From Bridle Paths to Bitumen: The Impact of Urban Growth in the Swan Valley – Pass Wide and Slow

In the early 1980s, Henley Brook in the Swan Valley was a place of tranquillity, open paddocks, offering endless peaceful bridle paths for horse and rider. After school and every day on the school holidays, I’d saddle up my grey pony Sapphire and ride along the side of  Henley Street, a quiet, no-through road that only locals used. Every passing car would slow down, give us space and offer a friendly wave. I’d nod in return, grateful for their consideration and understanding of the partnership between rider and horse.

Back then, Henley Street offered a scenic route through a semi-rural dream. I’d ride through vast acreage and make my way to the nearby Gnangara Pine Plantation, weaving through a patchwork of paddocks. The landscape was a tapestry of green and gold and the sense of freedom was unmatched. Brigadoon, Herne Hill and West Swan equally picturesque and offered safety for riders and nature lovers alike.

But like so many hidden gems, the Swan Valley's beauty couldn’t remain a secret forever.

As urban development took hold, those expansive paddocks slowly gave way to suburbia. The city of Ellenbrook emerged where horses once grazed and with it came congestion, traffic and a new demographic of “city folk” unfamiliar with the rural rhythm of life. Henley Street and surrounding streets in the Swan Valley, once horse rider’s track, has become a busy thoroughfare leading into rapidly growing estates.

For those of us who still ride in the area, the change has brought more than just a shift in scenery it has brought danger. Horse riding, even in the best of conditions, is inherently risky. But now, with fast-moving vehicles and drivers unaware of how easily a horse can be spooked, the risks are amplified. A single honk, a sudden rev of an engine, or a car passing too close can lead to a serious, even fatal accident.

It’s not just nostalgia that drives concern it’s safety.

That’s why awareness campaigns such as the “Pass Wide and Slow” initiative are so vital. These events aim to educate drivers about the importance of slowing down and giving space when passing horses on the road. The goal is simple: to prevent accidents by fostering understanding and respect between road users and horse riders.

You can learn more or support this movement by checking out the upcoming awareness ride in Western Australia:
Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride/Drive – Perth, WA

As our cities continue to grow, it’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of the communities and activities that were here before the concrete arrived. Horse riding a way of life, a connection to nature and a reminder of a gentler pace of living. When passing a horse on a road please pass wide and slow you’re thoughtfulness is ensuring safety to horse and rider.

Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride – Western Australia
Be part of history at the first-ever Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride in WA, held at the iconic State Equestrian Centre, Brigadoon, the heart of equestrian sport in our state.

This global movement promotes a clear safety message: slow to 20 km/h and pass horses wide (at least 2 metres). Horses are vulnerable road users, and when startled by vehicles, the outcome can be tragic. This peaceful ride aims to educate both drivers and riders, fostering mutual respect and safer roads.

We’re honoured to share the venue and the day with the WA State Dressage Championships, who are generously showcasing our ride. All are welcome, mounted, in carriage, on foot, or walking alongside.

To mark this milestone, 100 high-vis vests have been generously donated for distribution to participants, highlighting the importance of visibility and communication on the road.

Proudly supported by: City of Swan, Equestrian Western Australia, and Thompson and Redwood

With heartfelt thanks to Pass Wide and Slow UK and Pass Wide and Slow New Zealand, who have kindly guided our journey from the start.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 14 September 2025
• Location: State Equestrian Centre, Brigadoon
• Arrival time: from 10:30 AM
• Ride start: 11:00 AM from the float parking area next to the Polocrosse fields
• Cost: Free to attend
• Registration: All riders and carriage drivers must register via Humanitix – CLICK HERE!
• Waivers: Must be signed on the day prior to riding – no waiver, no ride

Ride Route
The ride will begin from the Polocrosse float parking area at the State Equestrian Centre, heading down Cathedral Avenue on the left-hand side, riding with traffic. Riders will turn around in the open area before the railway tracks, and return along the right-hand side of the road, continuing to ride with traffic at all times.

• Cathedral Avenue is a shared-use corridor—not just for cars, but for horses, riders, veterinarians, visitors to the SEC, trail users, and the wildlife that calls the Swan River home.
• The route highlights the importance of awareness, courtesy, and coexistence on rural roads.
• A lead vehicle, follow vehicle, and ride marshals will accompany the group.
• Road traffic controllers will be stationed at key points as required by the City of Swan.
• Please follow all instructions from ride leaders, marshals, and traffic controllers at all times.
• A mud map will be provided to all participants on the day.

Safety & Conduct

• All horses must remain at a walk throughout the ride.
• Ride single file, stay on the correct side of the road, and obey all traffic rules.
• Maintain a steady pace with minimal gaps between horses.
• Thank drivers who pass wide and slow—it makes a difference.
• Riders must wear helmets and boots, and hi-vis vests are strongly recommended (or collect one of the donated vests at the event).

What to Bring

• Helmet and boots (required)
• Hi-vis vest (or collect one of the 100 free vests)
• Old feed bag – to clean up around your float

Parking & Yards

• Limited day yards available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Most riders will tack up from their floats or trucks
• Please allow at least 4m spacing between vehicles

Facilities & Refreshments

• Food vans will be on site at the SEC, offering water and refreshments after the ride
• Portable toilets will be available
• Please help us keep the grounds clean and respect the venue

Keep an eye on our website and socials (@WA Horse Council) for final updates and to access the Humanitix registration link.
We look forward to riding with you to promote visibility, safety, and respect on our roads—for all who share them.