“We Were Lucky That Day” - Horse rider shares road accident horror as Blue Cross launches new safety code

Two years ago, Suffolk horse rider Alyson Lock and her horse Mylo were left injured and shaken after a car sped past them on a narrow country road, ignoring repeated pleas to slow down. Startled, Mylo bolted. Alyson was thrown into a ditch, suffering a ruptured hamstring, while Mylo strained his back. The driver didn’t stop.

“We were lucky that day,” Alyson recalls. “But not everyone is. Greater awareness for both riders and drivers is vital to help stop more accidents like mine.”

In response to stories like Alyson’s, national pet charity Blue Cross has launched the ‘Blue Cross Code: helping you and your horse stay safe’, a new guide offering essential safety tips for both horse riders and drivers on sharing the road responsibly.

Horses and their riders are considered vulnerable road users. As prey animals, horses are naturally alert to danger and can react unpredictably to common sights and sounds such as revving engines, flapping bags, or sudden movements. Even well-trained horses can be spooked, putting themselves, their riders, and other road users at risk.

TV presenter and countryside advocate Ben Fogle, who is supporting the campaign, said: “As someone who spends a lot of time in the countryside with my family, I've had several near misses while out riding – frightening and unacceptable experiences. The Blue Cross Code is a vital initiative, helping to educate both drivers and riders on how to safely share the road. With greater awareness, we can prevent accidents and protect lives – both human and animal.”

The launch comes ahead of the May half-term, a time when many families head into the countryside – some unaware of how to behave around horses on the road.

Ruth Court, Horse Team Development Lead at Blue Cross, added:

“With holiday traffic increasing, we want to remind everyone that even a small misjudgement around a horse can have devastating consequences. This new guidance helps both drivers and riders take practical steps to stay safe.”

The Blue Cross Code is available now at: bluecross.org.uk/blue-cross-code-horses.

Blue Cross Code For Horses

Staying safe as a horse rider:

• Be visible – Wear high-vis clothing, whatever the weather or time of day. Leg bands for your horse also help. Get them used to wearing them before heading out on the roads.

• Use hand signals – Let drivers know where you’re going.

• Be alert – Keep looking and listening.

• Observe your horse – If they show stress, pull over and give them time to (calm) settle?

• Thank drivers – A simple nod or wave encourages safe behaviour.

• Take a phone – For emergencies.

• Think ahead – Plan your route, tell someone, and stick to a schedule.

• Be patient – Take time helping your horse build road confidence.

• Consider the conditions – If weather or traffic is bad, it might be best to stay off the road.

• Consider taking the BHS Riding and Road Safety training and test or Ride Safe awards.

Staying safe as a driver:

• Be patient – Give the horse time. If they look nervous, stop and turn off your engine.

• Know the code – Familiarise yourself with Highway Code rules 214 and 215.

• Pass wide and slow – Leave at least 2 metres, and keep to 10mph or less.

• Take care on bends – A horse could be around the corner.

• Stay vigilant – Horses can react quickly when scared.

• Reduce volume – Turn down music, don’t honk, and avoid loud noises.

• Give space – Don’t drive close behind horses – they have blind spots.

• Be aware of feral ponies – Especially in places like the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

If an accident happens:

• Call 999 if anyone needs medical help – let them know a horse is involved.

  
  

This equine-focused guide follows last year’s successful Blue Cross Code for cats and dogs, which raised awareness about the risks pets face on UK roads.