The R&RS Handbook has sections on Tack & Equipment, Roadcraft, Accidents - what to do, and the Riding and Road Safety exam.
This exam can be taken by any horse rider, whether a member of an affiliated club, pony club, or independent rider.
The Exam requires one Riding and Road Safety Examiner as assessed by the NZRC and the NZ Police. It has four sections:
1: THEORY TEST: Available from NZRC are 4 test sheets each containing 20 questions designed to test knowledge of the Road Code and of roadcraft. The candidate will have to complete one of these, and must get 16 or more questions right.
2: TASK & TURNOUT INSPECTION: This is entirely for safety, and will check for safety of tack and clothing. If anything is found unsafe the candidate cannot continue until it is corrected to the examiner's satisfaction.
3: SIMULATED ROAD ROUTE: This should be as close to an actual road situation as is possible. It can be set up in a large arena or a flat paddock. An example is given below.
4: ROAD TEST: this is conducted on public roads with moderate traffic (not a busy highway). A full briefing is given to the candidate, after which they must complete the test without any outside assistance.
A SUGGESTED PLAN FOR THE SIMULATED ROAD TEST
NB: The Riding and Road Safety Test is a prerequesite of the NZRC Proficiency Tests above the first levels.
NB: results for this Test can be seen on the Test Modules page
You can get this booklet from the Examinations Secretary Evelyn Cooper, 52 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune (ph 06 385 8466) It was put together by the NZRC with help from the Police and sponsorship from Caltex.
The R&RS Handbook is a "Road Code" for horseriders. On average three or four riders are injured on the roads each year, and although this is a low figure, these incidents are a reminder of the dangers traffic can pose to riders and their horses.
.
