A moving video has been released in memory of a horse who was killed in a collision in 2016.
Essex-based campaign group Canewdons Equestrians, which was set up following the death of part-bred Welsh mare Angel, has created the short documentary ‘Safer roads’.
The video charts the group’s progress and offers advice to drivers who encounter horses on the roads.
It includes extracts from a BBC Breakfast interview with Laura, Claire and Alan Hiscox, director of safety at the British Horse Society, and footage from a Canewdons Equestrians road safety ride, which took place in May last year.
“We’ve had a couple of really nasty fatal accidents,” said local rider Chris Rosewell.
“It’s about making motorists aware that we are there, we don’t want to be a nuisance, we just want to get from a to b as safely as possible without causing too much trouble.”
Dawn Mander, co-founder of Canewdons Equestrians, speaks about vulnerable road users.
“If it’s time for horses to come off the roads, what about cyclists and walkers using country lanes with no pavements?” she said.
“Are we to surrender our country lanes to cars? Fast cars approaching slow-moving horses are a recipe for disaster, so please pass wide and slow, only when safe to do so.”
The video also features Jodie Smith and her 28-year-old horse Sultan.
Jodie addresses the “huge misconception” among some motorists that riders are “snobs”.
“In my case it couldn’t be further from that,” she said.
“I grew up on a council estate in Essex in a single parent family.
“I have to work very hard to pay for my horse but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Canewdons Equestrians has been working to reduce the 60mph speed limit on Lark Hill Road, Canewdon, where Angel and her rider Laura Thorogood were hit.
“Canewdons Equestrians is Angel’s legacy and we will not rest until we get the speed reduced on Lark Hill Road,” said Claire Lilly, one of the group founders.
“Five horses have been hit and there are more than 200 horses in residence on this short road. The speed limit needs to come down.”
Continued below…
‘Don’t let another horse die on our roads’: riders take action in Angel’s memory
Angel was the fifth horse to be struck by a vehicle on a stretch of road in Essex
In memory of Angel: riders unite in battle for safer roads
'We have every confidence we will be successful and hope it encourages others to make their roads safer'
‘Heartbroken’ owner appeals to drivers after beloved mare killed in collision
"I am just absolutely heartbroken I have lost her to someone's carelessness”
The group, which won the safety campaign of the year category at the British Horse Society Awards (20 November), are meeting with the cabinet minster for highways on 20 March to discuss improving road safety for horses.
It has also planned an awareness ride on 20 May in Hockley, Essex.
“Laura is so brave,” added Claire. “She recently ventured out on her first hack following the accident, which is a huge mental milestone.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
