GEM saddles up for a five-day road safety ride

· Our head of road safety joins British Horse Society for the 50-mile journey

· 58 horses were killed in road collisions during 2024

· Ride is to raise driver awareness of Highway Code advice on passing horses · Follow the ride through the week at https://projectedward.org/bhs/lambourn-to-windsor-ride/

An awareness-raising ride involving two horses and a team of four riders is happening all next week (12 to 16 May) - and GEM’s head of road safety James Luckhurst will be taking his turn in the saddle.

The journey starts at Lambourn Gallops in West Berkshire on Monday 12 May and concludes four days later on Friday 16 May in the main arena of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The British Horse Society’s ‘Dead Slow’ campaign and Project EDWARD (Every Day without a Road Death) have joined forces to highlight the importance for drivers of following Rule 215 of the Highway Code. Introduced in 2022, the rule advises drivers to slow down to 10mph and to give two metres’ space around horses.

Inspiration for the ride came from the death of the three-year-old racehorse Knockalla, who was killed last year on a road at Lambourn by the driver of a car travelling too fast.

In 2024, 58 horses were killed and another 97 injured in road collisions which also left 80 people with injuries. According to the British Horse Society, 81% of these incidents were caused by drivers passing too close or at inappropriate speed.

The riding team will be seen off from Lambourn Gallops by Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber and will be met at Windsor by British Horse Society president Martin Clunes. They will stop off to discuss road safety issues with Lee Dillon, MP for Newbury and Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor.

James founded Project EDWARD 10 years ago in 2016. He hopes the ride will lead to a better understanding of the needs of horses on roads.

"A horse is different from other road user type, as it has its own instincts and sensitivities,” he said.

“Leaving that two-metre gap and slowing right down to a maximum of 10mph when going past is not just a courtesy; it is essential for the safety of both the rider and the horse.

“Sudden movements can startle a horse and cause it to bolt into traffic or collide with vehicles. This may result in serious vehicle damage, severe injuries or even fatalities. So, by being patient and giving room, we can play our part in making everyone’s road journey safer.”

GEM Motoring Assist was the first organisation to provide support for Project EDWARD, and has continued that support every year since.

Keep in touch with the progress of the ride on social media or by visiting Follow the ride through the week at https://projectedward.org/bhs/lambourn-to-windsor-ride/

GEM’s tips for being safe when passing a horse and rider on the road:

· Slow down to a maximum of 10 mph when you see a horse on the road.

· Pass wide and slowly, allowing at least two metres of space between your vehicle and the horse.

· Be patient; don’t sound your horn or rev your engine as this can startle the horse.

· Only pass when it is safe, and be prepared to stop if the rider signals you to slow down or stop.

· Take extra care near children riders and horses ridden in double file, and heed the hand signals given by horse riders.

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