HORSE owners living in fear are urging motorists to drive with care and slow down while passing riders on the road.

The warnings are being issued by a Heckington family that has encountered a number of incidents while out riding horses in the Burton Pedwardine area.

Babs Larrad and her 11-year-old daughter, Amy, say they live in fear each time they go out riding in the area as some motorists drive too close and too fast.

She said: "We have had a couple of incidences when out riding with people accelerating past us at dangerous speeds and lots of people driving too close.

"A lot of my friends in the area are having similar experiences where people are driving too fast.

"There are a few of us who have to ride on the roads to get to the very limited bridle paths in the area. We are always respectful of drivers, wear reflective gear and wave and say thank you, etc, but it's getting quite scary at times.

"When cars speed past horses they can get frightened and can 'spook' (become startled). They can also 'spook' at things beside the road.

"If cars go slowly there is time to avoid any dangerous situations.

"Horses don't bounce off cars, they can suffer serious injuries and, in turn, the rider can also be at risk."

Babs is urging people to slow down and keep their distance when driving near riders and their horses.

She added: "We have experienced people driving right up to the horses' legs to get round blind corners or over the small bridges in the area.

"In one instance recently, there were three of us out riding, trying to move the horses off the road and on to the verge, to let a car past when he actually accelerated really fast past my daughter, so not only too close but way too fast as well.

"People seem to think speeds of 40 or 50mph are okay, however the Highway Code tells drivers to pass wide and slow – the maximum recommended speed is 15mph and a wide berth."

THE Department for Transport has launched a new Think! campaign with guidelines to drivers and riders as follows:

Motorists and horse riders both have a right to use the road and share a responsibility to consider each other's needs.

By following some basic advice, both can help to avoid accidents.

When you see a horse and rider on the road, slow down and be ready to stop if you have to.

Watch for riders' signals and respond to requests to slow down or stop.

Look out for unpredictable, sudden movements – horses can be frightened by traffic, especially fast-moving or noisy cars.

Be patient – don't sound your horn or rev your engine.

When overtaking, pass wide and slow, giving the horse plenty of room.

Look out for horse riders turning right on roundabouts. When on a roundabout, horse riders will normally signal right only when approaching exits they don't intend to use. Horse riders will keep to the left within the roundabout until reaching their exit, when they will signal left.

For more information, visit www.dft.gov.uk or visit the British Horse Society, a charity for horses and riders, at www.bhs.org.uk