Police are appealing for information after a man followed two riders out on a hack, hurling verbal abuse at them.
Hampshire Constabulary is investigating a report of two riders’ being verbally abused by a man on the Isle of Wight on Saturday (30 January) afternoon.
A spokesman for the force confirmed the report related to an incident near Bellwood Riding Stables in Wellow at about 3.30pm.
“An unknown man followed the two riders, who were at the rear of the stables, and began to become abusive towards them,” the spokesman said.
“He was described as a white man, in his 30s, approximately six feet tall. He was seen wearing black or blue-rimmed glasses, a hoody, a green coat and a black mask.
“Were you in the area at the time? Did you see a man matching this description in the local area?”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference number 44210036099, or independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.
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The riders have also reported the incident, and sent video, to the British Horse Society (BHS). The most recent figures released by the BHS showed that 1,037 road incidents involving horses were reported to its incidents website between 2019 and 2020.
BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox said at the time: “It is also deeply concerning that close to half of riders were subject to road rage. We all have a right to use the roads and no one should face abuse for exercising this right”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
