, enclosing vegetation or high winds can impact how safe it is to negotiate a gate.

Gate swing

If a gate swings shut too fast whilst the horse is going through, and the horse feels grabbed or squeezed by a gate, they can panic with chaotic results. Gates should swing evenly to open and close.

Gate latch design

Pin latches risk injury or danger for both horse and rider. If the gate swings open or closes too fast, then the pin could gouge the horse’s body or the rider’s leg.

Gate handle design and positioning

Most gates have a fastening which requires the horse and rider to lean out of the saddle to manipulate. The more the rider has to lean over, the more possible it is for the rider to fall if the horse steps away at the wrong moment.

The use of a D latch makes the latch safer; the rider will have to lean over the gate post to reach the mechanism to operate this gate.

Gate handles themselves can be a hazard. If a horse’s bridle or rein gets caught on a gate then again a horse may panic.

A simple chain has the advantage of being accessible from either side of the gate, will not get caught on a bridle/reins, and does not have a latch which might cause injury to horse or rider.

Long Mynd & District Bridleways Association works on promoting safe gates throughout our area.

Please report issues with bridleway gates to Report a rights of way issue | Shropshire Council