A NUMBER of horses and ponies will be ridden in the centre of Wells on Sunday, September 15, to help raise awareness among motorists of how to correctly pass horses on the roads.
Riders will be gathering in Market Place at noon in the event organised by Lady Sharon Carter in support of the nationwide Pass Wide and Slow campaign.
To safely pass a horse and rider, vehicles should be driven at no more than 10mph, with a two-metre distance where possible.
“We have a number of horse riders, carriage drivers and more riding from the market square round to the Cathedral Green to promote safety for horse riders and carriage drivers,” said Lady Carter.
“Please do come along and watch, and meet us, we are happy to chat with you, and meet our amazing horses.”
The ITV cameras will be filming the event, which will see the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Louis Agabani, starting off the riders. The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is also due to be there on the day.
Lady Carter said that every road user needs to be educated in the importance of slowing down and giving horses and riders a wide berth. “Too many horses, riders, bikers, pedestrians, cyclists and drivers are killed on our roads today. Thirty seconds of your time will save a life by slowing down and giving us room,” she said.
“It’s not just about the horses, it’s about everyone being safe,” she added. “The fast vanishing bridleways we used to use are either impassable or gone, we have no choice than to use roads to access the few remaining.
“Everyone wants to get home safe at night and together we can make the roads a safer place for everyone.”