Girl and pony dragged under lorry on road

We never know what is coming up next on our Facebook page. Many photos and stories find their way to us but this week was a tragic tale. Horse photographer, Sian Lewis, from South Wales (some of her images are on our greetings cards) told us about a young friend of hers who was involved in an horrific accident on the road. Both rider and pony where wearing Hi Vis clothing at the time.

The lorry that hit the girl and her pony dragged them under its wheels. Sian’s friend was incredibly lucky to escape unhurt but the pony had to be put down on the road. Such a terrible, heart rending day for that girl and one which she will never forget.

Since this post, we’ve heard many more real life stories of drivers of cars, motor bikes and lorries who seem to be totally clueless when it comes to slowing down for horses. Do they not realise that these animals are not mindless machines? Horses are nervous, highly strung creatures and it doesn’t take much to spook many of them.

Sian and her friends are trying to get as much publicity as possible to highlight to drivers that they need to slow down when they see horses. This may include paying up to £4,000 for an ad on television to run for one week. Please help riders and horses by remembering three important things:

• Tell all your NON-horsey friends to slow down or stop when they meet a horse and rider on the road. Your horsey ones will already know.
• If you or your friends are riding on the roads, please wear Hi Vis. You need at least a tabard (waistcoat) and something hi vis on your horse as well, such as leg bands or an exercise sheet.
• Wave the driver down with the correct hand signal and do this as soon as you see the vehicle.

For hi vis ideas and to read an article by Annie Worsley about what can save you and your horse’s life click here to go to our Safety with Horses page.