During 2023, current legislation of interest within Vermont includes:
- The definition of agriculture as it relates to equine facilities and activities to more equitably obtain tax benefits afforded to other agriculture businesses.
- Trail access for equestrians
- Water quality
- Pesticide utilization
During 2023, current legislation of interest Nationwide includes:
- Anti-soring legislation
- DOT regulations on horse hauling
- Rodeo regulation
Many people are not familiar with the law when it comes to horses and motorized vehicles. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, please familiarize yourself with these important facts. And always think, “SAFETY FIRST”.
Title 23: Motor Vehicles
Chapter 13: Operation Of Vehicles
§ 1014. Persons riding animals
A person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a road is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle by this chapter except those provisions of this chapter which by their very nature can have no application. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
§ 1127. Control in presence of horses and cattle
(a) Whenever upon a public highway and approaching a vehicle drawn by a horse or other draft animal, or approaching a horse or other animal upon which a person is riding, the operator of a motor vehicle shall operate the vehicle in such a manner as to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the frightening of such horse or animal and to insure the safety and protection of the person riding or driving.
(b) The operator of a motor vehicle shall yield to any cattle, sheep, or goats which are being herded on or across a highway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1989, No. 55.)
