Hi-vis plea to horse riders

A rural watchdog body is urging horse riders to wear high-visibility clothing now that the nights are drawing in.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) says that wearing fluorescent and reflective clothing can give motorists vital extra seconds notice that a horse and rider are ahead.

CLA spokesman Tim Barnes-Clay said: "There are around three million horse riders in Great Britain, many of whom ride on the road. Although they prefer not to do so, riders often have no choice because they need to reach to bridleways and other off road facilities.

"It is safer not to ride on the road at night or in poor visibility, but if you do, make sure you wear reflective clothing and your horse has reflective bands above the fetlock joints. A light which shows white to the front and red to the rear should be fitted, with a band, to the rider’s right arm and/or leg/riding boot."

Mr Barnes-Clay added: "If you are leading a horse at night, carry a light in your right hand, showing white to the front and red to the rear, and wear reflective clothing on both you and your horse. It is strongly recommended that a fluorescent/reflective tail guard is also worn by your horse."

The CLA, which has its HQ in London’s exclusive Belgrave Square, claims that accurate statistics for road accidents involving horses are not available. However it is estimated that there are 3,000 horse-related accidents each year, about half of which occur on minor roads.