This petition allows the international horse-riding community to support Kiwi riders, as we work to change the mindset of decision makers towards our vulnerability on the road.  Currently we are an 'other road user'.

We are grateful to the UK Pass Wide and Slow advocates and change makers in Australia for sharing their stories, advice and providing continuous support in our campaign for improved status for horse riders.

The New Zealand Equestrian Network, with the support of New Zealand Riding for Disabled, New Zealand Pony Club Assn, Equestrian Sports New Zealand and Te Hapori Hōiho - The National Maori Horse Aotearoa Association Trust - is asking the New Zealand House of Representatives to hold an inquiry into road user behaviour towards vulnerable road users, including people riding horses, recognise that horse riders are vulnerable road users, and amend the Land Transport Act and associated Rules to include safe provision for horse riders in legislation.

The European Commission defines a ‘vulnerable road user’ (VRU) as any ‘non-motorised’ road user.  NZTA told us it does not have a VRU definition. We think this has led to inconsistencies in how local, regional and central government agencies view horse riders in road safety, inclusion and access to off-road pathways. Horse riders are left out of road safety initiatives and shared pathways.

This is one of many stories shared with me.  It happened in June 2024.

“I had a close call with a truck.  It refused to slow down when I was waving frantically at it to do so. The driver finally did when my horse started to bolt onto the road.  The end result was me being thrown off onto the road in front of the truck which had finally stopped.  I don't ever want to land a couple of metres in front of a truck again.   This is why we need education and understanding about horses sharing the road. The driver had at least 150-200m to react, I measured this later in my van. The driver had no clue about horses and what someone frantically waving at him from horseback means. "

Thank you for your support.