Insider reports that the California Highway Patrol recently arrested a man on the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and having an open container while he was on horseback.
Authorities say that the incident happened in Merced when Officer Kody Brackett observed a rider on horseback with an open container of alcohol. Out of concern for the public and for the horse, Officer Brackett contacted the rider, who showed clear signs of intoxication. The unidentified rider was arrested for DUI and having an open container.
While it might sound surprising that an equestrian could be charged with driving under the influence while on horseback, according to California Code 21050, the rules are the same for someone on horseback as they are if that person had gotten behind the wheel.
“Impaired riding, even on a horse, poses risks to both the rider and others on the road,” the CHP said in a Facebook Post on Sunday.
After the unidentified rider was arrested, the CHP officer felt his duty was to return the horse to safety. Video from Scripps News shows the horse being gently led beside Officer Brackett’s CHP patrol cruiser back to the safety of his stable.
