THE Pass Wide and Slow (PWAS) ride will take place next week on Sunday, September 6 to educate motorists on how to share the roads with horses and riders.

Six rides will be held across WA in the Swan Valley, Albany, Harvey, Margaret River, Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Mount Barker.

The Swan Valley ride is coordinated by the WA Horse Council from the State Equestrian Centre in Brigadoon and led by the WA mounted police.

WA Horse Council chair Dr Kathy Klein said motorists should slow below 20kmh and pass with a distance of 2m.

“Even the quietest horse can react suddenly to speed, noise or a vehicle passing too close. A few seconds of patience and extra space can prevent a serious incident,” she said.

Dr Klein said the campaign had particular relevance to the local Swan community.

“A serious collision in Ellenbrook happened in May, when a vehicle and horse float carrying two racehorses overturned. Both horses went down in the float and an emergency response was required alongside the seriously injured people involved. The collision tragically later became a fatal road crash investigation,” she said.

“The incident also highlighted the challenges faced by emergency responders when large animals are involved in road crashes.”

The 2026 PAWS campaign is funded through a road safety commission community initiatives grant and includes the distribution of high-visibility vests and Pass Wide and Slow signage to pony clubs, trail-riding groups, equestrian organisations and communities throughout WA.

For the Swan Valley event, horses, riders and carriage drivers will gather from 10am, with the approximately 6km ride departing at 11am along Cathedral Avenue before returning to the State Equestrian Centre.

The ride is expected to be completed by 1pm and riders are expected to wear helmets, boots and high visibility vests at all times.