Call For Better Protection After Over 1,500 Horse-Related Road Incidents In South East

More needs to be done to protect horses and riders on the roads after more than 1,500 incidents were recorded across the South East over the past decade, a charity has warned.

British Horse Society says the number of incidents highlights ongoing safety concerns, despite updates to the Highway Code in 2022.

Those changes introduced guidance advising drivers to pass horses at no more than 10mph, leaving at least two metres of space.

However, the charity says awareness remains too low.

Alan Hiscox from the British Horse Society said not enough has been done to reinforce the message or ensure drivers understand the importance of slowing down around horses.

Figures compiled by the charity, alongside the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society and the Verderers of the New Forest, show there have been 1,507 incidents across Surrey, Sussex and Kent since 2016, including 15 horse deaths.

Kent recorded the highest number of incidents at 524, followed by Surrey with 457. In Sussex, there were 313 incidents in West Sussex and 213 in East Sussex.

The data also shows a slight improvement, with incidents falling from 280 in 2024 to 223 in 2025.

Mr Hiscox said horse riders continue to be overlooked in national road safety strategies, adding that more needs to be done through education, prevention and enforcement.

The Department for Transport says improving road safety remains a top priority.

A spokesperson said its THINK! campaign continues to raise awareness of safe speeds and passing distances, and pointed to the Highway Code’s “Hierarchy of Road Users”, which recognises horse riders as among the most vulnerable on the road.