Self-closing gates a barrier to riding

The British Horse Society (BHS) has published the results of research to determine the effect of self-closing gates on horse riders. The research was a response to an increasing number of reports that riders and horses had been harmed by such gates.The trial demonstrates that self-closing bridle gates are neither as safe nor as easy to use for horse riders as British Standard 5709:2006 compliant non-self-closing gates. The trial, which took place in Kent in 2011, saw experienced riders attempt a series of self-closing gates and a horse-friendly vehicle barrier to test the reliability,