Charity reports surge in road injuries to horses

There has been a 21% increase in horses being injured and killed on West Midlands roads, according to an equine charity.

The British Horse Society (BHS) said that last year 340 incidents were logged in the region, compared to 281 in 2024.

The charity said the figures reflected a "lack of clear change" despite the introduction of new road guidance four years ago. "Not nearly enough has been done to... make the public aware of the urgent importance of driving carefully around horses," Alan Hiscox, BHS director of safety, stated.

The government said the safety of all road users was a priority and the Highway Code made clear horse riders were vulnerable, with "strengthened guidance" around them.

There were 362 incidents involving horses in Warwickshire over the last 10 years, 407 in Staffordshire and 454 in Worcestershire, according to BHS.

New Highway Code rules, which came into force in January 2022, mean motorists have to drive at 10mph when passing people riding horses, while leaving at least two metres of space.

Hiscox said there needed to be a stronger awareness campaign in the UK.

He said: "Behind every statistic is a devastated, traumatised owner and a community that feel that loss deeply. We need to see greater collective action if we're going to make a real difference to equestrian safety.

"We continue to be overlooked, which is evident in the recently released road safety strategy where horses are still not included in the targeted measures for vulnerable groups.

"Until this changes, we won't stop pushing for meaningful progress and an approach that combines education, prevention and enforcement of the rules.

"We owe it to everyone who loves horses as much as we do and every horse in our lives."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said:"The safety of all road users is a top priority for the Government, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads.

"The Highway Code includes the Hierarchy of Road Users which identifies horse riders among the most vulnerable with strengthened guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse riders."

The charity is urging the general public to report any incidents they witness on the roads using the Horse i app.

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