Protecting Horses and Riders on Our Roads

I am delighted to confirm that a Westminster Hall debate on Horse and Rider Road Safety has been secured for Wednesday 14 January, 4:30pm.

The debate is a valuable opportunity to raise a nationwide issue that affects riders, horse owners, and rural communities across the country. Too many horses have lost their lives, and too many riders have been injured, due to collisions involving vehicles on our roads.

In 2024 alone, the British Horse Society recorded 3,118 road incidents involving horses. Alarmingly, 81% of these incidents happened because a driver passed too closely or too quickly. These figures highlight the urgent need for better awareness and stronger Highway Code guidance to protect horses and riders from dangerous driving.

I am hugely grateful to the continued support of key organisations such as the British Horse Society, the British Horse Association, and Project EDWARD, who work tirelessly to improve safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.

This issue has been raised alongside my Early Day Motion and the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Presentation Bill, but this debate is another important step towards pushing for meaningful change. If I am not your MP, please do write to your own Member of Parliament and encourage them to take part in this debate and support improved safety for horses and riders.

Road safety should protect everyone, including those on horseback. I look forward to using this debate to highlight the risks riders face, share real-world case studies, and press for practical solutions that will save lives.