THE British Horse Society has joined forces with Horse and Hound and Horse magazine in a Ride for Road Safety Day on October 13.

The aim of the campaign is to help motorists understand why it is important to pass horses and carriage drivers wide and slow when they meet them on the road.

There are over 3,000 accidents a year involving horses on the roads, and six riders have already been killed so far this year. The campaign will try and explain to drivers the dangers of passing horses too closely at speed, or of driving too fast along country roads when there might be a horse and rider around the corner.

The campaign organisers are looking for riders up and down the country who will take part in rides in their area. On foot supporters will hand out leaflets to passing motorists. Riders, too, have their part to play in reducing the number of accidents. They should always wear high-visibility gear to make sure they are seen, acknowledge drivers who take the trouble to slow down and take their BHS Riding and Road Safety Test - proof that they know the rules of riding of the road.

Riders who would like to run a ride in their area or take part in one should contact the BHS Safety Department, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ, 08701 201921

Nichola Gregory,

BHS Press Office,

British Horse Society,

Stoneleigh Deer Park,

Kenilworth,

Warwickshire ,CV8 2XZ.

Direct line: 08701 20 88 80.