Horses and shoots

There are a number of causes for concern over safety issues between shooters and equestrians. However, a good relationship exists between the two groups and the problems should be easily overcome. These guidelines will help to contribute towards the safety of the riders and horses.

Risks

Noise is the principal issue to be addressed. Risks can be broken down into two main areas; some that are wholly to do with shooting and another, more general, one

The noise from the guns as they fire
The sounds created by spent shot as it falls as well as any falling shot birds
Noises and sudden movements made by gun dogs and beaters working in cover as they approach bridleways etc. (This may include the sound of a flushed animal)
Drives situated near to regular riding routes may be responsible for spent shot falling on and around those routes. Care should be taken, where practical, to avoid this.
Shoot organisers should be aware that ‘holding up’ a horse which might be near its home stable can result in a problem for the rider. For example, it is really only police horses and some military mounts that will stand for long periods of time.

Dealing with the risks

Riders and shooters should show courtesy and consideration towards each other at all times
Riders and shooters should be vigilant at all times
As soon as a horse or horses are spotted, all shooting and beating should stop until they have passed
All guns should be aware of bridleways and it should be the duty of every host to notify guests of their position and of any fields in which horses may be present. Drives should be organised with this in mind.
Where possible shoots should liaise with local riders or yards to inform people when formal shoots are taking place; equally riders should look for clues that shooting may be taking place in the area, e.g sounds, cars parked in gateways, BASC stickers in car windows.
It may be appropriate to publish the dates of shooting days and to inform local riding centres of any drives which may affect them. Publication of dates would move an element of responsibility to riders.
If appropriate, signs or signals should be placed notifying riders that shooting will be taking place. Shooters and riders should ensure that they have adequate third party insurance.

Related pages

Codes of Practice

Codes of practice BASC has been producing codes of practice for decades. Our codes are designed to help people to understand the laws and lore of different forms of shooting, and also to impart some basic, but essential, guidance on health and safety. The Code of Good Shooting Practice BASC’s

Code of best practice on the use of snares for fox control in England

Fox snaring and control in England Code of Practice Fox Snaring and Control in England – Code of Practice Download Useful Contact Details Defra Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR Tel: 03459 335 577 – Email: defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk British Association for Shooting and Conservation Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HL

Brown Hares Code of Practice

Brown hares Code of Practice England This code sets out the law and best practice for ensuring an appropriate and workable balance between the welfare and conservation of brown hares Lepus europaeus, their status as game, and their ability to cause serious damage to crops. The code has been drawn