Owner of horse killed in funeral procession supports road safety petition
The owner of a horse killed by a car in Wales has had letters of sympathy from around the world, including one from Prince Charles.
“Prince Charles was most upset to hear of our loss and has sent us a letter expressing his sympathy,” said Mark Evans, who runs a carriage driving business at Lllangadog in Carmarthenshire.
On 23 February his 16hh Friesian stallion called Wil was hit by a car on the way to Coychurch Crematorium in Bridgend. The funeral was for Elizabeth Morris.
Following the crash Mrs Morris’s coffin was transfered to a car and taken on to the crematorium.
“We had a lovely service, but it did ruin the day and had a detrimental impact on all of us,” said Kirstie Thomas, granddaughter of Mrs Morris.
The 14-year-old horse, which Mr Evans had owned for 11 years, was put down as a result of his injuries.
“He was a great team member and never put a foot wrong,” Mr Evans told H&H.
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South Wales Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
Following the crash Mr Evans signed the petition launched in Cornwall by Debbie Smith to make it a legal requirement for motorists to slow down for horses and go wide when passing.
The Pass Wide and Slow petition has more than 71,000 signatures and has just been handed to transport minister Andrew Jones.
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“We need to make the roads safer for all horse users, whether they are riders, carriage drivers or on a lead-rein pony,” said Mr Evans.
British Horse Society national manager for Wales Jan Roche said safety on the roads in Wales for horse riders “is an ongoing problem”.
“Anything that would enhance safety for riders on the roads would be supported by the BHS,” she said.
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