California Highway Patrol in Merced recently arrested a person who they say was drunk while riding on the highway. But the traveler was not behind the wheel — rather, the person was on horseback, police said.

Officer Kody Brackett noticed a horse rider on a highway and riding with an open container of alcohol, the highway patrol said in a news release posted on Facebook Sunday.

He contacted the rider and after confirming the person was allegedly drunk, Officer Brackett arrested the rider for “driving” under the influence, the highway patrol said in the release.

Authorities did not state the name or sex of the arrested rider, specify which highway the person was on, or say exactly when the incident occurred.

California law regarding DUI offenses also applies to those riding animals on the highway, law enforcement said.

The horse was returned to its unspecified place of origin by Officer Brackett after its rider’s arrest.

“This incident serves as a reminder that impaired riding, even on a horse, poses risks to both the rider and others on the road. We commend Officer Brackett‘s dedication to upholding safety standards in all situations,” CHP said in the release.

This incident is not the first time the highway patrol has tangoed with inebriated horse riders. Police said they made similar arrests for a February 2018 incident and another in March 2019.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.