BHS PLEADS WITH DRIVERS

Following yet another serious accident involving a horse and rider, this time in Richmond Park, London on Thursday 9 August, the British Horse Society is pleading with motorists to be tolerant and considerate towards any rider they encounter.

Nicola Fox, 18 was teaching a group of young riders in the park when a van careered into two of the horses, killing one and leaving the other seriously injured. Nicola was crushed under the weight of the dying horse, and had to be freed by paramedics. The driver fled on foot, but the police were later questioning a man about the incident.

The British Horse Society estimate that there are over 3000 accidents a year involving horses on the roads, but the worrying fact in this case is that the accident happened in a royal park.

The BHS asks all motorists to be patient and understanding when they meet a horse and rider. Wait until it is safe to overtake, and then pass wide and slow (about 15-20mph). Please take heed of any signal the rider may give, and when driving on the roads or in a park, please watch out and abide by any road markings or instructional signs.

The BHS would like to express its sympathies to Nicola and her family, and all those involved with Stag Lodge Stables.