Latest from Horse & Hound in Road-safety

Do drivers know what riders are asking? Government urged to act on road safety confusion

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:55:00 +0000

Equestrians are calling for the Highway Code to be amended to make rider hand signals to drivers clear – as there is disagreement on what they mean.

Kelly Westgate’s Government petition asks for pictorial representation in the code of how riders ask drivers to slow down, as “the current advice could cause dangerous confusion”.

Ms Westgate told H&H the misunderstanding became clear after she shared a video on social media of her 10-year-old daughter Mia hacking out, explaining to drivers that if she raises and lowers her outstretched arm, it is a request to drivers to slow down.

“When we’re out, we get loads of people waving back or completely ignoring us,” she said.

“But when we posted the video on TikTok, there were lots of comments saying, ‘No, that means you’re slowing down.’ It generated debate and it made me look into it.”

Ms Westgate realised that although the Highway Code, which was updated in 2022 to feature more specific guidance on passing horses, states: “Look out for horse riders’ and horse drivers’ signals and heed a request to slow down or stop.”

(Image credit: Reader supplied)

Rider signal picture confusion

But the code neither describes nor pictures the up-and-down motion riders use for this request, as backed by police forces and the British Horse Society (BHS) But it does picture arm signals used by motorcyclists, for whom the same action does mean “I am slowing down”.

“It’s a contradictory element in the Highway Code,” Ms Westgate said. “It seems a bit daft; the BHS videos, mounted police videos, all riders use that signal to ask to slow down but it gets ignored.

“The code mentions rider signals asking you to slow down but then shows the signal people give to say they are slowing down, so what signal are they looking for? What do we need to do to get them to slow down? I know the Highway Code isn’t up for review again so this is an ongoing battle.”

Sign the petition

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H that Ms Westgate is “right to point this out” and that he supports her; he has raised the issue with the Government department for transport (DfT) previously.

“The Highway Code has the picture of the motorcyclist and a bit of wording that says ‘also for use by pedal cyclists and those in charge of horses’,” he said.

“There’s obviously a bit of confusion there, but what I think – and I’ve brought this up with the DfT several times but haven’t got anywhere and it’s still on my to-do list with them – is that if they just take out the words ‘and those in charge of horses’, that will clear up any confusion.”

But, Mr Hiscox added, he hopes that the rider’s real meaning, if they give the signal, is being communicated to new drivers.

“We give presentations to driving instructors and one of the questions I put to them is, ‘If you saw a horse rider giving this signal, what does that mean to you?’ and all the driving instructors have said, ‘That means they want us to slow down,’” he said.

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Asked by H&H about this specific issue, a DfT spokesperson cited road safety measures taken by the Government, including the updating of the Highway Code in 2022 and the publication this year of the national road safety strategy – in which equestrians have been “largely overlooked” as reported by H&H (news, 15 January).

“The safety of all road users is a top priority for the Government and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads,” the spokesperson said.

“The Highway Code includes the hierarchy of road users, which identifies horse riders among the most vulnerable, with strengthened guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse riders.”

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‘How will you keep equestrians safe if you don’t understand them?’ New training for transport professionals could keep horses safer

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 11:52:04 +0000

More than 14,000 transport professionals now have access to training it is hoped will not only keep horses and riders safer but also include them in future plans.

Rider and traffic and transport consultant Catherine Chapman has created the continuing professional development (CPD) module on equestrians as road users. She has developed the workshop with the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the British Horse Society director of safety Alan Hiscox. It is available to more than 14,000 members of the CIHT.

“I hope it will raise more awareness and understanding,” Ms Chapman told H&H. “What I would like it to do is encourage a more inclusive approach to active travel, because at the moment active travel is defined as walking and cycling. But horse riders, in terms of vulnerability, are equal to cyclists according to the Highway Code, so I want to raise awareness and encourage transport professionals to think a bit more outside the box.”

Ms Chapman, the managing director of ADL Traffic and Highways Engineering, carried out a literature review, published in the Journal of Transport and Health, last year, with Professor Charles Musselwhite of Aberystwyth University.

She said she undertook this review, of published literature on equestrians as road users, partly to highlight just how little research there is in this area.

“Once I got it published, I went to my industry body, the CIHR, and said ‘There is no training’,” she said. “I told them we need this CPD workshop, and I could use my study as the basis of a CPD workshop.

“I’m now trying to raise awareness, on a professional level, of the issues horse riders have being on the road, but also the lack of understanding that we as transport professionals have about horse riders as road users. The Government road safety strategy published this year includes horse riders, but it’s just lip service. And how are you going to implement that when you don’t understand horses and you don’t understand horse riders? There needed to be a training basis and it didn’t exist.”

The CPD could be undertaken by professionals including transport planning consultants, those who work at councils or highway authorities and road safety auditors. Benefits could be that, for example, someone planning a shared walkway and cycle route would consider accommodating horses as well.

“There’s such limited research, we almost get excluded from literature reviews, as it doesn’t show up in the searches,” Ms Chapman said. “So by creating a published article, that will hopefully show up in in literature review searches.

“I’ve made my research free access as well; my aspirations are trying to generate more research on horse riders as road users and encourage more inclusive thinking when it comes to active travel and highway design. And making horses and riders safer.”

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‘She was crying help but he drove off’: driver left rider stuck under catastrophically injured pony after road collision

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:56:47 +0000

The owner of a pony who was left catastrophically injured in the road by the driver who hit him with his rider stuck underneath hopes sharing their story may help save others.

Abby Carvosso’s daughter Sofia was uninjured when her pony Paddy landed on her on the road in Surrey last Thursday (5 June), but the 22-year-old Connemara had to be put down at the scene.

“Our gorgeous boy,” Abby told H&H. “We called him Perfect Paddy because he was just a dream, and he was even perfect then. He got up; he was so brave, he didn’t panic, he was still lovely. But the vet arrived, looked at me and just said: ‘no’. It was cut and dried, and we just had to put him down in the lane.”

Abby said Paddy, who had taught countless young riders all they know, and won “everything”; Cotswold Cup, Pony Club and national schools association championships, had just been loaned out to a 10-year-old, and Sofia, who rides professionally for Andrew Balding, was helping keep him fit by hacking out.

“I was at home, about 10 minutes away, and Sofia rang me while she was still on the ground and said ‘I think they’ve killed him’,” she said.

“It’s one of those country roads that’s narrow with high hedgerows and Sofia said she could hear a car coming so she stopped. It came round the corner, screeched its brakes, went into the hedge then smashed into Paddy and Sofia.

“She said she was crying out ‘Help’, and she heard the driver stop – and then drive off. Thank god she was ok. It was hideous enough with our darling pony but it’s not worth thinking about what could have happened.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Abby said she does not really use social media but she posted appealing for information and has had hundreds of people contacting her and police. A man has since been “assisting police with enquiries”.

“My daughter’s so lovely; she said ‘Mum, it’s going to change his life’ but people have to be accountable for their actions,” Abby said.

“We’d had Paddy 10 years and he’d taught so many little jockeys to be good riders, and was still bossing it round the 90cms. He had so much still to give.”

Abby said her children’s driving instructor, who keeps a horse at the same yard, has always spread the word on passing horses safely with her clients.

“And partly, if anything comes from this, it needs to be awareness,” she said. “It’s life-changing for the driver and that’s the risk you take by driving like that. It could be a person walking a dog. If we can do anything to drive awareness; that’s all I’d want from this, because that’s all that can come from it now. And it could save another horse’s, another rider’s life.”

A Surrey Police spokesperson told H&H the man is assisting officers, but the force is still appealing for information.

“Were you in the area at around 8.30pm on Thursday, 5 June?” she said. “Do you have any information that might assist our investigation? Please get in touch quoting PR/ SYP-202606040795 via our website or social media. In an emergency, always call 999.”

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‘Don’t let it drop’: why equestrians must keep speaking out on the dangers of riding on the roads

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:32:16 +0000

The authorities are here to help us towards making horses and equestrians safer on our roads, but we must continue to ask for their help.

This was a key message to come from police and Parliament at an event on 20 April to mark 10 years of the British Horse Society’s (BHS) Dead Slow equestrian road safety campaign.

House of Commons deputy speaker Caroline Nokes and Sussex Police chief constable Jo Shiner were among those to address guests.

Lifelong rider Ms Nokes said she entered Parliament not wanting to be “pigeonholed” as “the horsey one”, but realised during the horsemeat scandal of 2013 that she might be of help to ministers.

“I wasn’t; they weren’t interested!” she said. “But I tell you that only to make you reflect that MPs are human. MPs are, by and large, very interested in the issues that interest their constituents.

“If 5% of the population have some connection with horses, and there are 650 MPs, that means roughly 30 of them might know what they’re talking about when it comes to equestrianism. So your target market is the other 600 or so.

“Go and see them, take your GoPro footage and make them live the experience of riding along a road when a car passes too close and too fast. We’re all perfectly capable of understanding the reality of how that might feel.”

“Keep badgering”

Ms Nokes said the difficulty is making ministers listen, but said the top parliamentarians are those who “keep badgering”, such as Newbury MP Lee Dillon, who has repeatedly introduced equestrian road safety in parliament and continues to do so.

“My message to Lee is, don’t give up, don’t let it drop,” she said. “There’s nothing worse as a government minister than returning to the dispatch box, week in week out, and being asked the same question again and again.

“When Mr Dillon rises to ask another question about road safety and what’s being done to wrap a communications plan around the changes to the Highway Code, or to include measures around equestrianism road safety in the driving theory test for the driving test, or a national board about road safety bringing together all organisations.

“And when that minister looks up, sees it’s Mr Dillon again, they will return to their civil servants and say, ‘Please, can we just do something.’”

Ms Nokes said the BHS is “excellent” at encouraging riders to email MPs but she said she would go further and ask equestrians to visit in person.

“There is nothing quite as powerful as hearing the story,” she said.

Not a limited problem

“We have to convey at every opportunity that this is not a limited problem. The statistics are scary and increasing, and we have to make sure it’s understood as widely as possible, because even somebody living in a city may end up on a rural road and encounter a horse for the first time.

“Parliamentarians can be there to help you. We’re not all strange creatures who only inhabit the Westminster bubble. It has to be about comms on a national scale, and consistency. Keep showing up, keep boring us in our constituency surgeries. Eventually, we’ll take action.”

Ms Shiner is also a rider – and a cyclist and tractor driver – who has worked closely with the BHS on the campaign. She shared a video on horse road safety that has been shared with all police forces and is being pushed out more widely, and spoke about “close pass” operations being carried out by forces across the country.

Ms Shiner cited the “fatal five” causes of road accidents, including drink and drugs, but also antisocial driving.

“There seems to be much less patience on the roads these days, not just for horses, for anybody,” she said. “People just don’t seem to have common decency on our roads any more.

Targeting antisocial driving

“So we really are targeting antisocial driving. As a chief constable, you’d think my inbox would be full of violence or other offences, but it’s our communities pushing back, often equestrian or cycling communities, saying, ‘We really need you to sort out this antisocial driving’ often on country roads, where our equestrian colleagues and friends are likely to be put at risk.”

Ms Shiner said funding has been secured to help for a national operation in this area and action includes trialling AI road cameras.

“We need to work together to make sure in the future we’re reducing the risk and most importantly, changing minds,” she said. “We desperately need a national road safety board. That’s within the national road strategy from the Government and I look forward to the first meeting.

“But we must make sure all incidents are reported, however minor – a minor incident is a near miss of a major incident. We must continue to encourage reporting, because much of police activity is based on intelligence gathered, and if we don’t know about it, we can’t do something about it. We must make sure we continue to point in the same direction, embrace future challenges and opportunities and really remember why we’re doing this.

“We all here have a passion for road safety, but the reason we’re doing this is to save the lives of horses and human beings who tragically will have their lives changed for ever if we don’t continue to do the work we do.”

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Drivers’ behaviour still needs to change for horses to be safer on the roads

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:30:37 +0000

The past 10 years have been about raising awareness – the next 10 must be about changing behaviour.

An event held to mark a decade of the British Horse Society’s (BHS) Dead Slow equestrian road safety campaign on 20 April considered the vast progress it has made, and what will happen next.

“It’s been a decade of change,” said BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox. “Maybe, just maybe, our messages are landing, 10 years later.”

The incident that sparked the campaign was the death of a horse in a funeral cortège in Wales.

“I said then, ‘We’ve got to do something. We’ve got to start a campaign,’” Mr Hiscox said. “‘We’ve got to give drivers absolute, specific guidance as to what to do if they see a horse on the road.’

“That was the start of the Dead Slow campaign, and we wanted it with three components: safer riders, safer drivers and safer horses, because they are all interlinked, and we wanted to make sure everybody involved on the roads with horses was included.”

Mr Hiscox covered the highlights, including the Highway Code changes, Parliament debates, multiple awards and ongoing work with councils, police, trainers, road safety partnerships and the public. He then handed the floor to other experts in the field.

Influencing driver behaviour

Elizabeth Box of ECM Research Solutions spoke about influencing drivers’ decisions on how to pass horses. Dr Fox works with national organisations to use behavioural science in strategies to reduce road risk, focusing on rider and driver safety.

“It’s that moment when the driver intends to pass the horse rider that really matters,” she said. “We know, in that moment, the driver is not thinking about the Highway Code, or something they saw on social media. They are immediately in that environment. So how can we change that for the better, so horse riders can be safer?”

Dr Fox said many drivers may be aware of what to do, much owing to the BHS campaign, but that “behaviour hasn’t quite caught up”. She explained that most drivers rely on habit. If this is not a safe one, or they rely on instinct, this can be an issue. And if someone is in a hurry, they may see the horse as something to pass quickly rather than two sentient beings.

“Perceptions drivers have really influence their behaviour,” she added. “When they understand horse riders better, they understand what the circumstances are like for them, whether that’s what it’s like to be on a horse and have a close pass, or just understanding them as a person and a horse, not just something you need to get round. Empathy is really important for changing outcomes.”

Dr Fox said her team’s research has found people need clear information on what to do and the right opportunity to do it. This led to a campaign to help drivers understand the Highway Code changes.

“It’s really important we see what good looks like, and we really want to focus on that,” she said. “Then there’s trying to create a social norm. This happens over time, not within months, it’s many years. But if we can design more campaigns that can help shift that social norm, the better [it will be].”

She said her team’s campaigns had had effects on driver behaviour, but that the effects of any campaign diminish over time.

Promoting the message

“We need to keep on going with the same message, maybe in slightly different ways, to keep promoting it,” she said. “Research tells us empathy needs to be at the core of what we do when people see other people in the road network as other people, not just things they need to get round. That is really important.

“We need to make behaviour we want visible; we can’t just talk about it, we need to show what that looks like, because that’s much easier for people to comprehend, and we need to reinforce those messages.

“We know there are certain moments people are more likely to come across equestrians on the network; how can we help design campaigns specifically for the issues they’re likely to face? I think the last 10 years have been about raising awareness and it’s been incredible the work the BHS has done on that.

“I think the next 10 years must be about converting that awareness into behaviour. We’ve got the right building blocks, because the safest drivers aren’t the drivers who just know the rules, they’re the ones who actually put them into practice.”

The next push

Mr Hiscox added that his next focus is on the human and horse both being classed as vulnerable road users, not just the person.

“We are a partnership,” he said. “I am trying to push to get lines in the Highway Code to talk about that; my next push is to recognise that partnership. But we need your help, everybody in this room.

“To support improved national promotion of the Highway Code, endorse a clarification within it recognising the horse and rider partnership. Encourage consistent inclusion of equestrian risk in DVSA testing and training materials, support local authorities in considering equestrian safety within rural speed management and signage, and ensure equestrians are recognised within active travel and rural infrastructure programs.

“Thank you very much for being a part of Dead Slow.”

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Rider’s video for HGV drivers brings grown men to tears in attempt to keep horses and people safer on our roads

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:18:46 +0000

A rider who was horrified by the lack of information on passing horses safely in HGV driver training has created a video – which has been been picked up by companies and media locally and across the country.

Verity Perry made her video, titled ‘Pass horses safely: what every road user needs to know” about six weeks ago, but it has already been put into use by driver training providers.

The clip has also featured on local BBC news and a county councillor has promised to share it with bin lorry and bus drivers.

“It’s grown its own legs!” Verity told H&H, adding that the video has been viewed thousands of times on her social media. “It seems to have been better received than I thought.”

Verity explained that she decided to take her HGV test late last year as there are few shows near her home in Penzance. She had to take her theory test the week before the training, so “I took the revision very seriously!”

“I had to pass the theory, so I went through literally thousands and thousands of videos, test questions – and there was so little about horse safety,” she said. “I came across maybe three or four questions; one was about what might spook a horse when you pass and the answer was the sound of the engine, when it’s more likely to be the air brakes.”

Verity added that there was also very little about passing horses in the practical training.

“If you’re an HGV driver, you have to have a CPC, the certificate of professional competence, and to keep that up to date, you have to have seven and a half hours’ training, every year,” she said. “So that’s every single HGV driver on our roads, who could get this information if I made a training video, more for drivers who probably don’t want to watch it!”

So in late March, on a nice day, Verity went for a ride on the roads and asked a friend to video her. She used the hacking footage, with voiceover explaining the issues, the Highway Code changes and British Horse Society stats on road incidents, as well as CCTV footage of a horrific collision involving a car and two horses in 2017.

She posted the video on her social media; her initial idea was to send the link in an email to all the haulier companies she could find in Cornwall.

“I didn’t even think about it going to CPCs to start with,” she said. “I thought I’d send it to all the hauliers in Cornwall but it’s really hard. You can’t just email Biffa or supermarket driver depots; they don’t have emails that laypeople like me can get to.

“So I emailed all the hauliers with an address in Cornwall, then all the equestrian organisations. But the more exciting thing was that one of my friends I do British Dressage teams with, her brother Richard Everitt who runs the CPC RE Consultancy and Training company. He test-drove it with his company and said of the 12 drivers he had on his online update course, only two of them knew what speed you should drive past a horse, which is slightly terrifying.”

Verity sent the video to Radio Cornwall and was interviewed on live radio, then it was picked up by BBC Spotlight and featured on television. She said a county councillor has also been sharing it to Biffa and bus drivers.

“She’s put it with the county council transport manager too; she’s getting it to people I can’t access as a layperson,” she said.

“I’m not a talented video maker or tech whizz but I did the best I could,” she said. “Someone could do a better job but we need to get the video out to people learning to drive.

“I had an app that supported me in my learning; it had the Highway Code, hazard perception and everything so if I could get it on an app – a lot of drivers don’t realise the Highway Code has changed.”

Verity said the video has had more than 11,000 views on Facebook, and the Spotlight segment more than 25,000.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It’s there to be used as a tool,” she said. “I’ve signed things to say I don’t want to make any money out of it, that’s not what I did it for, but there’s a resource that I hope doesn’t sound patronising.

“I used quite a shocking video, where you see horses being hit, because I thought if it’s not shocking enough, people aren’t going to think. And some people have been really shocked; they just didn’t know. A lot of the blokes have said they were crying watching the horses get hit. I thought ‘Great, that’s what I want, to bring grown men to tears’!”

Verity said any sharing or awareness of the video will help; she has had great feedback from all the coverage, and she was grateful Radio Cornwall repeated the interview, which drivers would have heard on the road.

She said Mr Everett hopes to present the video at national hauliers’ conferences, to companies and those who provide CPC training nationwide.

“It has snowballed,” she said. “Every time I hear it, I cringe, hearing myself on video. But if it’s getting the message out – and it’s there as a resource to train drivers.”

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‘It was horrific’: fine for cyclist on wrong side of the road who caused rider’s fall

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:07:45 +0000

A rider who was injured in a fall caused by a cyclist who came round a corner on the wrong side of the road said the incident is a reminder of the need to report and record – and for all road users to keep each other safe.

Emma Coleman has had some closure as the man responsible has been fined by police but she has suffered emotionally as well as physically as a result of his actions, and her young horse has lost confidence.

“It was horrific,” Emma told H&H. “I’d had Storm for a couple of months and we’d been doing lots of hacking. He was bold and really happy with life. And I’ll be honest, I haven’t been back on him since.”

Emma and Storm were out with a friend riding Emma’s older horse last November, both wearing full high-vis gear, air jackets and with cameras on their helmets.

“We were coming up to the brow of the hill and my friend said ‘There’s a bike’,” Emma said.

“You could see the rider’s helmet above the drystone wall. We were going two abreast, as you’re told to, but we always go single file round bends. So my friend was pulling over to come in front of me, and the bike came around the corner on the completely wrong side of the road, at speed.

“He passed a foot or so away from my horse, between the verge and my horse; that’s how much on the wrong side of the road he was. My horse swerved; there’s no horse in the world who would have taken that well.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Emma said Storm jumped, spun round and took off for home, dislodging her in the process.

“I came off on the left, hit the road, went down into the ditch and rolled up into the drystone wall,” she said. “Storm bolted for home – across a road. When something like that happens, you’re on adrenaline, and all I could think was ‘My horse, my friend’.

“I heard my friend shout ‘Get back’ and I said ‘Did he look back?’ My friend said ‘He looked back, and just cycled off’.”

Emma suffered concussion and a suspected fractured rib.

“The air jacket saved me,” she said. “I highly recommend anyone invests in one. I’ve got a bright yellow Hit Air and it would have been really painful if I hadn’t had that.”

Emma’s Go Pro hat camera was damaged but she managed to get the footage from it. She took a still from it and put it on local Facebook groups to try to identify the cyclist.

“He was identified as local and I believe he saw it and went to the police,” she said. “It went from there; I’m pleased he did the right thing and went in. He said he didn’t realise what had happened so I’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt; I’m a glass half-full person.”

Lancashire Police confirmed to H&H that the cyclist was fined £50 for riding a bike on a road without due care and attention.

Emma said lots of people cycle in her area, including her husband, and she does not want to tar all of them with the same brush.

“I meet lots of really good cyclists; this was a freak accident,” she said. “The police did follow it through and I got a resolution, which I’m really pleased about. The Pass Wide and Slow campaign has been really supportive.

“There are people who don’t do things by the rules, and people who do. There are people who ride horses and bikes, and drive cars; it’s the person, not the group of people.”

Maximum 10mph

Emma said she believes some people do not realise just how slow 10mph – the recommended maximum speed for passing horses – is, but how fast a speed higher than this feels to a rider.

“It’s just so important what they’re doing with the PWAS campaign, and that we do our best too by wearing high-vis and being as careful as we can, but also that people understand that 10mph is a crawling pace,” she said, adding that everyone needs to take responsibility for keeping others safe.

“I could get home in my car and have had a normal drive, or I could have taken [out] someone’s mother or daughter,” she said. “There seems to be a lot of aggravation about ‘Get on the bridleways’ but all the bridleways are defunct or don’t go anywhere; I’d be more than happy to be off the road.”

Emma added that Storm is being rebacked but that he is now very scared of bikes; she wants to raise awareness of the effect they can have.

“It’s really important; if he’d have been in a group, my horse could have really injured another person,” she said.”And what shook me up emotionally more than anything is that if I’d been in a car, on that side of the road, I would have killed somebody.

“It was terrible. But also what I want is people to report everything; they don’t use the British Horse Society app to report incidents, or the PWAS campaign to help them. But [this issue] did go to parliament and they debated it, and if they’d had more stats it would have helped.

“As riders we get a bit ‘It’s happened again’, but no. Get a cheap head cam and wear it.I’ve bought a new one and I’m not leaving the house without it. It’s important.

“I’ve said I’ll organise a PWAS awareness ride, that’s my main call, and to report; it’s super easy on the app. And hopefully we can all have a bit more empathy for each other.”

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‘This issue is not going away’: MP takes next step for equestrian road safety

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:52:11 +0000

An MP who has been tirelessly working for improved equestrian road safety has taken the next step in his ongoing campaign.

Newbury MP Lee Dillon, who submitted an early day motion to parliament last June, and the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill in September, and secured a parliament debate on the subject, presented a public petition in the House of Commons this week.

The petition, supported by MPs including Helen Morgan, Helen Maguire, Tim Farron, Jack Rankin, Steve Darling, John Milne and Liz Jarvis, states that “horses and riders face significant risks on UK roads due to inadequate enforcement of passing distances and limited driver education”.

It adds: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to introduce legislation to make the minimum passing speeds and distances for horses in the Highway Code a legal requirement, to require equestrian safety to feature in all driving theory tests and to introduce standards for the teaching of equestrian safety in driver education.”

The petition has been recorded in Hansard, the official record of parliamentary proceedings, and its text has been sent to the Government, which should respond within two months.

Lee Dillon: equestrian road safety campaign

“This campaign is about persistence, and about continuing to push until we see real change,” Mr Dillon said.

“I have already raised this issue in parliament, but the reality is that too many riders are still being put at risk on our roads. I continue to hear from people across the country – individual riders, campaigners, organisations, and communities – all sharing their experiences. This is not going away, and it is certainly not confined to Newbury.”

Mr Dillon said it is encouraging that his campaign has support of MPs from across the political spectrum.

“This is not a party political issue, it’s about safety,” he said. “We need clearer rules, better education, and stronger enforcement to prevent accidents before they happen.

“I will keep working with campaigners, residents and colleagues to ensure this issue stays firmly on the agenda.”

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Huge progress made in 10 years for equestrian road safety – but any horse dying on our roads is one too many

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:38:15 +0000

Huge progress has been made on equestrian road safety in the past decade – but any horse killed or injured on our roads is one too many.

This is the message from the British Horse Society (BHS), which has released its incident statistics for last year, but also since 2016 as it marks 10 years of Dead Slow.

In 2025, 2,810 incidents involving horses on the roads were reported to the BHS, taking the total to 19,528 since the road safety campaign was launched in 2016 (see below). Last year’s total was down 10% from 2024, but 59 horses were killed, one more than the previous year, and 86 people were hurt, an 8% rise from 2024.

“I’m really disappointed to see the number of horses killed has gone up slightly but the number of incidents reported has fallen,” BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H.

“I suppose you could say that if there are fewer incidents, fewer horses will be injured and killed on the road. The number injured has gone down, so I think the slant of the curve is going in the right direction.”

BHS Dead Slow achievements

Major achievements of the Dead Slow campaign include the Highway Code changes introduced in 2022 but Mr Hiscox has also spoken at countless road safety and driver training events, and met MPs, worked with the Government, local authorities, police, safety partnerships and motoring shows across the country.

In the past year, momentum has built; the awareness ride from Lambourn to Windsor, a joint initiative between the BHS and Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death) led to parliament debates and proposed changes to legislation.

“The issue now is that I don’t want the momentum to drop off,” Mr Hiscox said. “I’m biting at people’s heels. It’s really important that impetus doesn’t fall away.”

H&H reported that equestrians were not specifically mentioned in the Government’s new national road safety strategy but at the parliament debate shortly after this was published, many MPs brought this up.

“Since the debate in January, MPs have written to the department for transport [DfT],” Mr Hiscox said. “It’s keeping it talked about in the corridors of power. And the strategy has also meant we’re involved in conversations. We were working with Project EDWARD anyway, road safety partnerships and the police, but now there’s this basis to work towards.

“I can hang my Dead Slow campaign on these components of the road safety strategy, and it gives me some ideas and structure.

Increase driver awareness

“The Government said the Highway Code changes haven’t had the effect they hoped and they need to increase driver awareness; that’s mentioned in the strategy. If only they’d mentioned horses as part of the vulnerable road users but we can work with councils to try to get speed limits lowered, with autonomous vehicle designers to try to push for elements to identify horses.”

Mr Hiscox has also contributed his thoughts to the Government’s transport select committee and he intends to keep pushing on.

“I’m a one-trick pony,” he said. “I just keep getting our message out. At the start of this, my main aim was Highway Code changes and if someone had offered me that, I’d have bitten their arm off. But if someone had said 10 years ago, we’d be where we are now, I wouldn’t have been sure as it would have taken so much work – but here we are.”

Mr Hiscox stressed, as he has before, that it is vital all incidents and near misses are reported, as this means action can be taken and authorities shown the true picture.

Action can include close-pass driver education operations, road warning signs and driver training. Had the death of a young racehorse in Lambourn not been reported in 2024, none of last year’s progress – the awareness ride or Parliament action – would have happened.

BHS: The community has united

“Over the last 10 years, the equestrian community has come together in an extraordinary way,” Mr Hiscox said. “That collective effort has undoubtedly raised awareness and helped reduce the number of incidents.

“But 59 horses lost in one year is 59 too many. Behind every statistic is a devastated owner, a traumatised rider and a community that feels that loss deeply.

“We must continue to push for an approach that combines education, prevention and enforcement of the rules. We owe it to everyone who loves horses as much as we do and every horse in our lives to make our roads safer. The reduction in reported incidents in 2025 demonstrates that progress is possible. But until the number of horses and riders killed on UK roads is reduced to zero, the campaign’s work is far from complete.”

Project EDWARD founder James Luckhurst told H&H he is “continually impressed by what Alan has achieved” with the BHS Dead Slow campaign.

“It is clear this has been a decade defined by determination, influence and progress,” he said. “At Project EDWARD, we have been privileged to witness the dedication and support a strategy that consistently delivers impactful change, making roads safer for horses, riders and carriage drivers.

“Alan’s work operates at the highest levels, ensuring equestrian safety remains firmly on the agenda across Government, the DfT, local authorities, road safety partnerships and major public platforms. This sustained advocacy has led to significant milestones.

“Project EDWARD remains committed to supporting Alan and Dead Slow with this vital work in driving real change.”

The numbers

2025

Incidents: 2,810

Horses killed 59

Horses injured 82

People killed 0

People injured 86

Since 2016

Incidents: 19,528

Horses killed 559

Horses injured 964

People killed 8

People injured 999

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‘People’s response has been phenomenal’: new police horses help educate drivers

Becky Murray — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:58:35 +0000

A new mounted police unit has been helping spread important safety advice to drivers on how to pass horses on the road.

West Midlands Police’s mounted section – re-established December after a 26-year break – has had a “busy first two months” across the region. The force’s four horses have helped search for missing children in Walsall, carried out anti-drug dealing patrols in Sandwell, targeted illegal e-bike riders in Birmingham, patrolled Wolverhampton city centre, protected football fans in Coventry and more.

The unit has also supported local crime reduction initiatives and other police forces with operations in their area, generating income to help fund the horses.

Sergeant Alex Hadley of the mounted unit said “people’s response to us has been phenomenal” said sergeant Alex Hadley from the West Midlands mounted unit.

“They’ve been so happy to see the horses and to speak to our officers who’ve been explaining the ways in which we’ll be using the horses in their area,” he said.

The section has also been “reminding hundreds of motorists” what to do when they see horses on the road.

“This includes sharing safety advice with the region’s bus companies along with council gritters and bin lorry drivers,” said sergeant Hadley.

“From speaking to hundreds of drivers, it’s clear that many motorists have never seen horses on the road, so are unsure how to respond correctly.”

He added that the aim is to “engage and educate drivers first”.

“But we will always enforce the law when safety is compromised. That can be public safety or the safety of our horses and riders,” said sergeant Hadley.

“We’re thankful to those who are following the rules and doing everything they can to prevent injuries. This includes bus drivers and council staff.”

A spokesperson for the force added that mounted unit officers have the same powers and equipment as officers on foot or in cars.

“This includes personal protective equipment, incapacitant spray, bodyworn video for recording evidence and radios for tracking their location and co-ordinating their response to an incident,” he said.

British Horse Society director of safety Alan Hiscox said while the society appreciates those who follow the Highway Code guidance, “there is still significant work to be done” to ensure the safety of all road users.

“Alongside working with key stakeholders such as the new West Midlands mounted unit, which is playing a very positive role in improving safety and understanding around horses on the road, we also encourage anyone involved in or witnessing an incident to record it via the Horse i app. This helps us to build a clear picture to drive positive change,” he said.

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‘Ensuring everyone gets home safe’: tanker driver wins award after riders share footage of his driving – which will help train others

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 13:32:19 +0000

A tanker driver who passed two horses and riders in exemplary fashion has won a driver safety award from his company – and footage of the incident will help train other drivers.

Thomas Wilkinson was given one of United Utilities’ first driver safety awards late last year, as a result of his consideration for the equestrians, one of whom captured his actions on video and sent it to the company in gratitude.

A spokesperson for the company told H&H Thomas was en route to United Utilities’ treatment works in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, last autumn when he saw the riders ahead of him on a hill.

“With cars behind him, he carefully moved over to prevent anyone from overtaking and startling the horses,” the spokesperson said. “He stopped at the top of the hill, waited for the riders to navigate a bend, and only proceeded when they signalled it was safe.

“One of the horse riders captured Thomas’s considerate driving on a body camera and shared the footage with his team at UU. The story reached CEO Louise Beardmore, who personally called Thomas to thank him.”

Thomas said he grew up in a horsey family; his sister and cousin ride so he knows how important it is to pass them safely.

“Everyone’s a vulnerable road user – from pedestrians to cyclists, horse riders and other drivers so you have to be careful,” he said.

“For me, safe driving always about being aware of your surroundings and keeping your eyes on the road. Whether you’re driving a car, a tanker like me or even riding a bike, you need to stay focused. Taking your eyes off the road for half a second can lead to something going wrong.

“It was a lovely conversation [with Louise] and a real surprise to get a call from our CEO. I’m also grateful to the riders for writing in and sharing the video – it meant a lot.”

Road safety week

Thomas won United Utilities’ driver safety award for his region during Road Safety Week in November.

Ms Beardmore said: “Safe driving doesn’t just stop at our site or our treatment works. Every journey we make is part of our commitment to protect our people, the public, and the communities we serve.

“It was great to see the effort Thomas took to ensure his driving remained safe and courteous to the horse riders by slowing down, giving space, taking extra time to protect them and their horses. He showed great respect and it was a pleasure to thank him personally for doing a fantastic job.

“We are passionate about creating a safer workplace and ensuring everyone gets home safe and well every day. That’s why last year we rolled out our ‘United for Road Safety Awareness’ training for everyone here at United Utilities – helping us all play our part in keeping each other safe.”

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Persistence pays off – how being a ‘terrier who refuses to let go’ is driving real change in equestrian road safety

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:43:15 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) launched its Dead Slow campaign for equestrian road safety almost 10 years ago, just after I started at Horse & Hound.

I have to admit that my initial thoughts were along the lines of “great thing to do – but how much is this going to achieve?” I wasn’t sure an equestrian organisation would be able to do much, change much, in this area. I was very wrong.

In my defence, I hadn’t met Alan Hiscox then, the BHS director of safety who has led the Dead Slow campaign for a decade. Alan describes himself as a terrier on this subject, grabbing on to it, refusing to let go, worrying away at it until something happens.

And it really has. The debate in Westminster Hall last week, at which 33 MPs from across the political spectrum stood up to explain exactly what needs to be done to keep horses and their people safe, was a great example. It wasn’t just the fact equestrian road safety was being discussed in parliament – a great achievement in itself – it was the tone of the debate.

As Alan said, there was a tangible atmosphere in the room, not only of interest but of support. MP after MP stood up to speak about constituents’ experiences, naming some of the horses whose lives have ended in tragedy on the roadside as the result of drivers’ behaviour. This has to change, was the message, and it seems to be hitting home.

The debate was secured by Newbury MP Lee Dillon, who has become a parliamentary figurehead for equestrian road safety, submitting an early day motion and a presentation bill on the subject, sparked by the death of young racehorse Knockalla in his constituency. He is a champion for equestrians – as is Alan Hiscox, and his team, without whom none of this would have happened.

Alan Hiscox on a close pass operation in Surrey in 2021 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Alan spends much of his time travelling to all parts of the country. In the last 10 years, he’s visited countless MPs and riders, hosted safety talks in freezing village halls and ridden up and down roads himself with a police team at the ready to pull in careless drivers. He visits motor shows every year, to speak to the general public about the issue, he addresses the top road safety conferences in Britain. He works with police, councils, road safety partnerships, driver training organisations, driving instructors – the list is endless and so much of it never gets talked about. But it’s making a difference.

When the Highway Code changes were first announced, equestrians weren’t included, but that changed pretty quickly once Alan got on the case. This debate wouldn’t have happened had Alan not gone out to visit Knockalla’s connections, then come up with the idea of the awareness ride from Newbury to Windsor along with Project EDWARD. He invited Mr Dillon to the start of that ride and the rest is history. And the day after the Westminster Hall discussion, equestrian road safety came up in the House of Commons and the speaker promised to consider it for a formal debate.

What these events also show is that speaking up and making yourself heard makes a difference. Alan’s continuous plea is for equestrians to report everything – including near-misses and road rage incidents – to the BHS, online or via the Horsei app. This provides the data authorities need to act, as it shows them there’s a problem, and had Knockalla’s rider not reported that incident, none of the subsequent events would have happened.

Just about every MP who spoke last week cited the fact their constituents had contacted them with their concerns and asked them to go to the debate. They mentioned names; Blaze, who died in Windsor, Angel, killed in Essex, Loki, who suffered catastrophic injuries in Yorkshire. MPs are there to represent us and if we don’t tell them there’s a problem, they won’t know.

Of course the key, as Alan said, is the “what next?” It feels like momentum is building and change could be coming, but we’ve all got to keep at it. Dig those terrier teeth in and we could be on to something here.

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A momentous month for equestrian road safety as Government pledges to consider horses again

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:05:08 +0000

It has been a “momentous month for equestrian road safety”, as the Government committed to considering a formal debate on the issue, the day after it was being discussed in parliament.

MPs from across the political spectrum called for better measures to protect horses, riders and carriage drivers, in a Westminster Hall debate on 14 January. The following day, Norfolk MP James Wild brought the matter up in the House of Commons.

Mr Wild said he was speaking “on behalf of constituents across northwest Norfolk” who had contacted him to raise concerns; he “highlighted challenges faced by riders who feel increasingly frightened and unsafe due to dangerous and aggressive driving on rural roads”.

“Last year, 1,600 people were killed on our roads. May we have a debate on the Government’s road safety strategy and toughening driving offence sentences, including steps to protect horses and riders such as my constituent Emma, and many others in northwest Norfolk and across the country, who feel increasingly frightened and unsafe due to dangerous and abusive driving on our rural roads?”

The Government’s national road safety strategy was published this month, and the British Horse Society (BHS), and many of the MPs who spoke last week, said that although they welcome it, it could go much further to protect equestrians and horses.

In response to Mr Wild, Sir Alan Campbell, leader of the House of Commons, said: “It is really important that the Government have brought forward a road safety strategy, which is the first in over a decade. We have an ambition to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by almost two thirds by 2035.

“I will consider his request for a debate on these matters, because road safety has been raised by many hon members in business questions over the last few weeks and months.”

As well as working for another equestrian road safety debate, Mr Wild is supporting Newbury MP Lee Dillon’s Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill, which would set clear rules on safe distances and speeds when passing horses, “strengthen driver education to ensure equestrian safety is at the heart of learning to drive, and include equestrian safety in driving theory tests”. This bill was due to have its second reading on 16 January but the house was not sitting so it has been adjourned to 27 February.

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H: “What a momentous month it has been for equestrian road safety.

“The support from MP James Wild is brilliant and this pledge from the Government promises to be another exciting step towards real change. It signifies that the work we’re doing collectively, as an equine community, is making a difference and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

“Of course, none of it would be possible without the support of MPs like James Wild and Lee Dillon. We’ll continue to work closely with both MPs to help push this debate forward and, should it go ahead, make sure as many other MPs as possible register questions related to protecting all of us and our horses.”

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Vets issue safety warnings after five loose horses killed on roads within a week

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:29:16 +0000

Owners have been urged to check their fencing after five loose horses were killed on the roads within a week.

Animed Equine Vets, Southampton, and M N Mollon & Partners vets, Alton, both issued warnings after three road incidents in Hampshire last week. Three horses were killed on the A3, one in Burseldon and one in Hambledon. It is not implied that lack of checking or maintaining boundaries was to blame in these cases.

Surrey Police were called to the northbound A3 in the early hours of 15 January, to reports of two loose horses involved in a collision with a lorry.

“Shortly after, a separate call came in regarding a collision with a car and horse,” a police spokesperson said. “Sadly, three horses were found deceased at the scene upon officer arrival. Officers are engaging with the drivers of both vehicles as part of ongoing enquiries.”

Animed cited this and the other two incidents; the practice was called to one and was aware of the other.

“In an unprecedented week where we have seen five horses killed in three separate incidents across Hampshire due to horses being loose on the road we would like to encourage everyone to take some time to check the viability of their field fencing this weekend,” a spokesperson for Animed said, adding that wet and stormy weather can damage fencing and that limited grazing could make hungry horses more likely to push their way through any weak spots.

“For the sake of our beloved equines and the innocent drivers who are involved in these events (and often unable to do anything to avoid them) please have a walk around your field boundary and ensure everything is as it should be,” the spokesperson said.

M N Mollon vet Ella Riley said the incidents are “deeply saddening reminders of how quickly a loose horse situation can escalate and why prevention is essential”.

Ms Riley echoed the call to maintain fences and boundaries, adding that other practical ways to help prevent escapes include securing and checking gates, and having a plan for safely containing any horse who gets loose.

“Loose horses pose a serious risk to equine welfare and public safety,” she said. “Thankfully, many of these situations are preventable with good fencing, secure handling, reliable routines, and awareness of the risk factors.

“Keeping horses safe starts with prevention, for their welfare, and for the safety of everyone sharing our roads.”

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‘A unique connection between human and animal’: MPs unite to tell Government why horse and rider road safety is vital

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:44:17 +0000

After almost 10 years of sustained campaigning, MPs have united in parliament to set out why horses and riders must be better protected on Britain’s roads – and the Government says it is listening.

On 14 January 2026, almost a decade after the British Horse Society (BHS) launched its Dead Slow campaign, Newbury MP Lee Dillon led a debate calling for stricter requirements on horse and rider road safety. Mr Dillon has been working for change since young racehorse Knockalla was killed on the road in his constituency in 2024.

“I’m pleased to have secured this debate and grateful for the opportunity to raise an issue that has, for far too long, not received the attention it deserves,” Mr Dillon said. “It is a timely debate, because last week the Government published its new road safety strategy, stating that ‘every individual deserves to feel safe and supported’ on our roads’.

“Unfortunately, for many horse riders across the country, that aspiration does not reflect their lived reality. While the Government’s strategy does reference horse riders in some places, alongside other vulnerable road users, this is not consistent, and there is no specific mention of their safety.

“The issue goes far wider than a single document. Building a stronger foundation of road safety education, with clearer rules and guidance, is essential to ensure that all road users understand how to behave safely and responsibly when encountering horses on the road.”

Mr Dillon shared the most recent BHS statistics, showing that 3,118 incidents were reported to the BHS in 2024, including 58 horse fatalities and 80 human and 97 equine injuries. A total of 33 MPs spoke, supporting Mr Dillon’s efforts and raising a wide range of related issues.

MP Lee Dillon supported last year’s awareness ride (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It’s important to emphasise how significant this debate is,” said Winchester MP and equine vet Danny Chambers. “It is not a niche issue. During my career as a horse vet, I have stitched up and euthanised more horses that have been hit by cars than I can remember – they get broken legs and their owners are injured. This is a very regular occurrence for vets.

“Just this morning in Winchester, a horse was hit by a car and had to be euthanised. This is not a niche problem, nor is it an unusual occurrence, so I fully support the action that my hon friend has taken in securing this debate.”

Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper and Melksham and Devizes’ Brian Mathew said passing horses safely should be included in driver training, with which Mr Dillon agreed.

“The hierarchy of vulnerability introduced in 2022 is important in establishing who are the most vulnerable on our roads, but the Highway Code could go further and say ‘must’ go at 10 mph rather than ‘should’,” he said.

“Last September, I introduced the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill. Through that presentation bill, I called on the Government to strengthen the Highway Code guidance for passing horses and improve driver education so motorists better understand horses’ behaviour and the potentially devastating consequences of their actions. Those changes would raise awareness among all road users and provide greater safety and reassurance when horses are ridden or pulling vehicles or carriages.”

Mr Dillon said the Government’s road safety strategy “missed some relatively straightforward opportunities to better protect horses and riders”.

“The strategy announced that the Ministry of Justice will consult on a new victims’ code,” he said. “I welcome that, but it raises an important issue. Under current law, horses are classed as personal property, which means that when one is killed or fatally injured in a road traffic collision, compensation is largely limited to financial loss.

“I have recently been contacted by Cathryn from Leeds, a long-standing horse rider and solicitor who supports people who have suffered serious injuries from horse accidents. She highlights the psychological trauma experienced by injured riders as a recurring theme, which is often compounded by guilt, grief and gratitude that the horse took the main impact and saved the rider from even greater harm. The current legal framework significantly restricts recognition of that emotional distress. I urge the Government to use the consultation on the new victims’ code to consider how horse riders and owners who lose horses can be properly recognised in that framework.”

Bridleways

St Ives MP Andrew George asked the Government to review bridleway capacity, so riders can avoid roads more, and Mr Dillon agreed, citing lack of council funding to spend on off-road access. The issue of Forestry England’s charging for equestrian access to publicly owned woodlands was also raised; Mr Dillon said “the Forestry Commission should work with all relevant groups to make open access as easy as possible”.

“The road safety strategy also announces the establishment of a new road safety board,” he added. “Given that horses and riders are among the most vulnerable of road users, will the Minister commit to ensuring that an equestrian representative organisation, such as the BHS, is included on that board?”

The Government was urged to make horse and rider road safety training mandatory for companies that operate large vehicles, and to consider national use of initiatives such as Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Services’ “Virtual Insanity Experience”, which invites drivers who have passed horses unsafely to experience the effects of this in a virtual reality setting.

Mansfield MP Steve Yemm highlighted the dangers of out-of-control dogs on the roads, giving the example of a ridden horse in his constituency who fractured all four legs when he was chased onto a road. South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith highlighted the number of ponies killed on Dartmoor roads, and asked whether councils could be “incentivised to think about roads used by riders when they set speed limits and road policies”. The fact off-road riding is “often overlooked” in planning decisions was also made.

MPs asked the Government how much has been done to ensure drivers are aware of the Highway Code changes and cited the need for councils to have funding to improve safety.

MP Jack Rankin spoke of an incident in his Windsor constituency last year when a mare was killed by a car travelling at 80mph.

The horse-human bond

“So often, the horse comes off worse, suffering the full force of a collision and often saving their rider in the process,” he said. “It is clear to anyone who hears [the rider] and many others talk about their beloved horses that we are dealing with a truly unique connection between human and sentient animal. That connection should be reflected in how horses are treated on our roads, in culture, in law and in practice. They are not inanimate objects; they are our friends.”

In response, roads minister Lilian Greenwood said it is clear more awareness is needed of the Highway code changes, adding: “As set out in the [road safety] strategy, we are considering options to improve the safety of both riders and their horses. We will work with stakeholders such as the BHS as we undertake that work. We will also continue to encourage safer road user behaviours in order to improve safety for all vulnerable road users, including horse riders.”

She added that she noted the point of equestrian representation on the national road safety board and “will consider what further work we can do” on driver training, and take account of the question of speed limit guidance, which is being updated.

“A number of matters raised today fall outside my remit,” she said. “I will ensure my Defra colleagues are alerted to the concerns raised regarding the provision and management of bridleways, and uncontrolled dogs.”

Cross-party support

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox, who has been leading the Dead Slow campaign for almost 10 years, told H&H he was delighted by the cross-party support for the issue.

“There was an atmosphere in the room, not only of interest but of tangible support, from MPs across the political spectrum,” he said. “I was very pleased with the response, and this shows we are an effective lobbying group.

“I was pleased how many MPs were there who I’d been to see previously; some for the wrong reasons, when a horse has been killed or seriously injured in their constituencies, some who have invited me as constituents had asked them to contact the BHS. If you’ve got an issue and want us to help, we can; we can open doors people think are closed. This shows what we’re doing is worthwhile and is having an impact.”

Mr Hiscox said “the proof will be what happens next”, but he spoke to Ms Greenwood and hopes he will be on the national road safety board, as a “voice for riders and carriage drivers”.

He added: “We’re 10 years in; it’s been slow progress and sometimes tortuous but to get this – it is moving forward, in bite-sized pieces. It’s beginning to have an impact on the safety of horses and riders on the roads.

“And the whole catalyst for this was the report made about Knockalla. I went to see Gemma, the rider, we planned the awareness ride to Windsor, invited Lee Dillon, and he then submitted motions and secured this debate. If Gemma hadn’t let us know about Knockalla, this might have passed us by. An awful thing to happen but in memory of Kockalla, of Blaze killed in Windsor, of Angel in Essex – this is for them.”

Real-life experiences

Mr Dillon told H&H he wanted to thank all those riders who contacted their MPs ahead of the debate; many mentioned the numbers in their speeches.

“The volume of engagement, and the powerful real-life examples shared by riders and carriage drivers, played a vital role in ensuring that horse and rider road safety was taken seriously in Parliament,” he said. “I’m grateful for such an engaged, thoughtful, and constructive debate.

“The personal case studies raised during the debate brought home the very real risks people face on our roads every day, and the strong cross-party support gives us a solid foundation to push for better awareness, clearer guidance and safer infrastructure for horses and riders.”

Mr Dillon’s equestrian road safety bill was due to have its second reading on 16 January but as the house was not sitting, it has been adjourned until 27 February.

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Justice and £70,000 compensation for rider who suffered life-changing injuries when bus failed to slow down

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:35:02 +0000

A rider whose life has been changed by the serious injuries she sustained when a bus passed her horse dangerously has won compensation, years later, thanks to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

Margaret Jefferies fractured her pelvis and ribs, and suffered head and spinal soft-tissue injuries, when she fell on pavement after her horse was spooked by the bus in September 2019. Last month, she was awarded nearly £70,000 by the MIB, which exists to compensate people who have been injured by negligent drivers, who are untraced or uninsured.

“I was lucky really because I could have died, couldn’t I?” Margaret told H&H. “My daughter thought I was dead.”

Margaret was riding her own young cob Easy when the accident occurred, with her daughter and another horse.

“My daughter saw the bus had turned into the road but it was quite a long way off and we were going to turn off that road,” Margaret said. “But before we could, it had swooped past us, quite fast and close.

“I don’t remember what happened as I passed out; the last thing I remember is my horse tensing and feeling ready to run. But my daughter said my horse cantered off round the corner, and I was lying on the pavement. The bus didn’t stop; maybe the driver didn’t realise what had happened. There are lots of horses round here and the buses are normally really good – but this one wasn’t, unfortunately.”

Neither Margaret nor her daughter saw the bus’s numberplate, and Margaret said her granddaughter contacted the bus company that uses that route, but had no reply. So Margaret did not think she had any options for compensation for her injuries, the effects of which she still suffers.

“Then I saw an article in H&H about a rider who was injured [and won compensation from MIB],” she said. “I got in touch with HorseSolicitor and they said ‘We think we can help you’.”

Letter of claim

Hanna Campbell of HorseSolicitor told H&H her firm sent a letter of claim to the bus company, on the basis that Margaret was riding on a route it uses.

“The insurer of the bus company denied any involvement in the accident on the part of its insured and rejected the claim,” she said. “Due to a lack of evidence to establish liability against the bus company, we then brought a claim against the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

“I hope that this case raises awareness of the MIB and a rider’s right to compensation, even when the person responsible for the accident didn’t make contact with the horse, fled the scene, and remains untraced.

“Passing a horse and rider at more than 10mph and closer than two meters is in breach of the Highway Code and, as a rider myself, I am passionate about increasing access to justice for equestrians.”

Various issues slowed the resolution of the case, including Covid and the MIB medical expert taking a sabbatical, but the claim was settled on 4 December 2025.

Margaret said she now suffers from a bad back, and cannot stand for long periods.

“I was 68 or 69 at the time and I think the thought is I would probably have some arthritis by now but it wouldn’t be this bad,” she said. “I can’t walk unaided, I had to stop working and riding, although I’ve still got the horse and go to see him. It has changed my life completely, but I just have to get on with it.

“The MIB was very good; they let me have interim payments before it was settled, and when it was, it was paid within a week. I didn’t know about them, I think a lot of people don’t, but it’s important to know they cover this sort of thing.”

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Concern as horses and riders ‘largely overlooked’ in new national road safety strategy

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:24:18 +0000

Concerns have been raised about the fact equestrians “remain largely overlooked” in the Government’s new national road safety strategy.

The Department for Transport (DfT) released its first new road safety strategy for over a decade yesterday (7 January), promising that it would save “thousands of lives”, and that it shows the Government is “listening and leading”.

The document does include “horse riders” with other vulnerable road users in some places, but not all, and there is no specific mention of their safety. The latest British Horse Society (BHS) statistics show 18,683 road incidents involving horses were reported between November 2010 and the end of 2024, causing 47 human and 697 equine deaths, and 1,782 human and 1,625 equine injuries.

“It’s encouraging to see that this strategy represents an initial step towards a more structured, government-led approach to safety,” BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H.

“However, while equestrians are mentioned, they do remain largely overlooked. We know that horses and riders are among the most vulnerable road users, with a high risk of serious or fatal injuries, yet they’re not included in the targeted measures for vulnerable groups. For example, new vehicle safety technologies include emergency braking systems for cyclists and pedestrians, but do not consider horses.

“The document reinforces the need for there to be greater recognition of the horse-rider partnership when defining vulnerable road users. In equestrian-related collisions, the horse and rider are inseparable in terms of both risk and outcome.”

Mr Hiscox said it is a positive that the hierarchy of road users, as included in the updated Highway Code, is referenced in the strategy.

“But we can’t forget that awareness of this concept remains limited outside the road safety profession,” he said. “Surveys carried out by our team indicate that only around 10% of drivers are aware of the 2022 Highway Code changes. This simply must change if we’re going to see a real difference to equestrian safety.

“We continue to work closely with the DfT and hope that, in the near future, we can encourage even greater considerations for the equine community.”

Driver behaviour

Lawyer Charlotte Dowson, associate in the complex injury team at Bolt Burdon Kemp agreed it is good the strategy recognises that equestrians and horses are vulnerable road users, and the importance of improving driver behaviour and awareness.

“The reference to the hierarchy of road users and engagement with representative organisations are also positive steps,” she told H&H.

“However, while equestrians are mentioned, they remain largely absent from the strategy’s targeted measures. Collisions involving horses frequently result in severe or catastrophic outcomes, riders sustaining life-changing injuries and horses often having to be euthanised at the scene. These incidents also pose serious risks to drivers and passengers.

“The horse-rider partnership is inseparable in terms of risk and outcome, yet this reality is not adequately reflected in vehicle safety technology, driver education or enforcement. Without clearer, more explicit consideration of equestrians within practical safety measures, there is a real risk that this long recognised road safety issue will continue to be insufficiently addressed.”

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.

“We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.”

A Westminster Hall debate on equestrian road safety has been secured for 14 January.

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‘Don’t underestimate your impact’: riders urged to act as MPs set to debate equestrian road safety

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:21:34 +0000

Equestrians are urged not to underestimate the power they can have to make change, as MPs prepare to discuss horse and rider road safety in parliament.

Newbury MP Lee Dillon has secured a debate in Westminster Hall next Wednesday (14 January), and he and the British Horse Society (BHS) are urging riders to contact their MPs to ask them to attend.

H&H reported on Mr Dillon’s ongoing campaign to improve horse and rider road safety, working with the BHS, the British Horseracing Authority and Project EDWARD, representatives of which are to attend the debate. Mr Dillon has submitted an early day motion and a presentation bill to parliament, both seeking to improve safety. The presentation bill is due to have its second reading in parliament on 16 January.

“The debate aims to raise awareness of near-misses, serious injuries and fatalities, and to explore practical steps to improve safety for this vulnerable group,” Mr Dillon said.

“Horses and riders remain some of the most vulnerable road users, and incidents on rural roads can have life-changing consequences. This debate is a chance for MPs to come together, raise awareness, and push for practical, common-sense measures to protect riders and horses. It is not about blaming drivers; it’s about making our roads safer for everyone.”

The debate comes a week after the Government released its new national road safety strategy, which does mention horses and riders among vulnerable road users, although concerns have been raised about the lack of reference to equestrians in some areas. A spokesperson for Mr Dillon said the strategy’s release “provides a timely opportunity to highlight practical measures to protect riders and horses and build cross-party support”.

Making a difference

Mr Dillon told H&H that if riders contact their MPs to ask them to attend the debate, it will make a difference.

“Don’t underestimate the impact you can have as an individual,” he said. “Contact your MP and tell them what you’re seeing on the roads. Real stories from real people are what drive change in parliament.

“This debate is happening because riders, drivers, and local communities spoke up, and the more voices we hear, the stronger the case for safer roads becomes.”

The BHS is also asking equestrians to ask their MPs to attend and has created a template letter and email on its website, ahead of a “momentous week for equestrian safety”.

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H: “Together, we can amplify riders’ voices and raise awareness of the serious injuries and fatalities our horses face every day. But we can’t do this without the help of the equestrian community.

“That’s why we’re asking equestrians to write to their local MP, urging them to attend the parliamentary debate on 14 January. The more MPs hear from us, the greater the chance that we’ll see promising change towards protecting horses, riders and carriage drivers.”

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Royal recognition for safety campaign set up to reduce horse deaths on the roads

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:31:06 +0000

A major royal award given to the British Horse Society (BHS) is a “pivotal moment for equestrian safety”, it is hoped.

The charity was highly commended at the 2025 Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards in November, in recognition of its Dead Slow road safety campaign. The awards are presented to organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to improving road safety.

“In awarding BHS’s Dead Slow campaign, Prince Michael recognised its success over a 10-year period as it continues to develop across the UK to deliver enhanced safety for all horse owners and carers,” a BHS spokesperson said. “This acknowledgement is a pivotal moment for equestrian safety, reinforcing the significant importance of working collaboratively to reduce the number of incidents and injuries involving our horses and riders on the road.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox said it was a huge honour to be given the award for the campaign, which is 10 years old next year.

“It’s been an important collaborative initiative to inform and involve road users on how to pass horses safely on the road,” he said.

“We’re pleased that HRH and the judges recognised our contribution and were impressed by the consistent effort, sustained over a long period. In this time, we’ve had significant successes including the notable introduction of our Dead Slow behavioural messages in the Highway Code, and, most recently, a Dead Slow awareness ride with Project EDWARD that led to a presentation bill being introduced to parliament. Both are essential pieces of work to increase the safety of equestrians and their horses on our roads.”

Mr Hiscox said none of the campaign’s achievements would have been possible without the “brilliant support” of BHS volunteers, stakeholders and the equestrian community.

“Together, we continue to drive real change, and this award is a testament to all that hard work,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be recognised amongst many other organisations who work incredibly hard to shape the future of road safety and look forward to another 10 years of Dead Slow.”

The most recent statistics, released by the BHS last January, show 58 horses were killed on Britain’s roads the previous year, and 3,118 incidents were reported to the BHS in total. Riders are urged to report all incidents and near misses to police, and to the BHS via its Horsei app or online, as the statistics are crucial in helping bring about change.

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Are you wearing enough hi-vis? What every rider needs to know before hitting the road

Oscar Williams — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:55:38 +0000

Horse riders need hi-vis and not just for gloomy autumn and winter days – it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to become more visible, which should help you to stay safe on the road. It helps you stand out to other road users, giving them time to see you, slow down and pass wide. It also helps when you’re hacking off road as others – dog walkers or low-flying aircraft, for example – will notice you sooner.

You really shouldn’t be on the road with a horse without hi-vis – whether you’re riding or leading. But what exactly are the best hi-vis options for horse riders – and are there any rules you have to follow? Here’s what you need to know.

Highway Code: do horse riders need high-vis?

The Highway Code (rules 49-55) advises riders to make themselves as visible as possible – and it gets specific:

In daylight, wear fluorescent or light-coloured clothing
In poor visibility or at night, switch to reflective gear and add lights

Hi-vis, or fluorescent, material works best in daylight. Reflective strips bounce light back to the source like headlights. To cover all bases, your hacking gear should combine both bright hi-vis material and silver reflective elements.

If you ride in low light (which the Code discourages), extra precautions include:

Reflective bands above the fetlocks on your horse
A white light at the front and red at the rear, attached to your right arm, leg or boot
A fluorescent or reflective tail guard on your horse

These aren’t legal requirements, but they are considered best practice – and could affect liability in the event of an incident.

Some insurers expect riders to take “reasonable precautions”. If you’re involved in an accident and weren’t wearing any hi-vis, it could weaken your claim. In court, it might even be treated as contributory negligence.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Why both horse and rider need hi-vis

Don’t assume hi-vis on the rider is enough. Horses may be large, but they can easily blend into hedgerows, tree lines or shaded lanes – especially darker-coloured horses.

Adding reflectivity to your horse’s legs, tail, and sides with some of the best hi-vis for horses helps drivers recognise shape and movement from a distance. Motion draws attention, so reflective gear on moving parts – like legs or your arms – makes you even more noticeable in low light or headlights.

What to look for when buying hi-vis

At a minimum, the British Horse Society (BHS) recommends a hi-vis jacket or tabard for the rider, and reflective leg bands for the horse. But there are smart upgrades worth considering.

Lights make a proven difference

The BHS commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to study rider visibility on roads. One key takeaway? Riders should wear lights wherever possible.

LEDs are an effective way to boost visibility, especially in dull or fading light. Aim to position them to show your width:

On each shoulder
Along your horse’s flanks
On legs or boots to enhance motion visibility
Whether flashing or static, the more angles you’re visible from, the better. Lights combined with reflective gear give you the best chance of being seen early and clearly.

Safety standards

Look for hi-vis gear that meets recognised standards – it’s a sign the product has been properly tested.

EN 17353:2020 – for leisure riders
EN ISO 20471:2013 – for professional kit (often issued by employers)

Even accessories like hat bands, armbands or harnesses should meet these standards if possible.

Colour options

Consider where you’ll be riding and what colours might show up best. For example, if you regularly ride past crop fields in summer, you’re much more likely to stand out in pink than yellow. Likewise, orange may not be the best in autumn thanks to leaves changing colour. The best way to get around this is to choose hi-vis clothing that’s made up of a combination of colours.

Hi-vis kit options

There are so many hi-vis options to choose from for both you and your horse, and really there’s never too much. While you might feel seen in a tabard and exercise sheet, if you’re on a bend, drivers are unlikely to see you until the last minute, but they might have been able to see a hi-vis hat band over the hedge on their approach. Dress to be seen from all angles and perspectives – a breastplate is helpful for those approaching from the front, but not so much from behind.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Quickfire: Hi-vis dos and don’ts

✔ Wear hi-vis in all conditions – not just bad weather

✔ Kit out both horse and rider

✔ Check gear is certified and properly fitted

✖ Don’t rely on one item (e.g. a tabard on its own)

✖ Don’t assume daylight equals visibility

✖ Don’t forget to replace faded or worn-out gear

Bottom line: be seen, stay safe

Hi-vis for horse riders might not technically be a legal requirement, but it should be a non-negotiable if you’re heading out on the road. Visibility gives other road users more time to react – and that time could save you and your horse from a close call. It will also help low flying aircraft see you earlier, which may enable them to avoid flying directly over you.

You wouldn’t hack without a hat. Don’t hack without hi-vis.

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Seeing it from the rider’s view: drivers who pass horses dangerously learn thanks to virtual reality van

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:08:21 +0000

Drivers who passed horses dangerously have been shown the error of their ways thanks to a joint emergency services operation and the British Horse Society (BHS).

The Leicestershire Police Leicestershire and Rutland rural policing team and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) carried out a close pass operation in the Melton district on 25 September.

This involved one of the police force’s mounted volunteers riding on the road, with a police cyclist in the vicinity. All drivers who passed dangerously were “given the opportunity” to take a seat in LFRS’s Hazard Express van, to experience the virtual reality of the situation they had put the horse and rider in.

PC Kelly Tones of the rural policing team told H&H the aim of these operations, which are now in their third year, is not to prosecute, but to educate.

“I’d say 98% of people we stop say ‘This is incredible’,” she said. “We give the option; jump in the van to watch this video, or we’ve got camera footage so if you want to go to court, let’s go’!”

PC Tones explained that the Hazard Express van, the “virtual insanity experience”, uses headsets and moving seats to allow people virtually to experience the consequences of driving badly. It also uses a BHS video to put the driver in the saddle of a horse who has been passed dangerously on the road.

“It puts you on the horse, shows you cars coming past too close and fast and the horse spooks, rears and spins,” she said. “The chair moves, so it’s perfect to educate people on dangerous passing.

“Most people say it’s amazing, they had no idea, they thought they’d slowed down enough – and that they’re going to tell all their mates. It’s incredible.”

Passengers were also encouraged to try the virtual reality experience, spreading the word further.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

PC Tones said there are of course some drivers who react less positively.

“There are some whose employers I’ve had to phone,” she said. “Some argue with us; ‘I nearly went in the ditch, I went so wide’, but it was their speed that was the issue, that’s why they nearly went in the ditch. Some say ‘My wife has horses so I know how to pass them safely’ – but we don’t stop the ones who are only very slightly too close or too fast; the ones we stop are the dangerous ones.

“One man was a lorry driver for a big company; he blamed the lorry coming the other way but he was the one on the wrong side of the road, he just couldn’t grasp it. I’ve got horses too and this is what we’re up against. But this video and the virtual reality are brilliant.”

PC Tones said the video itself has a wider effect as the word is spread, and that a previous social media post on such an operation was seen by 436,000 people.

“It’s just furthering that educational message,” she said.

And she added that, as BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox always stresses, reporting incidents to police and the BHS is key.

“We pick areas based on where there are most complaints,” she said. “It’s so important to report everything.”

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‘British equestrians deserve better’: MP takes horse road safety campaign to parliament

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:59:32 +0000

A new proposal to parliament to improve equestrian road safety is part of an ongoing campaign to keep the issue on the Government’s agenda.

Newbury MP Lee Dillon introduced his presentation bill on 15 September. The bill would set our speed and distance rules for passing horses in vehicles, make equestrian road safety part of the driving theory test and ensure awareness of horses is taught in driver education.

Mr Dillon has already introduced an early day motion (EDM) on the same topic, backed by other MPs (news, 19 June), and he told H&H this is part of his overall campaign, first prompted by the death of racehorse Knockalla on the roads in his constituency last year. He then supported the British Horse Society (BHS) and Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death) on their awareness ride from Lambourn to Windsor last year.

“Horses and riders are part of the fabric of life here in West Berkshire, but too often our roads are unsafe for them,” he said. “The tragedy in Lambourn is a heartbreaking reminder of how high the stakes are.

“I’ve heard directly from riders, trainers and equestrian groups that education and consistency are key. Too many drivers simply don’t know the rules – and that lack of awareness is costing lives.”

Mr Dillon explained that MPs have different ways to raise issues. An EDM can be backed by colleagues so the Government can see support, and presentation and private members’ bills can be put forward.

“In reality, a presentation bill is unlikely to become law, but what’s really important is that it puts it on the parliamentary agenda and keeps the pressure on,” he said. “I’ve got the second reading of that bill on 17 October, so if they get through the other private members’ bills, then there would be a chance for my bill to be debated, and potentially voted on.

Listening to concerns

“Knockalla was killed last September, then there was the ride to Royal Windsor. From that, we were thinking what we could do. We did the EDM, then listening to people like the British Horseracing Authority about their concerns, in regards to people just not following the Highway Code.

“Even though it got changed in 2022, last year, 80 horses were injured, 58 killed; those changes haven’t achieved results. We see more riders on the road because they have less safe space to ride, so that’s what it’s about.”

Mr Dillon said his changes would mean drivers “must” pass horses safely, rather than “should”, and he cited the fact horses have not been specified in the Government’s forthcoming national road safety strategy.

“I would ask your readers to email their MPs, asking them to support the EDM, number 1234, and get behind this presentation bill; and the roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, asking her to put this in the road safety strategy.

“This bill is about putting equestrian safety firmly on the agenda in Westminster. It’s about clear rules, better driver education and protecting both riders and horses. Government must act, because British equestrian life deserves better.”

Significant step

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H he thinks this is a “very significant step”, and he is delighted the awareness ride is having an impact, as was the intention.

“We’re very grateful for Lee Dillon’s support and think this bill is a big step,” he said. “As he says, it’s about keeping the issue firmly on the national agenda. He says it’s about amplifying riders’ voices, and we need all the help we can get with that.”

Mr Hiscox is also keeping the pressure on, speaking at the UK Road Offender Education roads policing conference and similar events this autumn.

“This support really gives us more gravitas and it all fits with our aim of reducing the number of horses killed and injured on our roads. I’m a terrier; always biting at people’s heels, and that’s how we got the Highway Code changes on passing horses. I’ll keep fighting as I’m passionate about what we’re doing to help horses.”

James Luckhurst, founder of Project EDWARD, told H&H: “We are delighted to see Lee Dillon’s support progress from the awareness ride in May to the presentation of this bill in parliament. Our mission is to champion best practice in road safety and if this bill contributes to protecting horses and riders on our roads, it will represent a significant step forward for equestrian safety nationwide.”

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Owners of horse killed on hack campaign in her memory – as riders not mentioned in new national road safety strategy

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:03:48 +0000

The owners of a mare killed on the roads have vowed to campaign in her memory to protect other horses – as a major new Government road safety strategy does not specifically mention equestrians.

Jamie and Charlotte Willis’s eight-year-old Blaze, whom they have owned since the day she was born, suffered fatal injuries when she was involved with a collision with a car in Windsor on 13 August. Her young rider, who had Blaze on loan, was taken to hospital but not seriously injured. The two other horses and riders with her were unhurt.

The Willises have since met British Horse Society (BHS) director of safety Alan Hiscox and Windsor MP Jack Rankin as they try to ensure something positive can come from Blaze’s death.

“It’s been horrendous,” Mrs Willis told H&H. “I feel, not better, but like I’m moving forward a bit for Blaze. Some justice; so she hasn’t just been killed and forgotten about. It’s going to be a long road but we’ll do what we can. Something’s got to be done.”

The Willises want to campaign for horses, and other animals, to be classed other than as property, or chattels, in law, which would have further-reaching implications in areas such as theft, and could mean tougher punishments for offenders.

“After the accident, a police officer said something about the driver suffering the consequences, but there aren’t really going to be any consequences,” Mrs Willis said.

“Nothing’s going to be good enough because her life has been taken, but this is a living animal, and it’s classed as damage to your property. To hear that when your horse is lying on the side of the road is horrendous.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Charlotte told H&H Blaze’s birth was a surprise, the day before her own birthday in July 2017, as she had bought the mare’s dam, Blue, and the previous owners did not know she was in foal.

“She just looked like a bit of a fat cob that summer,” Charlotte said. “I went down there one morning, and there was this little chestnut foal next to her, and I thought ‘Oh, where did you come from?’! At that point, I had three boys, and I always wanted a little girl. And thought ‘This is clearly my little girl’. The day before my birthday, my favorite is a chestnut with socks and a blaze; she was just my dream.”

A few years later, Charlotte decided to put Blaze out on loan for a year as she felt the mare wanted to do something.

“I was going to have her back afterwards – but eight months in, this happened,” she said. “She was the perfect, perfect horse. I’d done everything slowly with her; let her grow and mature, backed her when she was six or seven, then turned her away for a little while, and then got her back into work and she went off on loan to do a bit of a job. She seemed to enjoy doing little bits and pieces, but obviously I didn’t have her long enough to enjoy her.

“She never got to a show, or to the beach; all these things I’d wanted to do and she never got to do any of it. “They’d been very much at home, in a quiet field, easy life – and it was cut short, which is awful.”

Charlotte said Blaze loved coming into the stable, where she would lie flat to sleep, snoring fit to burst.

“She was so funny, such a character,” she said. “She loved the children, always wanted to be the one having the attention all the time. So nice, and straightforward. She wasn’t just a horse, to me she was worth millions and millions.

Charlotte and Jamie hope that if their campaign succeeds, it will have wider benefits, such as affecting animal theft.

“We just want to make things safer for everyone,” Charlotte said. “And if Blaze can make that happen from losing her life, then amazing; it’s going to be a long road ahead but we’re going to fight.”

Particularly upsetting

Mr Hiscox told H&H the incident was particularly upsetting as it was so close to Windsor, where the BHS and Project EDWARD’s (Every Day Without A Road Death) awareness ride from Lambourn ended. It also occurred as news was emerging about the Government’s new national road safety strategy, to be published this autumn, which does not specifically mention horses.

“This incident just accentuates the fact that we need to push the Dead Slow message out, and get more buy-in from drivers, on that and the Highway Code changes, which are now three and a half years old,” Mr Hiscox said.

“The special relationship between horse and rider is something I’m trying to let the road safety world know about; it’s very special and both should be jointly dealt with as vulnerable road users. I’m pushing for equestrians to be included in the road safety strategy; it will mention vulnerable road users in general but I want the word ‘equestrians’ in there somewhere. I care so much about this.”

H&H reported in May that Newbury MP Lee Dillon had submitted an early day motion (EDM) calling for acknowledgement of horses’ role in society, concern over the number of road incidents involving them and greater awareness of changes to The Highway Code.

Mr Dillon told H&H: “The tragic incident in Windsor is yet another stark reminder of why we urgently need stronger protections for horses and riders on our roads. Living near Lambourn, the Valley of the Racehorse, I see first-hand just how vital it is that they are kept safe. That’s why I’m calling for changes to the Highway Code, for horse safety to be built into the driving test, and for greater awareness among motorists.

“Yet despite this clear need, horses are not even mentioned in the Government’s proposed new road safety strategy. That must change.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson told H&H the Government is committed to reducing the “numbers of those killed and injured on our roads”.

“We will aim to improve the safety of all road users through our road safety strategy, which is being developed and will be published in due course,” she said.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police told H&H two cars were involved in the Windsor collision; one has been served a notice of intended prosecution for dangerous driving, the other was arrested at the scene after failing a drugs swipe and has since been released under investigation. Enquiries are ongoing.

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Driver who failed to slow down for horses fined £709 and banned from the roads after close pass caught on camera

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:53:01 +0000

A man caught on camera driving past horses “without appearing to slow down at all”, and then failed to provide his details to police, has been banned from the roads and fined £709.

Stefan Soloman, 24, from Harehills, Leeds, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on 1 July, in relation to an incident near Northallerton last year.

“In September 2024, two people were riding their horses along a country lane,” a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said. “Video footage captured a white Ford Transit Custom van approaching and passing them, heading towards an oncoming vehicle, without appearing to slow down at all.”

An oncoming vehicle did slow to pass the horses at an appropriate speed, the spokesperson said, adding that the van’s registration number was “clearly captured” on the footage.

The incident was reported to the police via Op Snap, which considers driving complaints submitted by the public.

Officers sent a notice of requirement to Soloman to provide driver details but he failed to do so. In court, he pleaded guilty to failing to provide the details, and was prosecuted for two offences, driving without insurance and not wearing a seatbelt.

He was fined £709 and 14 points were added to his licence, which means a six-month disqualification.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Our area covers 3,200 square miles, with 6,000 miles of roads, many of which are rural, countryside lanes where members of the public ride horses. It is important for motorists to be aware that they must slow down when passing horse riders. Failing to do so could result in a fine, a disqualification – or in the worst case, even a serious or fatal injury.”

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‘Aggressive’ driver who told horse riders she was ‘fed up with people like you’ ordered to pay £600

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:51:26 +0000

A driver who told riders she was “fed up with people like them”, and turned to drive past them again, beeping her horn and “being aggressive” has been ordered to pay over £600.

Fiona Parselle, of Quarry Mead, Burstock, pleaded guilty to inconsiderate driving at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on 25 June. The 56-year-old had been charged with driving without due care and attention, but prosecution and defence agreed to the altered charge in court.

Magistrates heard that Parselle was driving on Broadwindsor high street, which prosecutor Laura Lohk described as a “relatively narrow road”, on 18 December last year when she encountered the three riders.

“One of the riders saw and heard a car driving towards them,” Ms Lohk said. “She indicated for the driver to slow down but, I understand, the driver then said to the riders something along the lines of she was fed up with people like them, that they think they own the roads, and that she’d had trouble with those riders before. The riders noted that they didn’t know the defendant, so they didn’t understand.”

Ms Lohk referred to images taken at the time.

“They show the defendant by the side of the horses, pointing her middle finger at them, and it appears there was an argument,” she said. “She then drove off, turned round and came back and the riders note she was beeping her horn and was aggressive. Of course, we all know that when we see horses, there has to be consideration for their riders and to make sure the horses aren’t spooked. There was some swearing and shouting, back and forth. She drove off, then for a third time, drove past them.”

Ms Lohk said all the riders noted that Parselle was beeping her horn and was “aggressive”, and driving faster than they considered appropriate for passing horses.

Parselle had no previous convictions.

Previous good character

On her behalf, defence counsel Simon Lacey cited his client’s previous good character; she “may have one or two old speeding [issues] on her driving record but no relevant points”.

He said she is a radiographer at a hospital, which is an “important and sometimes stressful” job, from which she was driving home when she encountered the riders.

“She doesn’t go whizzing past the horses at speed; she slows right down. She’s going at normal speeds on the lanes, 35mph or so, and slows right down, stops and has a conversation with the rider. She stops because one of the riders is waving thier crop at her so she stops and they have a conversation, and she drives on.”

Mr Lacey said there was nothing wrong with his client’s driving until this point.

“What goes wrong, for her, is that she feels aggrieved about it all, she turns round and goes back, stops and speaks to them, and beeps her horns. But of course you shouldn’t beep your horn if there are horses there; luckily, nothing happened.”

Mr Lacey said there was an “exchange of words”, but that the beeping was the inconsiderate – not careless – driving, although “fortunately the horses weren’t affected so there’s been no harm”.

“She realises it was a really big mistake, turning round and coming back,” he said. “She shouldn’t have done it but that’s why she’s here. She really regrets it all and has been worried sick about it. She must be reliving it every day, wishing she hadn’t made that decision to go back. She should have known better but unfortunately sometimes we all make mistakes.”

High culpability, less harm

Mr Lacey said it was out of character for his client, and handed the magistrates a number of character witness statements.

Chairman of the bench Mrs Dash said the offence was in the category of high culpability but less harm. She fined her £388 and ordered her to pay a £150 surcharge and costs of £85, and gave her five penalty points on her licence.

Parselle had also been charged with a public order offence but this was adjourned to be considered for out-of-court disposal. Should police not agree to this, the matter will return to court.

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Horse’s death a ‘heartbreaking reminder’: parliament road safety campaign is just the start, riders promised

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:24:10 +0000

A new parliament campaign to keep horses and riders safe on the road is just the start, its creator has promised, as he aims to keep the issue “firmly on the national agenda”.

Liberal Democrat Newbury MP Lee Dillon has submitted an early day motion (EDM) calling for acknowledgement of horses’ role in society, concern over the number of road incidents involving them and greater awareness of changes to The Highway Code.

It “calls on the Government to work with the equine sector, local authorities and road safety bodies to improve public awareness, enforce safe driving practices and protect horses and riders on UK roads”.

EDMs are a way MPs can highlight issues and submit them for debate. Mr Dillon’s, which has been supported by MPs from other parties as well as his own, was put forward after he was involved in the British Horse Society (BHS) and Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death) awareness ride from Lambourn to Windsor.

One inspiration for the ride was the death of young racehorse Knockalla on the roads last year.

“I’ve been proud to support this important campaign to improve road safety for horses and their riders,” Mr Dillon told H&H. “For many in our rural communities, riding isn’t just a hobby, it’s part of daily life, of our local economy and of our heritage. Every rider, on a quiet lane or a busy road, should be able to feel safe.

“Lambourn, as the Valley of the Racehorse, is at the heart of this issue. Horses are an essential part of life here, supporting jobs, tourism and the wider rural economy. Protecting them, and the people who ride them, has to be a priority. The tragic loss of Knockalla brought this into sharp focus. It was a heartbreaking reminder of what’s at stake when road safety isn’t taken seriously.”

Passion and dedication

Mr Dillon said the ride highlighted the issue’s importance, and that it is thanks to equestrians’ “passion and dedication” that it has reached parliament.

“I wanted to give them a national platform to push for change, because the more awareness we raise, the more lives we can protect,” he said. “I hope this campaign helps maintain momentum, encourages the Government to back better road safety measures, delivers more education for drivers and leads to stronger enforcement where needed.

“This is just the start – I’ll continue to push for a further debate and will keep working with campaigners, riders and organisations to keep this issue firmly on the national agenda. Ultimately, this is about making our roads safer for everyone – drivers, riders and horses.”

Windsor MP Jack Rankin, one of the motion’s supporters, told H&H equestrianism “runs through the veins” of his constituency.

“For this to continue to thrive, we must ensure horses and their riders are safe when navigating our roads,” he said. “I am therefore very pleased to back calls to promote awareness of the logical changes to The Highway Code, which aim to reduce the danger from vehicles.

“Locally, the team from Project EDWARD are doing incredible work and I was so pleased to support their ride from Lambourn to Windsor, which generated significant coverage, raising awareness far and wide. I look forward to meeting the BHS to discuss the campaign and what more we can do.”

Well supported

BHS safety director Alan Hiscox told H&H the team is very pleased the motion recognises horses’ safety and has been well supported.

“Incidents persist on our roads every day; far too many horses’ lives continue to be lost,” he said. “Many road users are still unaware of The Highway Code guidance for passing horses.

“This motion is a great step towards changing this and hopefully will lead to greater awareness of how to pass horses safely, as well as why this is so important. It’s also testament to how essential it is to come together to evidence that equestrians still aren’t safe on our roads. It was wonderful to see our community do just this in May, with the awareness ride.

“We’re very proud to have been part of it and to have Lee Dillon support the ride, joining us at Lambourn and showing such interest in equestrian safety on the roads.”

Project EDWARD founder James Luckhurst added that the campaign also welcomes the motion.

“This confirms the level and breadth of support we have in ensuring the safety of equestrians on our roads,” he told H&H.

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Epic ride from Lambourn to Windsor helps change drivers’ attitudes and save horses’ lives

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 23 May 2025 11:05:08 +0000

An “amazing” 55-mile ride from Lambourn to Windsor in memory of two horses killed on Britain’s roads will help keep others safe, it is hoped.

Three horses and riders left the racing hub town last Monday (12 May) and arrived at Royal Windsor on Friday, where they completed a circuit of the Castle Arena to applause from the crowd.

The ride, to raise awareness among drivers of the safe way to pass horses, was a collaboration between the British Horse Society (BHS) Dead Slow road safety campaign and Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death), supported by Land Rover Defender, Royal Windsor, Thames Valley Police, MPs, jockeys and many others.

“It’s been amazing,” BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H. “The response from the media and public – not just the equestrian public – has been incredible. They’ve taken to the message really well. I think it’s been an invaluable partnership with Land Rover Defender to raise awareness of the Highway Code changes.”

Mr Hiscox came up with the idea after racehorse Knockalla was killed on the roads in Lambourn last autumn. He shared the riding with Des Payne and Laurence Knight from the BHS team, and BBC presenter Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes, with her pony Wincey. The riders were accompanied throughout by a Defender emblazoned with BHS and Project EDWARD logos, “Pass horses slow and wide” and a 10mph speed limit sign. The ride was covered on BBC Breakfast and the Jeremy Vine Radio 2 show, reaching potentially millions of people.

Picture by Philip Cole (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Lizzie, who has been supporting the BHS’s road safety work for more than 10 years, told H&H the ride had been “enlightening”.

“I’ve realised that drivers just aren’t seeing us; often we’re not even on their radar,” she said.

She added that she would like manufacturers of safety equipment to consider how riders can be more noticeable.

“But this has 100% made a difference,” she said. “We’ve had people driving past saying ‘I know it’s 10mph now’ because they heard us on Jeremy Vine. It’s definitely made a difference, and that’s why we did it.”

Project EDWARD project manager Josie Jordan, who is also a rider, told H&H that as well as raising awareness of “the numbers” – the 10mph and two metres’ distance – it is important drivers empathise more and understand what riders face on the roads.

“We don’t want to be on the roads but we have to, and we try to have our horses well trained, make ourselves seen and I always try to be courteous,” she said. “As riders we have to play our part.

“A policeman once said to me, ‘It’s a small piece of tarmac and we all have to share it’. My goal with this was to reach as many motorists as possible, and show we’re human too. By doing a safe pass, everyone gets home safely.”

Kyle Gordon, the national lead for road policing operations, who came to Royal Windsor to support the ride, told H&H that on average, five people are killed on Britain’s roads every day.

“So if this is an average day, five people who woke up this morning won’t sit down for dinner tonight with their families,” he said. “And a high proportion are vulnerable road users; those who haven’t got the metal cage wrapped round them. The Highway Code changes give these people special status, but the message hasn’t landed with the general motoring public.”

Commander Gordon added that many people are clued up about their “right” to be on the roads.

“But they don’t think about their responsibilities, and that’s wrong,” he said. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to use the roads in a way that means everyone who left home this morning gets back safe tonight. Driving is a heavily regulated privilege but until we get away from thinking about rights to thinking about responsibilities, we will continue to lose five people a day.

“Every 23 minutes, someone’s killed or seriously injured on the roads, the vast majority vulnerable road users, so by the time we’ve finished this, someone else will have been injured or killed. That’s why I’m here. That’s why it’s important.”

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Rider whose horse fell on her in a ditch backs new ‘Blue Cross Code’ road safety campaign

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 21 May 2025 12:59:30 +0000

A rider who ended up in a ditch under her horse after he was spooked by a car passing too fast is backing a new road safety campaign.

Alyson Lock said she and her part-bred thoroughbred Mylo were lucky not to have been more badly hurt. But not everyone is, and it is incidents such as this that inspired welfare charity Blue Cross to launch its “Blue Cross Code”.

Mylo jumped sideways into the ditch in Suffolk two years ago when a driver ignored Alyson’s repeated pleas to slow down. She ruptured a hamstring in the fall and Mylo hurt his back but both have fully recovered.

“We were lucky that day,” she said. “But not everyone is. Greater awareness for both riders and drivers is vital to help stop more accidents like mine.”

The Blue Cross Code, reminiscent of the Green Cross Code road safety tips for pedestrians, is a guide that “offers essential safety tips for both horse riders and drivers on sharing the road responsibly”.

TV presenter Ben Fogle, who has had “frightening and unacceptable” near-misses riding on the roads, is backing the campaign.

“The Blue Cross Code is a vital initiative, helping to educate both drivers and riders on how to safely share the road,” he said. “With greater awareness, we can prevent accidents and protect lives – both human and animal.”

The launch of the code comes before the May school half-term holiday. Blue Cross horse team development lead Ruth Court said: “With holiday traffic increasing, we want to remind everyone that even a small misjudgment around a horse can have devastating consequences. This new guidance helps both drivers and riders take practical steps to stay safe.”

The code is available online.

The advice for drivers includes a reminder of the changes to the Highway Code on passing horses safely, and highlights the need for vigilance and patience. The tips for riders include the importance of wearing high-vis gear and appropriate training of horses.

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‘This is for all the horses’: group rides from Lambourn to Royal Windsor to raise awareness as too many horses still die on our roads

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 12 May 2025 06:04:37 +0000

A group of horses and riders is to travel from Lambourn to Royal Windsor Horse Show this week, inspired by two horses killed in traffic collisions – but for all those who have died or been injured on our roads.

The aim of the ride (12-16 May) is to raise awareness among drivers of the safe way to pass horses. It is the result of a collaboration between the British Horse Society (BHS) Dead Slow road safety campaign and Project Edward (Every Day Without a Road Death), and is supported by Defender, Royal Windsor, Thames Valley Police, MPs, jockeys and many others.

“It’s about highlighting the changes to the Highway Code on passing horses, as so many drivers still aren’t aware,” BHS safety director Alan Hiscox told H&H. “And raising awareness of the challenges horses face on the roads.”

Mr Hiscox came up with the idea after promising young racehorse Knockalla was fatally injured on the road in Lambourn last year. He went to visit the filly’s trainer Tom Ward, and thought “There’s something more we can do to get the message out there”.

He approached Project Edward, whose team was was very keen to support the idea, as was Royal Windsor organisers HPower, the team from which invited the group to finish the ride in the Castle Arena on the Friday of the show.

Mr Hisox and Des Payne from the BHS safety team will leave Lambourn today (12 May) with BBC presenter Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes on her pony. BBC Breakfast will be there to film their departure, which Mr Hiscox said would be a huge help in getting the message out.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

They will cover the 55 miles in five days, on bridleways for part of the route, to highlight how few safe off-road riding routes exist, and on the roads.

“The Defender will be with us all the way too, with BHS and Project Edward logos, ‘Pass horses slow and wide’ and a big 10mph speed limit sign on it,” Mr Hiscox said. “On the Wednesday we’re having a community event in the Yattendon village square, with Thames Valley Police and the Riding for the Disabled Association, and children from the local school.”

Jockeys including Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand and Tom Scudamore are also supporting the ride, as is Amy Hilton, whose promising young event horse Archie was killed on the road this year.

“Amy will be talking about the significant effect of losing her horse, it’s very emotive,” Mr Hiscox said. “Amy has been incredible. Archie and Knockalla were the catalysts for this ride – but it’s for every horse that’s been injured or involved in an incident on the roads.”

The most recent BHS stats show that 58 horses were killed on Britain’s roads last year, and through the Dead Slow campaign, Mr Hiscox has found that at best, only 5% of drivers know of the Highway Code changes relating to horses.

“This ride aims to change all that,” he said.

Project Edward founder James Luckhurst pointed out that it only takes a few seconds to pass a horse safely.

“But it makes a huge difference,” he said. “These animals are sensitive and one bad moment can change a life for ever; let’s all be kind, patient and share the roads safely.”

Defender UK brand director Amy Gibson said Defender has always had strong links with the equestrian community.

“So there was no doubt that we would proudly show solidarity with this ride,” she said.

“Road safety is of paramount importance to us here at Defender and we recognise the need to protect vulnerable road users, including those on horseback. We’re also delighted to be able to transport all the equipment and individuals organising the ride, helping ensure it can go ahead and make as big an impression as possible.”

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The steps horse riders can take to report bad or dangerous driving

Carol Phillips — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:30:11 +0000

If you’ve ever been enjoying a quiet hack along a country lane when you hear a vehicle speeding towards you, you’ll know how terrifying this can be. Will they see you in time to adjust their speed and pass wide and slow, or will they continue without a care for how their driving will affect your horse? If you’ve experienced a situation like this, you may have wondered how horse riders can report bad driving.

It’s not just speed that can cause concern for riders exercising their horses on the road. There is also dealing with aggressive or abusive drivers, unusually large or noisy traffic, slippery road surfaces, and external factors such as out-of-control dogs that can add to the problem.

How can horse riders report bad driving?

The RAC recommends people report cases of dangerous or bad driving to the police. If there is a fear that the driver is a current danger to themselves and other road users, it suggests you call 999.

If the incident does not require an immediate response, then it can be reported via 101 or online, but you should do so in a timely manner and certainly within seven days.

Many riders now chose to wear a camera to record other road users while out riding on the roads. Video evidence can be helpful when it comes to prosecuting a dangerous driver. For use in a legal case, a video should include the two minutes of footage before and after the incident took place.

Most police forces’ websites include an option to submit video footage of a road incident or near miss. If you are submitting video footage to the police for use in a court case, it should not also be shared on social media (or anywhere else in the public domain) as this may negatively affect legal proceedings.

Other information that the police will need include the date and time of the incident, the registration number and description of the vehicle, and a description of what happened. If there is an independent witness to the incident, their description of what they saw will also be useful.

The British Horse Society (BHS) encourages all riders to report any incidents or near misses to its safety department using its online form. You do not have to be a BHS member to do so. Incidents can include:

a situation that has resulted in a rider or handler feeling concerned (e.g. verbal abuse)
an event that has caused a horse to react in an unsettled way (e.g. excessive noise)
a situation that might have caused injury to a rider, handler or horse even though it may not have at this time (a near miss)
an event that has caused injury to a rider, handler or horse (a collision)

What if there has been a collision?

If there has been a collision between a vehicle and a horse or rider, that has caused injury to either party, you must call the police.

If someone is in danger, has been seriously injured, or the collision has caused a blockage or dangerous obstruction of the road, then ring 999 and request the police, plus whichever other emergency services are needed. If the horse is injured, call a vet.

Otherwise report the collision to the police on 101 while you remain at the scene. The driver of the vehicle should stay until the police arrive.

If the driver leaves the scene after the collision, try to take down the vehicle’s number plate to pass on to the police.

What other types of incident can I report?

In addition to incidents on the road, the BHS also want to receive reports of incidents and near misses involving:

Off-road users
Dogs
Slippery road surfaces
Low-flying aircraft
Drones
Fireworks

These reports help the BHS to identify hotspots, whether those are dangerous stretches of road or other problems. They can then use this data to lobby and advise MPs, road safety partnerships, the police and other safety organisations. They can also offer support in the form of local safety campaigns.

Can you report bad driving if you don’t have video evidence?

Yes, you can report an incident to the police without video evidence. How successful it may be in terms of action being taken will depend on a number of considerations, including whether there are independent witness.

Can you report bad driving without a number plate?

Yes, you can still report the incident with just a description of the vehicle, although this does make it less likely that the driver will be located. However, reporting the incident will help to identify potentially dangerous locations, or a particular vehicle that has been linked to other similar incidents.

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Do you need insurance to ride your horse on the road? H&H explains…

Emily Donoho — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:30:41 +0000

Working out what insurance you do and don’t need when you’re out and about on the road with your horse can be confusing. Horse & Hound sets the record straight.

Cars need to be insured to be on road, but do you need insurance to ride your horse on the road? The short answer is no, there is no legal requirement for horse or rider to carry insurance in order to use roads. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea.

Public liability cover

The British Horse Society (BHS) “strongly advises riders to take out public liability insurance for horses, although it is not a legal requirement, as if a horse in their care causes damage to property or injury, they may be liable to pay considerable costs”.

“When riding on roads, horse riders should consider both public liability insurance as well as personal accident cover with insurance providers offering cover for both junior riders (up to 17) and adult riders (ages 18-75),” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “It’s worth noting that both types of cover are typically included within horse rider insurance.”

A spokesperson at SEIB, a specialist equine insurance broker, says: “Public liability covers claims brought against you by a third party following property damage or bodily injury for which you are legally liable.”

SEIB’s literature explains how public liability insurance relates to horses: “For example if your horse escapes from its field in the night and runs out in front of a moving car resulting in damage to the car and injury to the driver, you could be made to pay the compensation costs for this incident even though you were tucked up in bed at the time.”

It’s not a road specific insurance, but it covers anything that happens while on a road, or any other public place.

What if you don’t own the horse? Are you still covered for public liability? A PetPlan spokesperson explained: “Firstly, you need to check whether the horse is insured and if it is, ask the owner to confirm what cover is in place. If the owner has cover for third party liability check if it covers just the owner, named riders or anyone riding and handling the horse with the owner’s permission.”

Personal accident cover

As the person most likely to be injured in a riding accident is the rider, it’s also recommended that they take out personal accident cover.

SEIB’s spokesperson adds: “Personal accident cover provides benefits in the event of injury following an accident. Cover can be provided for death, loss of limb or sight, permanent total disablement or weekly benefits, however this is not an exhaustive list of benefits available.”

Some personal accident policies include an optional upgrade to include fracture cover, which will pay out if you suffer broken bones as the result of a horse-related incident.

It is important to note that personal accident policies do not typically cover the associated costs if an injured rider needs to take time off work, or employ someone to assist them with their horse following an injury. You will need income protection cover in this case.

Many insurance companies also offer an upgrade for vet’s fees, should the horse be injured in an accident.

Even if you don’t own the horse, you can still take out rider insurance. A number of insurance companies offer a rider-only insurance package.

The BHS Gold membership starts at £8.50 per month, if paying by direct debit, and £102 for a one-off payment and includes public liability insurance, personal accident, and, according to a BHS spokesperson: “Covers you for any horse you own, look after, or ride.”

Shearwater also offers personal accident cover for riders, which, a spokesperson explained: “Will cover you as a rider if you get injured, offering a multitude of benefits, however it does not cover any potential damage to someone else’s property, for example a car.”

This list isn’t comprehensive. Anyone interested in personal injury insurance or public liability cover should go online and see what’s out there. Shop around to find the policy that’s right for you – and make sure you’ve read the small print. Being covered will help give you peace of mind if you’re riding on the roads.

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Expert tips to help you ride your horse on the roads with confidence

Becky Murray — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:53:38 +0000

You may be happy soaring over five-foot hedges or riding into a dressage arena packed with spectators, but the idea of hacking on the roads sets you quaking in your boots. Building confidence for riding a horse on the road is a tricky area.

Traffic has increased massively over the years, and not all drivers know how to pass horses appropriately. Although the British Horse Society (BHS) has made huge efforts with their road safety campaigns, it remains a major concern.

However, for many of us, riding on the roads is essential if only to get to safe hacking routes. If we have a mental block about it, our nerves can transfer to our horse and exacerbate the tension.

A tense rider will transfer their nerves to the horse. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Let’s take a look at how to alleviate some of the worries, so that you can enjoy every step of the ride.

5 key steps to improve confidence for horse riding on the road

1. Set yourself up for safety

The BHS has several tips that we can follow to help us stay safe when on the roads with our horses.

These include:

Wear high-vis and reflective equipment, both on yourself and on your horse, so that you are easy to see from all angles. LED lights should also be considered
Learn the Highway Code rules to ensure you behave correctly and interact appropriately with other road users
Be alert at all times – so put that phone away, and don’t hack on the roads while wearing headphones
Take a road safety test such as the BHS Ride Safe Award or Pony Club Riding and Road Safety
Use hand signals to show when you are intending to make a manoeuvre
Take a charged phone with you, and tell people back at the yard where you are going
Report any incidents or dangerous driving

A rider and horse in high-vis equipment. The BHS suggests a minimum of a high-vis tabard for the rider, and leg bands for the horse. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

2. Pick something to focus on

Equestrian mental performance coach Poppy Blandford says when riders worry about what might happen on the road, it often means they have become fixated on an outcome.

“If you’re going out and thinking, ‘I just want to survive this’, you’re going to cause anxiety in your body, your body’s going to feel out of control and you’re going to be tense,” she says.

“You want to switch from thinking about the ‘what if’ to thinking about what you want to achieve while hacking out.”

Company, for both horse and rider, can be helpful for building confidence and giving you a different focus. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

“Choose something to focus on like being able to soften your hands and let your horse stretch, keeping your body straight, or just giving your horse something to do so that you have a job. By focusing on something we’re taking ourselves away from that outcome that creates the stress, and engaging in things that we know that we can do.

“It sounds kind of obvious, but it’s not obvious at all when you’re in those moments of worry and doubt. Doing this will allow you to take control of the experience, rather than having an ‘I just need to get through this’ mentality.”

3. Get a pen and paper

Poppy recommends writing your worries down to help boost your confidence horse riding on the road.

Put your concerns and action plans down on paper. (Image credit: Emma Herrod Photography)

“If the ‘what ifs’ and worries are flying around your head then write them down. It might be, ‘What if my horse spooks at something on the road?’,” she says.

“Put it on paper, and then write what you will do in that moment. How would you slow them down or reconnect with them?

“By writing down what you will do you are coming up with solutions, and when you start to program your brain into solutions, we’re moving away from the anxiety by saying, ‘No matter what happens, I have a solution’.

“By making a plan for it, you’re taking control of your behaviour and you’re moving away from being reactive in these situations to being proactive.”

4. Find your anchor

Ahead for Life’s Debbie Hill says when riders have worries about the road what they are doing is risk assessing – and she reminds us that this is normal and OK.

“We risk assess for a reason – because riding on the road can be dangerous, but once we’ve risk assessed we can accept that those risks are there, and carry on. Often it’s the perception and catastrophising that causes the lack of confidence,” explains Debbie.

Passing cars is an inevitable “hazard” while hacking on the road. (Image credit: Philip Barker)

“We’re thinking about things that could go wrong, and when we do this we kick off the fight, flight or freeze mechanisms; we become tense, our breathing becomes shorter, and then our horses tune into this.

“When you’re in this moment, it’s helpful to envision a place where you feel calm and or think of a song that you can immerse yourself into that takes you to a happy place where you feel safe. We call these anchors, so it’s anchoring you into a frame of mind and way of being, and taking yourself out of that place of worry.”

5. Box breathing

Consultant clinical psychologist with Changing Minds Dr Duncan Law, who has worked with top sports athletes, recommends using breathing techniques during moments of anxiousness.

Box breathing involves inhaling through your nose for a count of four, holding your breath for four, exhaling through your mouth for four, then holding your breath for four – and repeating.

Don’t forget to breathe! Conscious breathing exercises can be really helpful in managing stress. (Image credit: Emma Herrod Photography)

“If you’ve had situations where you’ve had poor outcomes, you might have a tendency to dwell on those unhelpful thoughts and think things like, ‘Here we go again’ or ‘I can’t do this anymore’. These can be understandable thoughts, but in order to perform a task, you need to push these out of your head,” he says.

“Box breathing helps people first of all to remember to breathe, which might sound crazy, but when we get really anxious and adrenaline starts to flow we forget to breathe or we almost pant, where we really shallow breathe.

“All sorts of biochemical processes go on and you can feel light headed, can’t concentrate, and you’re less well prepared. Box breathing helps you to remember to breathe and to breathe properly, and by doing this it calms down the bit of your nervous system that helps regulate us.”

Focus on the end result: a canter in an open field may be the reward after the roadwork. (Image credit: Emma Herrod Photography)

We cannot remove all elements of risk associated with riding on the roads, but we can improve our mental and physical approach to help ourselves and our horses behave in a calm and relaxed manner. This not only makes the ride more enjoyable, but reduces certain aspects of the risk due to your control of the situation.

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‘Braying for more’: resourceful police use mints to capture donkey loose on the road

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:43:45 +0000

Resourceful police officers came to the rescue of a donkey and drivers by bribing the former with his favourite sweets.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said the donkey, whom officers from the Bloxwich station nicknamed Ned, was causing issues for motorists in the Beechdale estate in Walsall, after he escaped from his field on the evening of 27 February.

“Officers managed to bring the donkey, who they have affectionately named Ned, under control after bribing him with mints,” the spokesperson said. “They then trotted him back to his field and helped to mend a fence to stop him escaping again.”

Sergeant Chris Beards, response supervisor at Bloxwich, said the donkey was a “cheeky one”, who had escaped from his field in the past.

“He was causing a nuisance on the roads for motorists so my officers had to find him and take him back to his field,” he said. “He loves mints and once he had chomped down on one he was braying for more and was happy to come back with us.

“We took him back to his field and although we couldn’t locate his owner, we made sure the fence was secure so he couldn’t get out again.”

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‘If they save one life it’s worth it’: persistence pays off for horse and rider road safety

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:34:19 +0000

Riders and the British Horse Society (BHS) have proven the power of persistence, working together and reporting road incidents, as warning signs have been installed in Cambridgeshire villages.

The posters, supplied by the BHS, have been put up in Little Thetford, Huntingdon and St Ives. Titled Dead Slow, the name of the BHS road safety campaign, they set out the Highway Code guidance on passing horses at no more than 10mph and at two metres’ distance.

Charlotte Mitchell, a rider and the chair of Little Thetford Parish Council, told H&H she hopes the installation of the signs will help other riders as well as those who use the local roads. The BBC has reported on it, helping spread the word.

“It’s been massive,” she said. “I’ve had lots of other riders who I don’t know reaching out to ask advice about how to get the signs in their areas.”

Charlotte said hacking is limited in her area; she has to cross the A10 or A142 just to get to bridleways.

“I can’t explain how bad it is,” she said. “I’m in my 40s, I’ve ridden all my life and been involved in racing, and can’t believe the lack of care and general nastiness [of drivers]; it makes me ashamed to be human.”

Charlotte said she saw the signs in H&H and started to try to secure some for her area. She and other local riders approached the parish council, as parishioners, and BHS head of safety Alan Hiscox. They had to photograph suitable places, approach the local authority’s highways department and secure permission for their installation.

One thing that backed their case was the BHS incident stats for the county, which showed there had been an 116% increase in incidents including one equine fatality.

“The police are now backing us, and highways,” she said. “That meant when Alan came down, he had free rein to put the signs up where they were necessary. He and the BHS have been brilliant; so supportive, and the stats have really brought this about as we were able to show the police what was happening.

“This is why we should report, to the BHS and police. A friend of mine submitted footage of a driver to police and he got three points and a fine. Things do happen but you have to report.

“Someone said to me yesterday, even if these signs only slow 10 cars down and save one rider’s or horse’s life, it’s worth it.”

Mr Hiscox told H&H this is a “classic” example of collaboration, persistence and the importance of reporting incidents.

“Someone asked me this morning what the point is of reporting,” he said. “I said look at Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and Shropshire, to name a few. If you let us know where these incidents are happening, as well as reporting to the police, we can work together to take it forward.”

Mr Hiscox added that in most cases the BHS funds the posters – sometimes local authorities do – and that they have been approved by the Welsh Assembly and Road Safety Wales.

“So if we say we’ll fund them and put them up, it’s a win-win situation,” he said. “This absolutely proves what the Horse i app and reporting website can do, and working with the equestrian community. Charlotte’s been doing a brilliant job.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary told H&H: “The posters carry an important message about remaining at 10mph or slower when passing horses. We want the roads to be a safe place for all road users and would urge everyone to share the roads safely and look out for one another.”

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Perspective change needed as 58 horses killed on our roads last year

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:34:06 +0000

A change in the way ridden and driven horses are officially perceived could boost safety – as the latest stats showed 58 horses were killed on Britain’s roads last year.

The British Horse Society (BHS) released its 2024 road incident figures yesterday (29 January), three years after changes to the Highway Code guidance on passing horses came into effect.

In total, 3,118 incidents were reported to the BHS, which the charity’s head of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H is “the tip of the iceberg”. These included 80 human and 97 equine injuries and the total number of reported incidents was 8% down on 2023 (see below). This takes the total number of recorded road incidents since November 2010 to 18,683, causing 47 human and 697 equine deaths, and 1,782 human and 1,625 equine injuries.

“These figures are still shocking,” Mr Hiscox said. “Although there’s been a slight decrease, 58 horses died on our roads last year and more than 3,100 incidents were reported to us. And we know only about 15% of incidents are reported to us.”

Mr Hiscox reiterated the call he has made before; to all those who experience an incident, whether a collision or a near-miss or similar, to report it to the BHS as this allows them to lobby local and national government, police and road safety partnerships for change, as well as identifying accident hot spots at which action can be taken.

“It’s absolutely vital equestrians let us know what’s happening on the roads,” he said.

In the updated Highway Code, which came into force in 2022, drivers are urged to pass horses no faster than 10mph and leaving at least two metres space. But 81% of the reported incidents involved drivers who did not adhere to this guidance.

Mr Hiscox said that too few drivers are aware of these changes, even now; as part of the BHS Dead Slow road safety awareness campaign, he visits motoring shows every year.

“At Carfest last summer, we asked more than 300 drivers if they knew about the specific changes relating to horses and only 2% knew,” he said. “At a national air show, it was 5%. So there’s a huge amount of work to do on awareness.”

Mr Hiscox would like to see the government department for transport (DfT) doing more to raise awareness of the changes – “they’ve really pushed the cyclist ones, which is fine, but I think it’s been to the detriment of equestrians,” he said. He will carry on with the multiple award-winning safety campaign; speaking at national conferences, visiting shows and working with driving instructors, councils, police and road safety partnerships.

“And we want to get the horse recognised as a subject, not an object,” he said. “Police consider the horse as property but we want to see the horse and rider or driver both as the vulnerable road users, not just the person. I don’t know if it needs a change of legislation or mindset. There’s lots more to do but we’ve hit the ground running.

“Only through working collaboratively and by evidencing that an issue of equestrian safety still remains, can we stop these awful incidents from happening, time and time again.”

A DfT spokesperson referred H&H to a comment made by future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood, in response to a road safety question asked in parliament.

Ms Greenwood said an awareness campaign about “the changes” to the Highway Code was launched in 2022, followed by “broader behaviour change campaigns in the summers of 2022 and 2023, to help embed the changes and encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance”

“Over £2.4m has been spent on media across the campaign,” she said.

“Campaign outcomes include 86% of road users having heard of the changes by September 2023, and 81% of drivers claiming to leave a gap of 1.5m when passing a cyclist all or most of the time. We will continue to promote the Highway Code changes on THINK! and DfT social media channels and via our partner organisations.”

To report an incident, visit the BHS website or the Horse i app

The numbers

2023: total incidents 3,383

People killed 3

People injured 94

Horses killed 66

Horses injured 86

2024: total incidents 3,118

People killed 0

People injured 80

Horses killed 58

Horses injured 97

Since November 2010, 18,683 incidents have been reported; 47 people have died and 1,782 have been injured, and 697 horses killed and 1,625 injured

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Driver who hit horse and failed to stop ordered to pay over £2,200

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:30:20 +0000

A driver who hit a horse as he was trying to overtake it – and failed to stop after the incident – has been ordered to pay over £2,200 and given eight points on his licence.

Rob McGregor, of Hambleton near Selby, was sentenced at York Magistrates’ Court on 2 December, having pleaded guilty to two offences.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said the 77-year-old struck one of the horse’s hindlegs as he was trying to overtake in his Kia on 12 February. The horse needed veterinary treatment for leg injuries and the rider sustained whiplash in the collision.

The police said the case is an “important reminder”.

“We’re reminding motorists to take extra care when passing horse riders, cyclists and other vulnerable road users after a driver was sentenced for hitting a horse,” the spokesperson said..

“McGregor failed to stop but was followed from the scene of the collision in Hambleton to his home and the incident was reported to the police. He was prosecuted and sentenced for driving without due care and attention, and for failing to stop after a collision.”

McGregor was told to pay a fine, costs and a victim surcharge, after the victim incurred vets’ bills of over £470.

North Yorkshire Police officer Sam Potts said: “A few seconds’ loss of concentration is all it takes to cause injuries that last a lifetime and even fatalities.

“Motorists need to remember the ‘10 and two’ rule when passing horses – allow two metres and limit your speed to 10mph.

“North Yorkshire is a rural county which is popular with horse riders and cyclists, and has a lot of wildlife and livestock that can wander into the path of traffic, so it’s always important to expect the unexpected.”

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A body-builder, stolen ice cream and horses star in ‘ground-breaking’ road safety film

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:12:03 +0000

A body-builder swiping a child’s ice cream has been used in a “ground-breaking” new video aimed at helping keep vulnerable road users safe – including horses and riders.

The British Horse Society (BHS) worked with road safety organisation Co-Pilot on the short film that aims to clarify the hierarchy of road users, a concept included in the 2022 Highway Code changes.

H&H has reported on confusion about the idea, and Co-Pilot founder and CEO James Evans said he believes more clarification was needed.

“The Think! campaign did a pretty good job of publicising it, and the Department for Transport a reasonably good job but a lot of people feel it hasn’t gone far enough,” Mr Evans told H&H. “If you’re going to fundamentally change the Highway Code and not tell everyone, that’s a bit of a problem.”

Mr Evans said that Co-Pilot, a membership organisation that promotes collaborative working on road safety, conducted market testing on awareness of the hierarchy. This found that young drivers are more likely to know about it from recent instruction but may not apply the practice, of giving way to pedestrians for example, as they fear other road users may not understand what they are doing, causing an accident.

“Unless you’ve got almost 100% awareness, you’ll have some people thinking one thing will happen and the rest thinking something different,” Mr Evans said.

Bill Thisdell came up with the idea of the film, which shows a child’s ice cream being taken by progressively stronger people, then explains how the hierarchy is designed to protect vulnerable road users. Narrated by BHS president Martin Clunes, it shows the ice cream van passing cyclists, riders and pedestrians safely, explaining the guidance for each case.

“Horses now sit alongside pedestrians and cyclists as vulnerable road users,” a BHS spokesperson told H&H. “This rule highlights that, irrespective of method of transport, those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.

“This focused film will play a critical role in making more people aware of the guidance in place and to emphasise the importance of passing horses safely on our roads. Initiatives such as this also highlight the value in working collaboratively to educate drivers and ultimately, to help keep us all as safe as possible while out on the roads.

“The BHS is honoured to have been part of this partnership project and will continue to work with key organisations, like Co-Pilot, to drive even greater change.”

Mr Evans said the film will be shown on social media, and there has been discussion of showing it on television and in cinemas too.

“It’s really important to keep banging the drum,” he said. “It should start some conversations and get some cogs whirring.”

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H: “This is a ground-breaking film that really puts into context the hierarchy of road users.

“The BHS safety team were so keen to partner Co-Pilot in this project and our thanks go to them for highlighting this important part of the Highway Code changes.”

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Be safer on the roads: introduce your horse to traffic with this five-point plan

Pippa Roome — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:00:24 +0000

Even if you’re lucky enough to have great off-road hacking, introducing your horse to traffic is a sensible step. Whether it’s in the car park at the vet clinic or the lorry park at a show, every horse will come across traffic at some point and it makes sense to do everything you can to reduce the risk of an accident.

“The first thing to say, and this applies to all training when introducing something new to a horse, is start with a safe environment that you can manage,” says Jason Webb, a trainer who specialises in starting young horses and retraining those with problems.

“There are horses with whom you can just say, right I’m going to introduce the horse to traffic, and you just go for a ride out on the road and you can get away with it, but for safety’s sake and your horse’s ongoing future in terms of being able to deal with those environments, it’s best to do things with a process.

“That means being able to increase the intensity of an environment to increase your horse’s ability to cope and reduce the amount of energy in an environment so it’s manageable and doesn’t push the horse into an incoherent flight state.”

Before starting the process of introducing your horse to traffic, Jason says you need some basics, including being able to control flight, such as by using one-rein controls and bending the horse.

“This puts your horse in a shape that means they can’t drive,” he says. “It disengages the hind end and engine. Their ability to run is hindered.

“It also means the horse’s head comes round and not up. When a horse’s head is up, they tend to be more anxious and adrenalised. In this sort of situation, you won’t generally be able to force your horse to put their head down, but what you will be able to do in a bend is relax one half of your horse and allow energy to dissipate by moving round in a circle.

“That’s really important because if you hold with two reins, energy is trapped and can explode out in all sorts of unwanted ways.”

Introducing your horse to traffic: a five-point plan

1. Assess your horse’s responses

Jason suggests starting by leading your horse into somewhere like the car park at your yard and letting them look around.

“Just note how your horse is coping in that environment,” he says. “Are they really looking at the traffic? Do they become more aware or flighty or are they just normal? This gives you an idea of how to move on from this point.”

If your horse is anxious, Jason suggests repeating this exercise, not forcing the horse to look at the vehicles or touch them, but just letting them take in the environment and absorb it all.

“Once they start to get familiar with it, you’ll start to see them become more inquisitive. Then you can start to approach areas you might not have been able to approach before.”

2. Use tying up

Jason’s next step is to tie the horse up and drive a vehicle smoothly past them, with the distance depending on their responses during step one.

He says: “It’s important not to creep. I just move the vehicle consistently past them. Horses like to see a rhythm and pattern. If you’re moving erratically, it makes it harder for horses to process and therefore makes a more anxious or flight response.”

If the horse gives no response, then Jason will start to bring the vehicle closer, until it’s in a place where the horse is just able to tolerate it, and then he’ll repeat the exercise until the horse starts to relax.

“The important part is that my horse doesn’t swing from left to right while this is happening and I can control this by using the standing on the tie exercise. The reason this is so important is because I want to be the person to show the horse that where I’ve put them is a perfectly safe place to be even when traffic is moving past – that not only gets them used to traffic going past them, but it gets them used to you being able to show them it’s all right and their confidence in you starts to build.”

Jason will build this up so the horse sees traffic coming towards them from in front and approaching from behind and uses different combinations of traffic and speed.

3. Follow a vehicle

As the first mounted exercise, Jason will ride the horse behind a vehicle driving around a familiar paddock or arena.

He says: “Initially the horse is going to want to go left and right and keep their distance, but as they become more familiar with the vehicle moving round, you’ll start to feel you can ride them a little bit closer. I use this exercise until I can get the horse to go up and actually make contact with the vehicle when stopped.”

4. Go round the vehicle and vice versa

Next, Jason will trot around the stationary vehicle, with the engine on or off.

“Again I’m assessing where’s that comfort line and I’m just focusing on riding straight lines around the vehicle,” he says. “If you ride a circle you’re more likely to lose your horse’s shoulder and they sort of bow out.”

Then Jason swaps things round so the vehicle goes in circles around the horse, initially at a distance the horse is comfortable with and then pushing this circle slightly closer.

“If my horse starts to become more anxious and move, I allow them to walk a small circle in the opposite direction to the way the vehicle is travelling and I just allow this to happen until my horse stops. When my horse stops, we’ll simply reverse the roles. I repeat these two exercises for however long it takes for my horse and me to feel comfortable that my horse is becoming confident with the vehicle moving and stationary.”

5. Ride the horse past the car

Jason will then ride the horse backwards and forwards up a fence line 5-10m from a stationary car.

He says: “If I get a slight flight response, I’ll immediately bend my horse, face them back in the new direction and then go back past again and I’ll do this until my horse can go through this gap calmly. Then I’ll change the sequence so I’m standing still and the vehicle will move backwards and forwards past me. I’ll just ask my horse to stand and be relaxed.

“Backing up is not a problem in this instance. I might ask if this happens that the vehicle give me a little more space and or as the rider your job is to keep your horse’s head straight until the vehicle moves past – until the horse realises that if they stay straight and allow the vehicle to go past, it will be fine.

“If a horse learns to turn in this situation, then they can start napping or spinning behaviours. A horse that just goes backwards will lose that will to go backwards once they realise the vehicle will travel past and it’s fine. If the horse wants to shoot forwards then I simply turn my horse back to where they were – so a small figure of eight – and I repeat this until my horse can stand and deal with the traffic passing.”

Jason recommends using combinations of these exercises and variations when introducing your horse to traffic, depending on the horse, before heading out on to the roads.

“Think how you can teach your horse to find that place of comfort,” he concludes.

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Horse loose in High Street and man injured in carriage-driving incident – police appeal

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:21:59 +0000

Police are investigating after a man became separated from the carriage he was driving and was taken to hospital.

Officers were called to Dedham, a village in Essex, at just after noon on Tuesday (22 October) after it was reported that a horse, still harnessed to its carriage, was loose in the High Street.

“The horse was secured by a member of the public,” a spokesperson for Essex Police said.

“The rider was found with serious injuries in Ardleigh Road at the junction with Long Road West. They are not thought to be life-threatening and he is currently in hospital.”

Officers investigating the incident have appealed to anyone who was in the area and has relevant information to get in touch.

“We do not know how the rider came off the cart at this stage and we are looking into the circumstances which led up to the incident,” the spokesperson said. “Anyone with information on this incident should contact us as soon as possible.”

Reports can be submitted via an online form or live chat on the Essex Police website,or by calling 101, quoting incident reference 0518 of 22 October.

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Award and awareness rides: the fight to keep horses and riders safe on our roads

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:44:23 +0000

A campaign to improve horse and rider road safety has won a prestigious national award – as Pass Wide and Slow (PWAS) awareness rides have taken place across the country.

The British Horse Society’s (BHS) Dead Slow campaign was recognised at the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving (IMTD) awards, which “recognise outstanding contribution to driver training and road safety”. The title was awarded on 7 September, the weekend before the PWAS awareness rides were held across the country.

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox has previously told H&H of the work he and his team have been doing with driving instructors to improve horse and rider safety.

“We’re so pleased to be recognised with an award, for a significant contribution to road safety,” he said. “The safety team has had very positive partnerships with driving instructors since we launched the campaign and it has been so important to involve them when it comes to increasing the safety of horses on the road.

“Regular communication is extremely important, and we are looking forward to working with even more organisations to drive greater awareness of equine road safety.”

The IMTD awards are “an opportunity to recognise outstanding contribution to driver training. This includes individuals and/or organisations that have played a significant role in promoting road safety in the field of driver education”. A BHS spokesperson told H&H a key part of the Dead Slow campaign is “considering how the BHS can reach young drivers to help them understand the dangers of passing horses too quickly and closely on our roads”.

“The BHS works alongside driver instructor associations to ensure the rules included in the Highway Code continue to be an integral part of people’s learning,” she said.

This year, more than 245 PWAS rides were held, across the UK but also in the US, Canada, Poland and New Zealand.

Laura Grant, one of the PWAS admin team, organised a ride in Carmarthenshire. Laura’s pony Katie suffered a fatal injury when a passing vehicle scared her and she went into a cattle grid, in 2023.

“We were still all over the place last September but this year, we organised a ride to remember Katie, and make things better for other horses,” Laura told H&H. “We were escorted by police all the way, which was very good, but in the end only had one carriage and two riders – because people are just too scared to ride on the roads.”

Laura’s ride had the support of councillors and Dame Nia Griffith MP, who went along for the ride in the carriage.

“That was her first carriage ride and she felt first-hand what it was like to have cars going past too fast and too close, and she said something has to be done,” Laura said. “But it was lovely to see smiley faces, and we were blessed to have sponsors; we had Evo Equine and Equi Hi Viz; other rides were sponsored by local businesses and big companies.

“This year the rides were international too; a woman in New Zealand saw our social media group and got on board there so there were over 245 in total.”

Members of the PWAS Facebook group also raised enough money to put the PWAS message on buses across the country this year, and are campaigning for the Highway Code to be made law, especially in relation to the guidance on passing horses.

“I just don’t want anyone else to have to go through the pain of losing their horse or being injured on the road. It’s devastating,” Laura said. “It means so much to me to be doing something positive out of something so awful, and keeping Katie’s memory alive.”

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‘She didn’t deserve to go like that’: heartbroken owner’s awareness ride after horse put down on the road

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:51:38 +0000

The owner of a horse who broke a leg and had to be put down when a car collided with them on the road is organising an awareness ride she hopes will be a fitting legacy of her “best friend”.

Hope Jarvis broke her wrist when her part-bred trotter Holly died on the Dungeness Road in Lydd, Kent, on 27 July. She is still in a cast but hopes to be mobile in time for the ride, on 14 September in Bethersden, Kent.

“Rather than anger or revenge, I’m trying to channel all my grief into trying to do something to stop this happening to someone else,” Hope told H&H. “Holly was one of a kind and did not deserve to go like that. I feel if I can do something for her, I’ll have done her justice.”

Hope and Holly were out for a normal Saturday ride when they met a large number of motorbikes coming the other way.

“They were so respectful,” Hope said. “They all slowed right down, put their hazard lights on and got behind each other. She was a saint on the road, nothing fazed her, but there were so many of them, I think the noise made her a bit uneasy. I got her on the verge to let her see, and they all disappeared. But of course as they did, they got faster and louder and she got a bit agitated.”

Hope said it is a straight road, so she saw the car coming and tried to get back on the verge but Holly may still have been upset by the encounter with the bikes.

“The car went straight into her,” Hope said. “It broke her leg, and she had to be put down at the scene.”

Hope said the police did not prosecute the driver and she wants to raise awareness herself of the risks riders face.

“It’s not until something happens to you that you realise how often it does happen,” she said. “I’ve organised the ride and it’s just blown up; the BBC has contacted me and the British Horse Society has been in touch. I want to do something about how drivers see horses; I saw what was going to happen before it did and screamed at the driver to slow down but she said she couldn’t see me.

“The message I’m trying to get out is that people need to be aware, of what horses are and their natural instincts. And maybe we can get them to think twice.

“Accidents happen and this was a freak accident; as much as I could say it’s her fault and I’ve lost my best friend, it was still an accident and I don’t want backlash against the driver. I just want to raise awareness.”

Picture by Jem Pryke Photography (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hope has also been in touch with the council in hopes of installing warning signs on that road, in memory of the mare she had owned for five years.

“She was the first horse I saved up for and bought myself,” she said. “She wasn’t really anything I was looking for when I bought her but she went from being a horse who was scared of her own shadow to flying round Hickstead. She was just magical.

“She was a real mare; sassy and dominant. When I got her, she’d been passed around, then left in a field, but in the end she was the most trusting horse – she was an absolute diamond. I taught her to give me a kiss and a high-five, she’d follow me round the field. She just needed someone to understand her and prove her worth.”

Hope said she posted on Facebook when Holly “gained her wings”, and was overwhelmed with the response.

“I’m so glad I posted as I hadn’t realised how much she’d made an impression on people she’d met, or we’d been on yards with, and it made me feel better,” she said. “She wasn’t just a horse; that’s another message. You see all the time ‘It’s just a horse’ but she was my life. She was beautiful.”

Similar rides will be held across the country that weekend as part of the Pass Wide and Slow awareness campaign; at Hope’s, there will be a raffle and ice cream van, and numbers will be limited.

“As it’s an awareness ride for road safety, the last thing we want to do is block the road,” Hope said. “I’ve been blown away by the response, I think it’s something close to everybody’s hearts.”

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Drivers pass horses slower after mindfulness training, study finds

Lucy Elder — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:45:33 +0000

Could practising mindfulness help improve road safety? The British Horse Society (BHS) has shared new videos that will be offered to various places to help people improve their driving.

The four videos were produced by the BHS, Nottingham Trent University and Esitu Solutions, with funding from The Road Safety Trust.

The videos were informed by a study of more than 1,000 drivers, which asked what they felt, thought, and how they behaved around vulnerable road users.

The research found that spotting horses in the road ahead was most likely to lead to feelings of surprise and happiness in the drivers, whereas the strongest emotions evoked by cyclists were reported to be frustration and anxiety.

Evaluation from more than 300 drivers found attitudes towards cyclists improved after seeing the mindfulness videos, as well as a reduction in intended speeds for passing both cyclists and horse riders.

“We are presenting the evaluation of the videos at the National Road Safety GB conference,” BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H.

“The videos will then be offered to driving instructors, the police, road safety partnerships and local authority safety teams, to be used at road safety events and school programmes.”

He added that the team hope these videos “will serve as an important and engaging tool that will encourage greater harmony and respect amongst all road users”.

A total of 82% of drivers agreed that their knowledge of how to pass horses had improved having seen the videos, 84% said they will be in more control when overtaking them in future, and that they will use mindfulness techniques when they next encounter vulnerable road users. Similar results were also recorded regarding encountering and passing cyclists in future.

Professor David Crundall of Nottingham Trent University, said: “Our previous research with The Road Safety Trust has demonstrated that mindfulness training can change the way people drive for the better.

“This next step has required us to distil mindfulness concepts and techniques into a series of bite-sized road safety videos that we hope will have great benefits for the most vulnerable of road users.”

The videos include areas such as monitoring yourself for negative thoughts, emotion labelling, and mindfulness techniques.

Ruth Purdie, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “Close passing is a real and present danger for both horse riders and cyclists.

“Mindfulness training has the potential to help change that, with evaluation suggesting it has a positive effect on the attitudes and emotion of drivers towards cyclists, and that their intended future overtaking speeds have decreased.”

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(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

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Your vote counts: crucial equestrian issues for general election candidates

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:28:55 +0000

A ban on trail-hunting, equine ID and horse and rider road safety are among the issues to be considered by equestrians in the general election tomorrow (4 July).

H&H has reported that Labour was likely to pledge to ban trail-hunting, and this was included in the party’s manifesto. A spokesperson for the party told H&H: “The next Labour government will strengthen the Hunting Act to close loopholes and end trail-hunting that is used as a smokescreen for the illegal hunting of foxes, deer and hares.”

Labour will not ban drag-hunting as the party does not believe it is a “loophole used as a cover for illegal foxhunting”. But the hunting community has strongly refuted the claims about trail-hunting.

“They have made that statement, but where is their evidence?” British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) managing director Oliver Hughes told H&H. “Since the hunting ban in 2004, there have been about 250,000 days’ hunting, and about 600-700 convictions; 0.2% of which were down to what are now BHSA accredited hunts. That shows that the Hunting Act works; we are hunting within the law.

“Our main responsibility now as a hunting community is to prove to politicians, police, the press and the public that trail-hunting is legal, legitimate and well regulated, and there’s no need for any interference or further legislation. On 14 September, our national trail-hunting day will be the day to demonstrate that; it will be 30 venues rather than one, but it will be the 2024 equivalent of the Countryside March.”

Countryside Alliance CEO Tim Bonner told H&H that Labour’s decision to put hunting legislation at the top of its rural agenda again is “completely unjustified and out of touch with the priorities of rural people”.

“If it is determined to bring forward legislation it must be absolutely certain that any new law does not impact on hunts that are operating legitimately in exactly the way the Labour government told them to when it passed its original prejudiced legislation,” he said.

The British Horse Council (BHC) has set out its priorities for the next Government, in three questions sent to candidates (see below).

BHC chairman David Mountford told H&H the BHC has spent years working on key issues with the Government, and has built up good relationships with the relevant departments.

“We don’t know yet how the new Government will progress the issues we’ve been working hard on such as equine ID,” he said. “The next steps will be to start building relationships with newly elected politicians; we have established relationships with civil servants.

“The purpose is to wake potential MPs up to why the equestrian industry is important, and some of the critical issues that need addressing.”

Mr Mountford said the first question highlights the size of the sector, and the issues it faces, in particular equine ID, the second its diversity and the importance of making equestrianism available. “And finally, road safety for horses and riders, to help make sure riding is safe and accessible for as many people as possible.”

Labour did not comment on the BHC questions but a Conservative spokesperson told H&H: “We want to work with the sector to implement digital horse ID, in a way that works for all. We also want to ensure that our business rates regime doesn’t restrict anyone in having access to horse riding facilities.

“We have already implemented changes to the Highway Code to specifically give greater protection to vulnerable road users, like horse riders. We will continue to push public education, and where necessary, police enforcement.

“While the Labour Party wants to concrete over our green belt, we Conservatives want everyone to be within 15 minutes of green space. We will work with land managers to increase access for everyone, including horse riders.”

A spokesperson for the Lib Dems told H&H: “Horses are a vital part of British history and culture and the horse industry makes a crucial contribution to our economy.

“Liberal Democrats stand ready to work with the sector and seek solutions to concerns around equine identification. It is also our long-standing commitment to fundamentally reform the broken business rates system to alleviate pressures and remove barriers to investment.

“Too many horses and riders are losing their lives on our roads. Liberal Democrats want to see increased awareness of the Highway Code’s provisions for safe driving around horses, and we are committed to significantly increasing the amount of accessible green space, giving riders and the public more access to a healthy natural environment.”

Questions to candidates

1) The horse industry is worth £9bn a year to the UK but faces ever-growing challenges that require an effective horse identification system. What will you do to implement digital horse ID?

2) More women, over-45s and disabled people ride than take part in other physical activity, yet unfair business rates are restricting access to riding. What will you do to ensure this activity remains available for everyone?

3) Last year 66 horses were killed on the roads and the situation is getting worse, while access to-off road riding is becoming more limited. What will you do to keep horses and riders safe?

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Has the sight of loose horses galloping through London improved road safety? H&H investigates…

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 07 May 2024 12:02:26 +0000

Several Army horses were in the spotlight last month when falling rubble at a London building site caused them to spook and unseat their riders. The story shone a light on how even well-trained horses can be upset by unexpected situations – but have the loose cavalry horses improved road safety?

On 24 April, five Household Cavalry horses broke away from their group exercise in Belgravia, near Buckingham Palace. Four soldiers fell – three were assessed in hospital with non-life threatening injuries – but the most startling detail of this widely-reported story was the five-mile charge of two bloodied horses through the nation’s capital.

Distressing images of Quaker, a Cavalry black, and Vida, a grey, were plastered on front pages the following morning (25 April) and many news outlets operated live coverage on their websites. Opinion columns on the story appeared in the days that followed as equestrians and non-equestrians alike clamoured to know what was to become of the pair – who underwent surgery shortly after being caught on the other side of London.

Subsequent updates issued by the Army suggest Vida and Quaker are making progress and are being observed closely as their wounds heal. Reports from the Army reveal Quaker is expected to make a full recovery. However, according to some riders, this story’s impact has been significant, with some noticing changes for the better in the conduct of motorists.

Loose Cavalry horses: “It’s brought it home to drivers”

When Louise Meadows, 58, hacked out with her 27-year-old Connemara cross, Mystery, last Saturday (27 April), she noticed drivers passing her with a more courtesy than usual. When she posted her experience in the Pass Wide and Slow Facebook group, linking it to the events in London earlier that week, several other riders concurred.

The group, which has over 50,000 members, was established to try to educate drivers on how to pass horses safely, while also supporting riders. It encourages members to organise awareness rides to help educate motorists on passing horses safely. The group also advises equestrians to wear hi viz for horses and hi viz for riders, although that is not its primary function.

Louise, who is based north of Peterborough, says: “It’s mainly roadwork where we are, unless we hack for a decent amount of time to get to a bridleway.

“I ride on the road all the time. My horse wears leg bands, I’m in a hi-vis jacket and hat band, so no one can say they can’t see us. Drivers are in a rush, and don’t have time for us horse riders.”

Recalling her hack with a friend on Saturday, Louise says drivers seemed to be a lot more courteous.

“We went on a road we don’t go on all the time – it’s a back road that’s notorious for people using it as a cut through.

“Often people misinterpret our hand signals to them to stop or slow down and just wave back, or ignore it completely, but they seemed to listen this time. We always say thank you, but rarely get a thank you back. This time, people were more respectful.”

Louise attributes some of the caution showed by motorists to the fact Mystery is grey.

“That poor grey horse was covered in blood, I think that really brought it home to people.”

“When they saw the pictures of the smashed bus windscreen and the taxi dented, that probably made them think ‘that could be me and my family’.”

Louise says Mystery is more likely to spook at “a dark patch of grass” than a car, but other road users don’t realise this.

“They say when horses jump to the side it can be a quick as 40mph, people don’t realise how quickly they react. If we preempt something they might look at, we put a hand up to tell [the motorist] to stop. We’re trying to keep everyone safe, some riders are children, but they don’t always adhere to it.”

Louise said the root of the problem is lack of patience.

“It takes half a minute or less to get past safely and it makes all the difference.”

“Some people had increased awareness”

Leanne Docherty of Denbighshire, North Wales, noticed drivers “slamming on [their brakes] a bit” the day after the incident in London.

She and her eight-year-old Andalusian/Welsh Section D, Taran, spent a lot of time walking their local hacking routes in-hand as part of Taran’s backing as a youngster.

“Because of this, he is good in traffic,” says Leanne. “Even so, I am aware that all it takes is a plastic bag or a pheasant to fly out of a hedge, or a fast oncoming car, and it could be game over.”

Leanne described her local hacking as “monotonous, if you’re not prepared to venture on to or across the road.”

“Drivers on the whole are quite considerate on the back lanes,” she continues. “On the main roads however I do feel that driver see you and think ‘well, you’re taking the chance bringing your horse on this road, why should I be inconvenienced?’”

“I rode my horse the day after the incident with the cavalry horses and did think that some drivers had increased awareness of the need to be slow and safe around horses. Then, I got to the main road where I needed to walk 150 yards to get to a quiet back lane on the other side.

“None of the drivers on this road slowed down and it still felt like there was absolutely zero regard for their responsibility, as well as my own, to make sure we pass each other safely.”

Leanne (pictured) says hand walking Taran on the roads before backing has made him reliable with vehicles. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Leanne was “horrified” to see the pictures of cavalry horses Vida and Quaker.

“I must admit my first thoughts were ‘great, the horses don’t belong on roads crew have just got more fodder’. We equestrians know that a horse has the ability to respond in flight regardless of training – but the non-equestrian public I feel will use this as an argument that horses do not belong on the road.”

“I hope it continues”

Athene Jordan, 52, and her partner live in Whitley Bay in the North East with their two horses Ollie (23) and Ted (15). Athene and her partner always ride in hi viz, and make use of a riding hat camera.

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She says the couple has noticed a “massive change” in the actions of other road users.

“The farm where we keep our horses is based on a major A road, which we have to cross every time we go hacking,” she told H&H.

“Since the incident, we have noticed a massive change in drivers’ attitudes, immediately after. A lot of vehicles are giving us a much wider berth and slowing down more.

“I think it has given some drivers a wake-up call, showing how quickly horses can respond. I hope this continues, and people don’t forget what happened too quickly.”

Do you think the incident with the cavalry horses has improved road safety in your area? Email us your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com