Countryside pockets of any city are a thriving space for the equestrian community. The regions popularly hold the right range and environment that welcomes the riders in residence and from around. However, while these spaces are known to host appropriate surroundings, the community at Wiltshire has been facing situations contradictory to the stance; and at an alarming pace.

The horse riding enthusiasts in rural parishes of Wiltshire are facing growing concerns and challenges as abusive divers have taken over the roads. The issue is a second warning of the alarming increase in the past 2 months. The riders in the neighborhood have stood up to voice equestrian safety concerns repeatedly over the past. However, to the enthusiasts’ relief, the local authorities seem to be taking the right steps.

Equestrian enthusiasts tackle growing challenge

On the 25th of October, ITV.com reported on the challenges faced by horse riders in the regions of Wiltshire. The riders stated that they had encountered dangerous and abusive behaviors from the drivers aboard. Megan Stickland, a professional horse rider in Foxham, told ITV News that the issue hasn’t just been the speeding divers but their chilling attitude. “It’s definitely their attitude. Sometimes I have to ask them to slow down or potentially even stop due to the fact that I can feel my horses manner and how he’s feeling,” Megan said.

The issue has been on the rise since the closure of the B3069 Lyneham Banks due to a landslip. The situation has caused a lot of traffic through the country roads and increased trouble for the riders. Megan has thus raised the safety concern of not just the risers but their horses as well. “And so if I ask you to stop it, it’s not because I’m being rude or obnoxious. It’s because I understand my horse slightly better. And I know that there might be a potential collision about to happen,” she added.

A similar issue made news back in August as equestrian, Angie Jones-Moore, took a step to create awareness of the situation. She stated that the roads weren’t meant for traffic and wanted everyone one ‘slow down and be respectful.’ The issue reached the local authorities who have been working on solutions.

Authorities take charge

According to the reports, there have been 13 crashes on the concerned roads over the year. One of the accidents also involved an approaching motorbike spooking a horse from behind. The incidents have pushed the police to increase the patrols in the area in the mornings and afternoons and keep an eye on the speeding drivers. “We want to make sure that we don’t have any more (crashes),” Mark Cook, from Wiltshire Police, said.

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Mark also further added that they have advised riders to invent in ‘high-vis and helmet or body cams’. According to the cops, the practice would help them pinpoint the evidence and hopefully prosecute the driver. The initiatives taken by the authorities are a right step towards ensuring safety as well as a return to being a safe space for the equestrian enthusiasts.

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