BRITAIN'S roads are dangerous places for horses, with an average of nearly two killed each week, amidst the over 1000 road incidents involving horses reported over the past year.

New statistics released by The British Horse Society show road incidents involving horses and vehicles are continuing to rise with 1037 incidents reported to the equine charity between 2019 and 2020.

Of those 1037 cases, 80 horses died and 136 were injured, at the same time as one person lost their life and 136 were injured. In 81% of cases reported, vehicles passed too closely and close to half were subject to 'road rage'.

With documented increases of incidents of speeding during the lockdown, the charity is urging drivers to be careful when passing horses on the road and calling for them to adhere to its Dead Slow campaign messages.

The campaign consists of four key messages to drivers if they see a horse on the road including: to slow down to a maximum of 15mph; to be patient and not sound their horn or rev their engine; pass the horse wide and slow; and drive slowly away.

Director of Safety at The British Horse Society, Alan Hiscox, said: “Year on year we have witnessed an increase in the number of road incidents involving horses being reported to us. With 81% of the incidents reported to us having occurred due to vehicles passing too close it is evident that there is still a great need for better education on how to safely pass horses on the road. It is also deeply concerning that close to half of riders were subject to road rage. We all have a right to use the roads and no one should face abuse for exercising this right.

“With the clocks recently going back, and the night’s drawing in, we are also asking riders to be extra cautious. Letting someone know your route and wearing hi-visibility clothing can help to prevent tragedy.”

The BHS encourages all riders to report their incidents to the charity, at horseincidents.org.uk.