MPs will gather in Westminster Hall next Wednesday to debate horse and rider road safety, amid ongoing concerns about near-misses and serious incidents involving equestrians on UK roads.
The debate, secured by Lee Dillon MP, follows months of campaigning and engagement with road safety and equestrian organisations. Leading bodies, including the British Horse Society (BHS), the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), and Project EDWARD, are expected to attend.
The Westminster Hall debate will focus on the risks faced by horses and riders on UK roads, including near-misses, serious injuries and fatalities. MPs will discuss practical steps that could improve safety for equestrians, particularly on rural routes where incidents are frequently reported.
Lee Dillon MP said:
“Horses and riders remain some of the most vulnerable road users, and incidents on rural roads can have life-changing consequences. This debate is a chance for MPs to come together, raise awareness, and push for practical, common-sense measures to protect riders and horses. It is not about blaming drivers; it’s about making our roads safer for everyone.”
Supporters say that, despite existing guidance for drivers around passing horses safely, dangerous close passes and collisions remain a significant concern. The debate is also linked to Lee Dillon MP’s Horse and Rider Road Safety Presentation Bill, which seeks to strengthen protections for equestrians, and his Early Day Motion calling for urgent action.
Road safety campaigners argue that horses and riders should be treated as a vulnerable group in transport policy, given the potential for incidents to cause serious harm to both rider and horse. The timing is also significant because the Government’s updated Road Safety Strategy, published this week, explicitly recognises horse riding as a vulnerable road user—creating what campaigners see as a timely opportunity to push for clearer, practical measures and build cross-party support.
