You're driving down the road when suddenly you see a horse and rider up ahead. This is becoming more common in Moore County. The Devonaire 4-H Horse Club suggests the following safety tips to help motorists and riders be prepared to share the road.

n For a horse and rider, safety begins at home. In a safe environment, riders should prepare their horses for potential startling agents such as roadside trash, bikes, bells, cars and horns.

n Choose your roads carefully, bearing in mind that N.C. law requires riders to travel with traffic. A wide shoulder helps ensure that you and your horse are as safe as possible.

n Increase your visibility by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing -- and don't forget to wear your riding helmet.

n Communicate to drivers with hand signals so that they know to slow down, and be sure to thank them when they do.

n Usually, riders can control their horses better from the saddle, so if your horse gets spooked, do not dismount. Remain level-headed and focus on your horse.

n Motorists should be aware that N.C. law gives horses and their riders the right to use public roads and obligates motorists to use reasonable care when near a horse. Since horses startle easily, motorists should slow down when approaching them, and pass slowly while avoiding making loud noises or sudden movements.

By using a little "horse sense," motorists and riders can share the road safely.

The Devonaire 4-H Horse Club will host a "Whoa Down in Moore County, and Share the Road" booth at the Moore County Fair, Sept. 1-5.

"Stop by to pick up a brochure and learn more so that you, a motorist or a rider, can be better prepared to share the road," says a spokesman.

For information on the Devonaire 4-H Horse Club, contact Beverly Wray at: wrayhillfarm@copper.net.

Mary Harvey is the secretary of the Devonaire 4-H Horse Club.