Horses are creatures of habit, not of highways. They likely escaped from a nearby field or yard, enticed by the promise of fresh grass along the verge. The M4 corridor near Bristol and South Wales is flanked by farmland, making these incidents more common than you’d think.
National Highways has a protocol for such situations: close the road, deploy traffic officers, and call in a qualified horse handler. Never attempt to shoo a horse yourself. They spook easily, and a panicked horse on a motorway is dangerous for everyone involved.
The incident was resolved within a couple of hours, with the horses safely returned to their owner. No injuries were reported—except to the blood pressure of everyone running late for work.
What to do if you spot a horse on the road
First, slow down gradually and switch on your hazard lights. Do not honk your horn. A loud noise can trigger a flight response, sending the horse straight into traffic.
Second, pull over safely and call 999 or the Highways Agency. Let the professionals handle the herding. You might feel like a cowboy, but your sedan is not a Quarter Horse.
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Third, resist the urge to film for TikTok. Your safety—and that of the animal—is more important than viral views. The RSPCA advises staying at least 50 metres away.
Fun fact: Horses have panoramic vision, almost 350 degrees. They can see you coming from the side, which is why they might bolt if you approach from an unexpected angle. So stay in their line of sight.
