Riders awarded for improving road safety

Three riders who are helping to improve road safety for horses have been recognised at the British Horse Society’s Sefton Awards.

A good sign

The awards at the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment’s Barracks in Knightsbridge, London were set up in 1990 in memory of Sefton, who survived the IRA bombings in London in 1982.

Robbie Woolford from Windsor, Berkshire has been campaigning for lower speed limits and horse signs after a near-miss with a taxi driver. He drove straight at her and her horse, stopping just a few feet award. Following her efforts, the council erected horse signs earlier this year.

“This is only a small part of it, I’m not finished yet,” said Robbie.”I would like a Pegasus crossing [a road crossing for horses and riders] and I would like the speed limit to come right down.”

Tour de force

The second recipient was Alison Harris from Harrogate, Yorkshire who helped keep horse riders and cyclists safe when the Tour de France visited her local area. She handed out leaflets and organised trade stands on the route to ensure visiting cyclists knew what to do when meeting horses on the country lanes.

“As a horse rider myself I am acutely aware of the fact that educating all road users is extremely important in the interests of all our safety,”said Alison.

Roadside billboard

The final winner was Mary Lloyd from Crewe, Cheshire who was recognised for her efforts to raise driver awareness around horses on the road. She gave out leaflets and spoke to drivers, and even managed to get a 6ft x 4ftroadside billboard erected.

Mary was due to receive her award last year but couldn’t accept it due to her mother’s ill health.

“To receive the award today has been very special,” said Mary, who dedicated the award to her mum. “It’s been very emotional but a wonderful experience and probably one that I will never get to repeat in my lifetime again.”