Being seen is everything
I live in Horeke, Hokianga – a place of raw beauty where the only streetlights are the stars and the sun. Out here, the roads curve through hills and valleys, cloaked in darkness at night and often thick with morning mist. It’s just us, the land, and the sky. I’m a Western rider. Traditionally, that meant no helmets, no hi-vis – just you, your horse, and the wide-open feel. But moving to Horeke changed that.
The speed of some cars on our narrow, winding roads is unbelievable. You feel it before you see it – a roar, a rush of air, a blur too close. Your horse tenses, your heart jumps. It’s not just unsettling; it’s downright dangerous. Then there are the good sorts – the ones on motorbikes who see you, slow right down, and give you and your horse all the room in the world. That simple act of care? It’s everything. It shows it can be done.
Safety isn’t just about me. Most of my kids ride. When we head out, it’s not a quiet solo trek – it could be ten of us, a line of horses and riders, laughter mixed with concentration. Seeing a car crest the hill towards our group… that’s when the need to be seen hits hardest. We’re someone’s child, someone’s parent, someone’s friend out there. My husband knows this. He’s taken to our local community Facebook page like a mission, posting warnings: "Horses out on Horeke Rd this afternoon, please take care!" It’s our little alarm bell, hoping it reaches the right ears before we meet them on the road.
So, we adapted. The Western style is in my heart, but safety is non-negotiable here. Hi-vis vests are now as essential as our saddles. Helmets, once uncommon for us, are strapped on without question.
That fluorescent yellow isn't a fashion choice; it’s a plea: "See us. Please, just see us."
That’s why discovering the Pass Wide and Slow campaign felt like finding a lifeline. When promoted in 2024, it wasn't just an event; it was a revelation. This simple message – Pass Wide and Slow – it’s pure genius for New Zealand, especially for places like ours. It cuts through the noise. It tells every driver, simply and clearly, exactly how to keep us safe: Slow down, and give us space.
This campaign is my 'why'. It’s the hope that the next car coming around the bend isn't speeding, but slowing. It’s the belief that awareness can replace close calls with courtesy. It’s for every rider braiding their horse before a ride, every kid learning the ropes, every partner posting that FB warning, and every driver who chooses to pass wide and slow. Because out here in the Hokianga dark, being seen isn't just important – it’s everything. Pass Wide and Slow gives us that chance. That’s why I’m in.
Nga mihi nui kia koe, Ngahine
