Horse riders' safety call ahead of road debate

Horse riders have called for "more awareness" about horses on the roads ahead of a Parliamentary debate.

MPs are due to come together in Westminster Hall later to discuss risks faced by horses and riders on UK roads and to explore steps to improve safety.

British Horse Society figures show there were 3,118 road incidents involving horses recorded in 2024, with 58 horses killed.

Helen Cranfield, head of the equine department at Berkshire College of Agriculture, who was herself involved in a collision with a car while riding, urged drivers to "move slowly" past horses.

"People are less aware of livestock and animals, and I think that's come with kind of change of the culture in the UK," she said.

"There's less awareness for the animal's reaction and people seem to always be in a hurry these days.

"Actually the worst thing you can do when you're near a horse is be quick, loud and hurry."

Wednesday's Westminster Hall debate brings together MPs to discuss the issue of road safety.

It will be attended by equestrian organisations, including the British Horse Society, and the British Horseracing Authority.

The government has recently updated its Road Safety Strategy, explicitly recognising horse riders as vulnerable road users.

Liberal Democrat MP for Newbury Lee Dillon, who secured the debate, said incidents involving horses on rural roads could have "life-changing consequences".

"This debate is a chance for MPs to come together, raise awareness, and push for practical, common-sense measures to protect riders and horses," he said.

"It is not about blaming drivers; it's about making our roads safer for everyone."

Alan Hiscox, director of safety at the British Horse Society, said the debate was a "significant step" for equine safety.

He said: "With this debate we can amplify riders' voices and raise awareness of the importance of passing horses safely.

"As flight animals, their instinct is to react suddenly to loud noises or fast-approaching traffic.

"Even a well-trained horse can startle - and a moment's panic can cause a serious accident, putting riders, drivers, and passengers at risk."

In September Dillon launched a Presentation Bill, the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill, which sets out rules for required speed and distance when passing horses in moving vehicles.

The bill also proposes the inclusion of equestrian safety in driving theory tests

Highway Code guidance currently states drivers should slow to 10mph and leave at least two metres when passing horses.

A Presentation Bill is a type of Private Members Bill that is introduced without debate in the House of Commons.

The bill is due for its second reading, although Presentation Bills rarely become law without government support.

Mr Dillon previously said his bill was "putting equestrian safety firmly on the agenda at Westminster".

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