A large number motorists still need to learn how to pass horses properly on country roads according to the British Horse Society. Figures compiled by the group show that there have been nearly 130 road incidents have been reported to them in Wales alone since they launched their horse accidents website in November 2010.
Representatives of the British Horse Society met with Vale MP Alun Cairns and Andrew RT Davies to discuss the issue of road safety for riders at the South Wales Police Mounted Section HQ last Friday. Mounted officers explained that only that morning their horses had been spooked by drivers passing horses too quickly and closely.
Vale MP Alun Cairns remarked, “When drivers are passing even police horses inappropriately it is clear that the primary cause of this problem is not deliberately anti-social driving, but ignorance. I fully support the aims of the BHS and the Pass Wide and Slow campaign who seek to educate drivers about the danger caused by spooking horses.
“Horses are prey animals and easily startled. Riders never have full control of the animal, and when it bolts it can cause serious damage and injury to motorist and rider alike.”
South Wales Police is encouraging riders not to use busy roads, and to avoid likely periods of congestion. They also warned riders not to react aggressively to inappropriate driving, but to explain to drivers, if possible, the consequences of startling horses.
Jan Roche of the British Horse Society said, “Since we launched our accident reporting website there have been 38 rider deaths and 212 horses killed or had to be euthanized following a road incident. In terms of horses lying down nose to tail, that equates filling the distance of Mo Farah’s last lap at the Olympics – not a nice thought.”
The riding campaigners are seeking to alter the Highway Code to include sections on safely passing horses and are petitioning the Welsh Assembly to begin a public education drive on the issue.
Vale-based regional AM Andrew RT Davies said, “It was great to visit the South Wales Police Mounted Section to learn more about the safety issues horseriders face.
“The Pass Wide and Slow Campaign is a fantastic initiative to raise awareness, and I was delighted that campaigners Jo Lovell and Rachel Francis were able to join Alun and I on the visit.
“I look forward to working with all of them in the months ahead as they present their petition to the Assembly and look to give the campaign the prominence it needs.”