Awareness rides aim to educate how to pass horses on the road

Hundreds of equestrians will take part in awareness rides across the country this weekend, aiming to educate drivers on passing horses on the road safely.

The Pass Wide and Slow (PWAS) road safety campaign will hold its annual event on Sunday (19 September), with 180 rides planned. The event began in 2016 with 20 rides, and in 2019, 154 rides took place.

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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.

Hundreds of equestrians hope to educate drivers in awareness rides across the UK

PWAS founder Debbie Smith told H&H it is “amazing” how much the campaign had grown.

“The rides were cancelled last year owing to Covid and it seems to have made riders even more determined this year. The ride organisers have really put themselves out there; they’ve been organising sponsors, and businesses have got involved by buying banners, it’s been great,” she said.

The rides have gained support from police forces including Avon & Somerset, Northumbria and Gloucestershire, while equestrian safety company Equisafety is providing each ride organiser with a high-vis tabard and hat band to raffle in aid of the campaign.

“The support has been incredible,” said Debbie. “We have had coverage from local television, radio and newspapers all over the UK and we hope there will be more press coverage on the day.”

Anyone who wants to attend a ride can find the full list on the Pass Wide & Slow Facebook group. Alternatively, equestrians can host their own rides, and should contact Debbie for the ride details to be recorded.

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