THERE are no blinkers on horses when it comes to detecting nearby electric vehicles, a major Scottish study shows.
Horses, it seems can sense an EV before their riders, according to the research programme into how they respond to the noise – or lack of it – from battery-powered cars.
Problems only arise when drivers either pass too quickly or to close to horse and rider.
The investigation was carried out by the British Horse Society (BHS) with Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University and the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland.
It showed that low level noises produced by EVs are picked up by horses.
The experimentation took place at the Dunecht Estates, Aberdeenshire, with three horses and three different EV models driving at varying speeds.
Last year, almost 3000 road incidents involving horses were reported to the BHS – 66 horses were killed and 129 were injured.
BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox announced the detailed findings of the Characterisation of Horse Response to Electric Car Noise report at the Eglinton Country Park, Ayrshire, earlier this week.
He said: “With more and more electric cars on Britain’s roads, this report’s new data and analysis provides a significant insight that will help to alleviate concerns from riders about how their horse reacts to EVs due to limited sound levels.
"It will also be a vital tool to encourage drivers, regardless of whether they are driving an electric or conventional vehicle, to be careful when passing horses on the road.”
EVA Scotland director, Neil Swanson welcomed the research findings: “Research such as this is essential and invaluable both from an EV driver’s and horse rider/owner’s perspective.
“Safety of horses and their riders on our roads is paramount and understanding how to support the vigilance of both parties is essential if incidents are to be avoided.
“As the number of EVs on Scotland’s highways and byways soars, EVA Scotland encourages all road users to take note of the report’s findings and strive towards creating harmony on our roads.”
In 2021, claims the BHS, 13 per cent of horse riders were victims of road rage or abuse.
About 85 per cent of those incidents occurred as a vehicle passed too closely and 75 per cent occurred due to it passing too quickly.
Horse owner and an EV driver for almost 10 years, Elinor Chalmers, from Fife, said: “There is an increasing number of reported incidents involving horses and vehicles.
“The proportion of EVs our roads is rising exponentially, so it is important to assess how horses react to these quieter vehicles. It will help keep horses, riders and drivers safe when they meet.
“Even when driving my electric car, I’m always additionally cautious when approaching an equine in case they haven’t heard me coming. However, I find that the horse is often aware of my presence but the rider is not.”
Robert Gordon University Professor James Njuguna said that the number of horse and EV incidents is on the rise with society’s shift to electric transport.
He added: “A better understanding of horse behaviour in the presence of an EV is a step forward for the shared safety of all road users.
“The findings clearly indicate the horse is cautiously recognising EVs long before the rider does and forms a baseline for detailed studies in future.”
The British Horse Society, the largest equine charity in the UK, is running a Dead Slow campaign to help drivers when they come across horses while out on the road.
It highlights the need to slow to a maximum of 10mph, be patient and don’t sound your horn or rev your engine and to pass by widely – leaving at least two metres if possible – then drive away slowly.
