“I WOULD far rather educate you than console you at the scene of an accident,” was the opening gambit of PC Lindsay Coburn at our recent 'safe transportation' event held at the beautiful livery yard that is South Kype near the historical market town of Strathaven. 

All of the 80 people who attended this joint BHS Police Scotland/BHS event learnt something from the minefield that is towing weight, payloads, maximum authorised mass, pre-trip checks and driver licence requirements. 

One outstanding take-home fact that might have passed many of us by in our busy lives was speed limits. On roads outside built-up areas the speed limits for cars towing trailers, buses, coaches, minibuses and goods vehicles are lower than the speed limits for cars and motorbikes. And this speed limit of 50 mph (80km) on single carriageways is the absolute maximum; it does not mean it is safe to drive at this speed in all conditions. 

On duel carriageways the limit for towing vehicles is 60 mph (96km). It was wonderful to meet ‘polis’ officers who are so enthusiastic about equine education and knowledgeable but entertaining to boot. The audience was also treated to a desensitisation session with an experienced and a green police horse from the mounted branch. 

Horses ‘Stewarton’ and ‘Stirling’ un-phased by screams and bangs trotted quietly through a mock flag waving crowd over a tarpaulin – exhibiting how we can all socialise our equines to hazards.There are some hazards in the countryside that we just cannot prepare for like when a savage dog attacks your ridden horse and will not be deflected. 

Sadly dog attacks on horses are on the rise; the BHS received reports of hundreds of them and the serious consequences are huge. BHS Scotland is aware that it is nothing short of a miracle that no person has been killed in a dog attack, sadly a precious horse has. 

We need to make sure the traceability, culpability and prosecution of dog and owner takes place as a deterrent and lesson. Positively we continue to roll out our dog familiarisation events where the prey/predator relationship is examined and – a bit like the police horses – dogs and horses can be socialised in a safe environment. 

On a brighter note the transportation evening was just a first in a series of events we are holding with Police Scotland as we work together to educate riders and those car drivers and dog owners whose irresponsible behaviour causes the accidents. 

We will use education to reduce the risks we all face. The minute you take on responsibility of a horse by either riding it or owning it your responsibly increases exponentially so we all need to be aware of the insurance, risk assessment and knowledge props we must have to hand. 

In August Blair Castle will again be hosting CCI1*, CCI2*, CCI3* and CIC3* competitions for 2017. BHS will be supporting this year’s benefitting charity which is one of our favourite; Scotlands air ambulance. We will also be hosting the RAF on our stand on the Thursday and Friday as they giveaway reflective fluorescent gear to riders.

It’s a strange symbiotic relationship they have with cars and aeroplanes, and all must learn to share Scotland and appreciate the good in each other’s horsepower.