Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road made everyone want to take their horse for a stroll in New Orleans streets but did you know the following:
According to Sec. 106-215. Animals, use of vehicles. It is against the law to tie your horse to a tree on a public highway, and additionally, the horse cannot stand in a manner that could possibly injure the tree. (Yes, we are serious!)
Furthermore, no person can ride horseback or drive cattle on neutral ground or fasten any animal to a neutral ground, park, public place, triangle, or sidewalk in the city.
However, It is technically legal to ride horse on the roads in Louisiana, according to Louisiana Revised Statute 32:22 which states, “ Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and be subject to all of the suites applicable to the driver of a vehicle.”
So if you do decide to take your horse down Bourbon Street to jam out to Old Town Road, you should consider these safety tips to avoid traffic accidents:
- Wear reflective or easy-to-see clothing
- Use reflective gear for your horse such as leg wraps, breast collars, and stirrup bars
- Use attachable flashing lights on your saddle
- Pack cell phone, identification, hoof pick, and a pocket knife for emergencies
- Make sure your horse’s temperament is safe around noise and passing cars
- Make sure your horse has shoes
- Get your horse comfortable with being ridden before bringing him/her on the road
- Know the road and surrounding areas for safe travel
- Let someone know your route and destination
Additionally, you should know the following rules of the road for riding horseback:
- If you’re riding with other horseback riders, form a single-file line and ride close to the shoulder
- Look both ways before crossing an intersection
- If you have to ride side-by-side, keep the most experienced rider closest to traffic
- If your horse gets spooked, get off and lead him/her
- Keep the reigns in your hands
- Beware of potholes, rocks, glass, and other debris in the road
- Beware of other animals in the area that can frighten your horse
- Beware of people approaching your horse
- Don’t panic — your horse will feed off of your energy
Ultimately, when using a horse for transportation, be mindful of your animal, the public, and road safety tips to keep you, your animal, and others around you safe from harm.
Share these reminders with your friends and family so they too can be aware!
