Huge rise in horse deaths on roads in South West, figures reveal

NUMBERS of horses being killed on the South West’s roads have increased by 75% in the last year, according to stark new figures.

Across the region, a total of 28 fatalities were recorded with the British Horse Society (BHS) in 2023, compared with 16 deaths in 2022.

The equine charity says this means that, on average, more than two horses were killed in the South West every month in 2023.

Overall, 3,383 incidents were recorded via the BHS’s Horse i app across the UK last year, with 85% of those occurring because a vehicle passed by too closely or too quickly.

Alan Hiscox, director of safety at the BHS, said: “Looking at the 2023 statistics, it is clear that a significant number of drivers are still unaware of the advice in the Highway Code and the importance of driving carefully when passing and approaching horses.

“A horse’s instinctive response to danger is to react and move very quickly. Understandably, a driver passing at an inappropriate speed can be intimidating for the horse and be cause for alarm. That is why it is so important for drivers to consider the true power of horses, and to pass horses slowly and with plenty of room, following the advice in the Highway Code.”

A breakdown of the South West figures show that a total of 474 horse related incidents were reported to the BHS last year, which is up 7% compared with 2022. Devon was the worst affected with 24 deaths happening within the county and 136 incidents being reported there. Comparatively, Somerset had 97 incidents with one reported death and Wiltshire had 95 incidents.

Elsewhere in the region Avon had two incidents, Cornwall had 40 incidents and one death, Dorset had 56 incidents and Gloucestershire had 48 incidents and two deaths.

These figures are a “stark reminder” that road incidents involving equestrians continue to persist, the BHS warns. This is despite the changes implemented in the Highway Code in 2022, which set out clear guidance for passing horse riders safely.

As part of their Dead Slow road safety campaign, the BHS continues to inform and involve road users on how to pass horses safely – at no more than 10mph and leaving at least two metres distance – as well as how impactful passing horses too quickly and closely can be.

Mr Hiscox added: “Far too many lives have been lost over the last 10 years and we are working hard to drastically reduce the number of incidents that take place across the UK. While we recognise and thank all drivers who continue to follow the Highway Code guidance, there is still much work to do, ensuring horses and equestrians are safer when out on the roads.

“Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible for equestrians to stay off the roads due to the shrinking bridleway network.

“That is why it’s so important that we all play our part to make sure everyone remains safe.”

The BHS is also offering clear advice for equestrians to follow when out on the roads with their horse, including wearing hi-vis and reflective equipment as well as using the appropriate hand signals to make other road users aware of their intentions to manoeuvre.

Alongside this, the charity is urging equestrians, and the wider public, to log any equine related safety incidents using the Horse i app.

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