MP calls for better road safety for horses

An MP moved by the death of a two-year-old racehorse has called for improved equestrian road safety.

Lib Dem Lee Dillon, who represents Newbury in Berkshire, has raised his concerns in an early day motion tabled in Parliament.

It comes after he took part in a road safety awareness ride in Lambourn in memory of Knockalla, which was killed after being hit by a car in September.

Mr Dillon said he "was inspired by the passion and determination of those who took part" and wanted to "turn awareness into action".

"It was a powerful display of community action and shared purpose," he said.

Mr Dillon's early day motion highlighted the importance of national guidance, better signage and greater awareness among drivers.

On Monday 30 September, two-year-old Knockalla was being ridden in Lambourn when the horse was frightened by a vehicle.

The animal moved out into the middle of the road as a result and was hit, suffering a leg fracture so severe it needed to be euthanised.

Figures by the British Horse Society found 3,118 road incidents involving horses were logged in 2024. Of those, 58 horses died and 97 were injured.

It found riders were victims of road rage and abuse and in some instances drivers drove past either too close to the horses or too fast.

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