Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road made everyone want to take their horse for a stroll in New Orleans streets but did you know the following:

According to Sec. 106-215. Animals, use of vehicles. It is against the law to tie your horse to a tree on a public highway, and additionally, the horse cannot stand in a manner that could possibly injure the tree. (Yes, we are serious!)

Furthermore, no person can ride horseback or drive cattle on neutral ground or fasten any animal to a neutral ground, park, public place, triangle, or sidewalk in the city.

However, It is technically legal to ride horse on the roads in Louisiana, according to Louisiana Revised Statute 32:22 which states, “ Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and be subject to all of the suites applicable to the driver of a vehicle.”

So if you do decide to take your horse down Bourbon Street to jam out to Old Town Road, you should consider these safety tips to avoid traffic accidents:

Wear reflective or easy to see clothing
Use reflective gear for your horse such as leg wraps, breast collars, and stirrup bars
Use attachable flashing lights on your saddle
Pack cell phone, identification, hoof pick, and a pocket knife for emergencies
Make sure your horse’s temperament is safe around noise and passing cars
Make sure your horse has shoes
Get your horse comfortable with being ridden before bringing him/her on the road
Know the road and surrounding areas for safe travel
Let someone know your route and destination

Additionally, you should know the following rules of the road for riding horseback:

If you’re riding with other horseback riders, form a single file line and ride close to the shoulder
Look both ways before crossing an intersection
If you have to ride side-by-side, keep the most experience rider closest to traffic
If your horse gets spooked, get off and lead him/her
Keep the reigns in your hands
Beware of potholes, rocks, glass, and other debris in the road
Beware of other animals in the area that can frighten your horse
Beware of people approaching your horse
Don’t panic — your horse will feed off of your energy

Ultimately, when using a horse for transportation, be mindful of your animal, the public, and road safety tips to keep you, your animal, and others around you safe from harm.

Share these reminders with your friends and family so they too can be aware!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or experienced a motor vehicle related injury, please contact Ron Austin Law to speak to an experience attorney today at 800-282-4199 or stop by our Harvey or Hammond office. Our committed and dedicated team will get you the help you need.

Ron Austin Law has been helping people who have sustained personal injuries, have been harmed by dangerous drugs or defective devices, or have been affected by an environmental hazard for nearly 25 years.