Note from the NJ Horse Council on Horse Crossing Signs

Horseback riders:
The email below is self explanatory. Law enforcement officials in other areas may not know this law, carry a copy of it with you. Show your officials this email and ask them how this can be done in your area if horses need to be on the local roads.

This State Statute is in the newly released The "New Jersey Trails Book" (attached Adobe Acrobat File: DMV_horse_3_violation.PDF) is available to New Jersey Horse Council members for $20 and non-members for $25, plus shipping and handling. To get your copy, visit www.njhorsecouncil.com online, e-mail secretary@njhorsecouncil.com, call (856) 231-0771

Press Release:
Upper Freehold Township has joined Millstone and Colts Neck in Monmouth
County in agreeing to place Horse Crossing signs throughout their municipality.

The below recently passed Statute was the impetus to get a group of horse lovers from Millstone to go to the NJ Department of Transportation for approval of signage based on the statute.

Education of the motorist to respect the equestrian and to identify that they are required by law to slow down is a major safety factor in promoting this signage throughout the State.

Maybe your town can be next!

State Statute from Title 39 also (P.L. 2004, c.163)

39:4-72 Slowing, stopping on signal from driver, rider of a horse; violations, fine.

39:4-72. a. When approaching or passing a person riding or driving a horse, a person driving a motor vehicle shall reduce the vehicle's speed to a rate not exceeding 25 miles an hour and proceed with caution. At the request of or upon a signal by putting up the hand or otherwise, from a person riding or driving a horse in the opposite direction, the motor vehicle driver shall cause the motor vehicle to stop and remain stationary so long as may be necessary to allow the horse to pass.

b. The administrator shall include in the New Jersey Driver Manual information explaining the requirements of subsection a. of this section and cautioning licensees on the need to exercise caution when operating a motor vehicle near horses.

c. A person who violates subsection a. of this section shall be subject to a fine of $150.

Amended 2004, c.163, s.1.

*Taken from New Jersey Permanent Statutes Database

• Dress in layers.
• Make sure horses have the opportunity to drink before starting up the trail
• Allow horses to drink if there is water available on the trail.
• Bring or wear hats and sunscreen to prevent heat exhaustion or sun stroke.
• Check all tack and equipment before leaving home and before starting on the trail.
• Safety helmet use is an individual and parental decision.