Concerns have been raised after it emerged that the Government’s forthcoming national road safety strategy, expected this autumn, makes no specific mention of horses.
Campaigners argue that equestrians, who are regular and vulnerable road users particularly in rural areas, have not been properly consulted. Groups such as Pass Wide & Slow have long worked to highlight road safety for horses, educate drivers on how to pass them safely, and support riders on the roads. Despite these efforts, many in the equestrian community feel their concerns are being overlooked.
Campaigners also point out that numerous letters and appeals have been made to the British Horse Society (BHS), police, MPs, National Highways, equine departments, and even road safety charities such as Brake — yet little progress has been made in ensuring horse and rider safety is prioritised.
Recently, BHS Director of Safety Alan Hiscox and Windsor MP Jack Rankin met with campaigners including Jamie and Charlotte Willis, whose mare was tragically killed in a road incident. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hiscox emphasised the need for continued awareness and driver education:
“This incident just accentuates the fact that we need to push the Dead Slow message out, and get more buy-in from drivers — on that and the Highway Code changes, which are now three and a half years old.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson told Horse & Hound that the Government remains committed to improving road safety:
“We will aim to improve the safety of all road users through our road safety strategy, which is being developed and will be published in due course.”
This follows the Campaign to Protect Horses and Riders from Loose Dogs, which gained political backing earlier in the year. Campaigners say this shows there is support for equestrian safety both on and off the roads, but more work is needed to ensure horses and riders are properly recognised and protected at a national level.
Many within the equestrian community are now urging riders and supporters to write to their MPs to ask why horses are not being included in the new strategy, and to call for meaningful consultation going forward.