Video of lorry overtaking rider out hacking causes outrage
A video of a lorry driver overtaking a horse with just centimetres to spare has been watched by more than 2.7m people on social media.
Rider Sophie Williams captured the footage with a GoPro helmet camera while out hacking on a country road.
She posted the video to Facebook on 18 February and it has received hundreds of shocked responses.
“This lorry came within centimetres of hitting us,” Sophie said on her page.
“People with this little respect and consideration for others, especially animals, should not be allowed to obtain a driving licence, let alone a HGV licence.”
Sophie said she reported the driver and their company had been informed.
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She added that she was wearing hi-vis at the time of the incident.
“No horse rider would ride on the road out of choice, but often it is the only option when riding to and from bridleways,” she added.
‘Very traumatic’
Shocked riders and members of the public alike have commented below the post.
“I’m not a horse rider, but I do try to give a wide berth when over taking riders,” said Norma Brown.“This must have been very traumatic for you and your horse.”
Kathryn Reed added: “What an amazing horse you have and so glad you are both safe. This just goes to show what we as horse riders face on a daily basis on our roads.”
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A spokesmanfrom the Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia issued the following advice to drivers.
“Mutual courtesy and care between motorists and horse riders is extremely important to prevent intolerance and improve safety,” she said.
“As set out in the Highway Code, motorists are advised to take particular care around horse riders, especially when overtaking. Always pass widely and slowly. Look out for horse riders’ signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard.”
H&H contacted Sopie for a comment but received no response.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.