While Georgia isn't one of the top horse producing states, more than 74,000 horses live here, according to UGA Extension. A sizable number of those are probably ridden by their owners, but where is this allowed? Here's what we know:
Can you ride a horse on the road?
Under Georgia Code § 40-6-4, riding an animal and animal-driven vehicles (like a carriage) are generally allowed on public roads and streets. Specifically, it says a rider and their animal "shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle."
While this does technically allow someone to ride a horse on the road, you could end up conflicting with other driving laws. One specific example is,
under Georgia's "Slow Poke" Law, vehicles can't be so slow they impede the normal flow is necessary. According to Britannica, the average horse's gallop (its fastest pace) doesn't exceed 30 mph, and the typical rider isn't even pushing its horse that fast. A healthy trot is about a third of that speed.
There may also be local laws and ordinances that govern horseback riding. In Augusta, it's unlawful to ride any horse, mule, or other animal in a disorderly manner through the streets. Last year, Savannah voted to lower the maximum operating temperature for horse-drawn carriage tours, but two local companies sued the city in May and the judge blocked it for the time being.
Farming supplies are at Tractor Supply Co.
Do you need a permit to own a horse?
While you don't need a permit to own a horse, Georgia's Humane Care for Equines Act spells out conditions a horse must be kept in, like being provided adequate food and water or not being overdriven. Violations may lead to a misdemeanor or even a felony "cruelty to animals" charge.
One permit that's worth mentioning is that some Georgia State Parks charge a trail fee for you to ride your horse on it. However, an annual Equestrian Trail Pass is also available. For more info, go to georgiawildlife.com/Equestrian.
What do horses eat?
Generally speaking, horses eat grass, hay, and grains. But according to Rutgers, horses can and will eat a lot of things. Some of the safer oddities include peanut plants, raspberry/blackberry bushes, and dandelions.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Can you ride a horse on Georgia roads? What the law says
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