New statistics released by the British Horse Society today (Thursday 29 January) show that 58 horses were killed on UK roads last year, while the number of horses injured while hacking on the road increased by 12%.
The number of riders reporting road rage or abuse has nearly doubled, with 33% stating that they were victims — a 43% increase from the previous year.
Over 3,100 incidents were logged via the charity’s Horse i app and 81% of these were caused by a driver passing too closely or too quickly.
These figures are slightly lower than those reported in 2023, when 3,383 incidents were logged and 85% were said to be caused by a driver failing to pass the horse safely.
“The work that has been done across the equine community and beyond to improve equestrian road safety is hugely commendable and is reflected in these lower figures,” said BHS Director of Safety, Alan Hiscox.
“Equine safety groups, the police, road safety organisations and driving instructor associations, to name just a few, have all come together to invest a great deal of time into raising awareness of the guidance in place for passing horses.
“We can’t, however, ignore the fact that fatalities continue to persist and the number of horse injuries has risen by 12% compared to 2023. With that in mind, our work continues to help keep all horses safe.”
National statistics 2024
- 3,118 road incidents involving horses logged with the BHS
- 58 horses died
- 97 horses injured
- 80 people injured
- 33% of riders report road rage or abuse
- 81% state incident caused by a driver passing too closely
- 81% state incident caused by a driver passing too quickly
National statistics 2023
- 3,383 road incidents reported
- 66 horses killed
- 86 horses injured
- 3 riders died
- 94 riders injured
- 85% state incidents caused by vehicle passing too close or too quickly
National statistics 2022
- 3,552 road incidents reported
- 68 horses killed
- 125 horses injured
- 139 people injured
‘Further action is required’
The Highway Code was updated in 2022 to state that horses should be passed at no more than 10mph and leaving at least two metres’ space between the horse and the vehicle.
This is the message the BHS shares via its Dead Slow road safety campaign.
“While we recognise and thank those drivers who do pass horses safely, we are working hard to make sure every road user truly understands just how dangerous passing horses too quickly and too closely can be,” added Alan Hiscox.
“Further action is required to make everyone aware of the Highway Code changes and critically, why it’s so important to pass with care. Only through working collaboratively and by evidencing that an issue of equestrian safety still remains, can we stop these awful incidents from happening time and time again.”
Reporting road incidents
The BHS urges any rider who has been involved in an incident or near miss to share it with police via Operation Snap and to record it via the Horse i app.
“The more incidents that are recorded, the more we can do to protect and promote the interests of horses on Britain’s roads,” said a statement from the charity.
Your Horse advises wearing a camera while riding on the road, so that you have footage you can share with the police when reporting an incident. Having this increases the likelihood of success. It is also important to report incidents on the same day, as there is a short window for police to investigate.
Main image © The BHS
