MOTORISTS are being asked by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary to take care when meeting horse riders on roads, following a near miss close to Upcott Park farm, Holsworthy.

The sanctuary has a number of sites across Devon, many of them in rural areas. The problem they face is that on many of the country roads surrounding their property the national speed limit applies —some motorists just do not expect to meet a horse and rider.

The danger is that as the winter weather becomes frosty with icy conditions, driving and breaking are made difficult, increasing the risk of collisions.

Yard manager at Upcott Park Tracey Dixon said: “Locals are used to our staff and horses being out on the roads now and are being considerate road users, but due to a current lack of signage and high speed limits, there is always a chance that accidents could happen, especially with drivers who don’t know the roads.”

The sanctuary is looking into acquiring road signage to put up around the site to warn drivers of riders on the road. They hope this will make things safer for staff, horses and drivers.

They have issued some advice to the public in the meantime:

Both riders and drivers have a right to use the roads. That means there is a shared responsibility to consider each other’s needs. With winter approaching stopping distances may be longer on wet and icy roads, so if drivers could just be aware that riders may be around, it might help reduce the chance of an accident.

If driver and rider meet on the road, the sanctuary suggests that they slow right down, give the horse plenty of room if overtaking, and avoid revving the engine or sounding the horn to avoid startling the horse.

Riders are advised to wear high visibility clothing, give clear signals, pay attention, and always be polite. The British Horse Society Riding and Road Safety Test is recommended.

For more tips on how to stay safe on the road go to www.mareandfoal.org/roadsafety