Horse Riders Call for Stronger Action to Reduce Near Misses on Rural Roads

Horse riders are urging the government to take stronger action to improve safety on rural roads, amid growing concern over the number of near misses and serious incidents involving horses and vehicles.

MPs recently gathered at Westminster to debate the risks faced by riders and explore ways to improve road safety, following mounting evidence of dangerous driving behaviour around horses. According to the British Horse Society (BHS), more than 3,000 incidents involving horses were reported in 2024, with dozens of animals killed as a result.

Ruth Gardiner, from Enborne Equestrian Centre near Newbury, described the frequency of close passes by vehicles as “unacceptable” and said the risks to both riders and horses are significant.

“It can be quite dangerous when vehicles drive too close or even make contact,” she said. “If a car comes too close, a horse can become frightened or spooked, which puts everyone at risk.”

The parliamentary debate was backed by leading equestrian organisations, including the British Horse Society and the British Horseracing Authority. It was secured by Newbury MP Lee Dillon, who highlighted the particular dangers faced in areas with large equestrian and racing communities, such as Lambourn, Kingsclere and Newbury.

Campaigners argue that rural roads are often poorly suited to mixed use and that a lack of driver awareness continues to place riders in danger, despite clear guidance in the Highway Code.

The government has recently updated its Road Safety Strategy, formally recognising horse riders as vulnerable road users. Under current Highway Code rules, drivers are required to leave at least two metres when passing horses and to do so at speeds of no more than 10 miles per hour.

Equestrian groups hope this recognition will be strengthened through proposed new legislation, including a pedestrian and horse safety bill that could introduce tougher penalties for drivers who fail to pass safely.

The British Horse Society says raising awareness is critical to reducing the number of injuries and fatalities on the roads, and is calling for better education, enforcement and consideration of equestrians within wider transport and road safety policy.

“Until driver behaviour changes, riders and horses will continue to face unacceptable risks on the road,” the society said.