Horse campaign gathers support
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A CAMPAIGN for greater awareness of how to safely overtake horse riders and cyclists on rural roads has won the backing of a national equestrian organisation.
The British Horse Society (BHS) recently met with Highland MSP Kate Forbes to discuss near-misses on Black Isle roads. Similar problems are reported in other areas, including Caithness.
Since 2010, there have been almost 150 incidents on Scottish roads involving both motorists and horse riders – including two rider fatalities and 50 serious injuries.
Helene Mauchlen, manager of the BHS in Scotland, said: "Standing on the B9163 at Kinbeachie on an early summer evening when so many riders want to access their safe off-road hacking via this B road was simply terrifying.
"The speed and apparent disinterest of the cars racing between the A9 and Cromarty illustrated the problems faced by almost all horse riders and rural communities in Scotland, not just on the Black Isle.
"We urge horse riders everywhere to register any near-misses on our horse accidents website so that we can monitor the extent of their concerns."
Kate Forbes, the SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said: "We live in a rural area where we should all be familiar with horse riders sharing the road. They have an equal right to be on the road and so should feel secure and comfortable riding.
"I am pleased that the British Horse Society is doing so much work across Scotland in raising awareness of the difficulties faced by horse riders on the road."
BHS Highland North chair Jean Gunn said: "Horse riders in Caithness face similar problems with some drivers passing too quickly and not allowing enough space.
"There have been a number of incidents on local roads over the years involving horses, but few are ever reported.
"Hopefully this campaign will help drivers understand the dangers horse riders face in trying to access safe hacking."
