Pass Wide and Slow – what it's all about?

Pass Wide and Slow is an international organisation with the purpose of educating drivers how to pass horses safely on the roads. It started in the UK and has spread to Ireland, USA, New Zealand and now Australia. Awareness rides take place internationally on the same date each year. The Darling Downs Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride is one of the first to be planned in Western Australia.

Darling Downs Equestrian Park (DDEP)

This is a public access horse facility, managed by the Darling Downs Residents Association, on behalf of the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale. The DDRA are volunteers so please treat their representatives with respect.

Upon arrival at the car park, off Evening Peal Court, you will be met by a volunteer who will direct you to the parking areas. Please abide by their directions as some areas of the DDEP may not be suitable for vehicles. You will be asked to park with about 4m between each float to give enough space for horses to be tied to floats.

There are a few day yards which are available on a first in best dressed basis. Portable yards may be used if there is enough space behind your float. Do not tie your horse up to the day yards. This is not permitted at the DDEP.

Portable toilets will be provided for this event.

On your return from the ride, the Rotary Club of Gosnells will provide a sausage sizzle for a gold coin donation. Please ensure your horse is secured while you enjoy your food and remember your “gold coin”. Bottled water will also be available free of charge.

Darling Downs Pass Wide and Slow Ride details

· This is a free event however all riders and carriage drivers need to pre-register for this event through Humantix. To ensure the safety of all participants, this event will be capped at 50 riders / carriages.

· All registered participants must provide insurance details/EA/PC prior to the event.

· All horses should be tacked up and ready to depart from the Evening Peal Court car park at 9:30am.

· At 9:30am the lead car will depart.

· Carriage drivers will go directly after the lead car, with other horse riders following on. The route is shown on the attached map.

· There will be another support car at the rear of the horses.

· All horses should remain at a walk unless catching up with the horse in front.

· When riding on public roads, obey the road rules. Ride single breast and to the left of the road. Please use the road verges where necessary. Horses being ridden or driven are treated as vehicles and must obey the road rules.

· Please ensure that gaps between horses do not develop, especially on the roads, which may antagonise drivers. The purpose is to make drivers aware of horses on the road and how to pass them safely, not to become a road hazard ourselves.

· Remember to thank drivers who pass wide and slow.

Safety

· The lead car will contain a first aid kit and qualified first aider.

· Please alert 1 of the event volunteers, who will be dressed in purple hi-vis vests for identification, and they can help you contact the organiser / first aider should any unexpected issues arise whilst on the ride.

· All riders should have their own Public Liability insurance to take part in this ride.

· Riders should wear appropriate safety gear including a helmet and appropriate boots. Hi-vis vests are recommended to make sure you can be seen on the roads.

· Should you horse be unsettled or you wish to cut the ride short for any other reason, there will be opportunity to return to the car park when the route takes you back into the DDEP from Wungong South Road. This short cut will be clearly signed.

What do I need to bring?

Horse water. There is no water available at the DDEP. Please bring enough drinking water for your horse. Bottles of human drinking water will be available on the day

Old feed bag – to remove any manure from around your float. Please leave the DDEP clean and tidy. There is a manure pit at the southern end of the yards.

Darling Downs Pass Wide and Slow Ride Route

· The approx. 7km route starts at the Darling Downs Equestrian Park car park just off Evening Peal Court.

· Continue through DDEP trails to Kentucky Drive.

· Ride along Kentucky Drive and turn left and ride north onto Wungong South Road.

· Return into DDEP opposite Dalray Court. (You can cut the ride short from here and follow the marked trail back to the car park).

· Continue through the DDEP to Tulloch Way.

· Turn left and ride south onto Masters Road.

· Return to the DDEP by turning left onto the trail between Lord Fury Court and Rain Lover Court.

· Ride ends back at the Evening Peal Court car park.