Provide legal rights for horses ridden on the roads

I have no issue with the sentiment - but I do worry this is not the way to achieve it. The statement on law is inaccurate. There are in fact plenty of options to prosecute drivers who act in a dangerous manner around a horse. The issue is more than Police tend not to. Evidence is an issue of course - but many Police forces accept body worn camera footage. We can campaign for as many new laws as we like - but if the Police don't enforce them there is no point.
 
Unfortunately there are *some riders* who should not be anywhere near a road (Not tarring everyone with the same brush),
they all let all horse riders down

I was driving down a country road this morning, it is 30 mile an hour road but narrow and bendy, I was driving less than 30 and as I came around one of the bends, smack bang in the centre of the road in front of me was a horse and rider, he was too damn busy to hear my car coming, he was smoking a fag and on the phone, these incidences are unfortunately not that rare around me
 
If dangerous driving can't be proved, I struggle to see how any other law could be.

A driver hitting a horse is not automatically the one to blame.

I agree with Shay - I don't think we new laws; I think we need better enforcement, and better education (including horse riders!!!)
 
There are already plenty of options for prosecution or damages under existing laws. However, I would support strict liability on the driver, not because it's fair (it wouldn't be), but because it would make drivers much more careful, and damages easier to obtain from the insurance companies.
 
Thats an interesting point. As owners we have strict liability for our horses.

Dangerous driving isn't the only offense. Driving with out due care. Driving without sufficient care to a vulnerable road user. Causing danger to other road users. In extremis - damage to property!
 
Well I have signed it, even though there it isn't always that simple.

However, I hope you have all sent suggestions to DEFRA for Public Access on post Brexit Agriculture, which I have been trying to bring to everyone's attend. There is just one day left.
 
I too agree there is already plenty of protection for riders and horses under the laws as they stand. PN can you please explain what is this petition trying to achieve. Riders have the same protection as any other road user and they can reclaim for loss of horse or vets expenses through the civil courts or potentially the insurance bureau if driver uninsured. Is it not a shame that you are not legally required to have insurance to ride on the roads to protect others if the riders at fault . Sorry I feel very strongly on this one ,drivers need educating and not getting their backs up with new laws.
 
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