Safety is hot topic for BHS

The British Horse Society is holding a day-long safety symposium on Saturday 4 October, designed to highlight and examine a number of major safety issues in equestrianism.

The symposium will explore the various relationships between riders and other road users, as well as protective clothing and risk assessment. Topics will include emergency vehicles and how horses react to them, how cyclists and drivers perceive horses on the road, risk assessment and riders’ responsibilities, and various types of protective clothing.

“The subjects covered in the symposium have all been topical issues over the last 12 months”, explains Sheila Hardy, BHS head of safety. “The format of the symposium will give riders the opportunity to listen to other road users view before asking questions.”

Guest speakers will include David Massey from the Blue Light User Group, Andy Cook from the Cycling Touring Club, Robin Cummins, chief examiner for the Driving Standards Agency and Brenda Gilligan, a practising solicitor specialising in equine matters and author of Practical Horse Law.

The symposium is designed to be of interest to all riders, says Sheila. “A lot of planning has gone into it and we hope that it gets the support it deserves.”

Tickets for the symposium, which is being held at The Quality Inn in Kenilworth, Warks, cost £50 for BHS members, £55 for non-members. For bookings and further information contact the BHS Safety Department (tel: 01926 707823) or visit the BHS website: www.bhs.org.uk. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

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