KILL YOUR SPEED NOT MY HORSE

Reading your story made me cry. I can't begin to imagine what it was like for you or your horse to go through that ordeal, I don't know what I would do if it was my horse.  I fully support your campaign and will be buying one of your car stickers

Ami  (Berksire)

xx

Hi I was very moved to read your story, it bought tears to my eyes.  I just could not imagine how I would cope if this ever happened to me and my horse, he means the world to me.

I think this is something you would never get over, I know I wouldnt.

Kind regards

Tracey (Hampshire)

Spencer, Do you forget that horses where on roads long before cars? Horses actually have more right to be on the road than cars. I suggest if you dont like horses and the "Country" way of life. Move to the city where you can drive as fast as you like :l!

kirsty says...
hi im so relieved u are both ok ! i read ur comment and i brought back that day ! thanx for ur support and i hope ur safe in the future take care tracy xxxx

hey, just wanted to share something.

i went out hacking today, and was on my way home, coming down a single track road, with no verges or gateways. i had on a flourescent vest, was sticking to the left hand side, and it was broad daylight. i could hear a car screaming behind me and turned to see a white rover coming down behind me at no less than 90mph, the look on the driver and passenger's face was sheer pannic because he knew he was going to hit me. i had no verge or gateway to refuge in. luckily my horses reactions in the situation were quicker than mine and she cantered up the road to get further away from him, his foot was slammed on the breaks but he wasn't going to stop. luckily we got out the way and he didn't hit us. my horse now has damaged all four hooves from cantering at speed on tarmac. she is 21 years old and i am 16 years old. i owe my horse my life as does the driver and passenger, as if he'd hit us, all four would have without a doubt been killed.

I love that you have started this. I hope that this will tell everyone to be safe and look at your surroundings.

hey, just wanted to share something.

i went out hacking today, and was on my way home, coming down a single track road, with no verges or gateways. i had on a flourescent vest, was sticking to the left hand side, and it was broad daylight. i could hear a car screaming behind me and turned to see a white rover coming down behind me at no less than 90mph, the look on the driver and passenger's face was sheer pannic because he knew he was going to hit me. i had no verge or gateway to refuge in. luckily my horses reactions in the situation were quicker than mine and she cantered up the road to get further away from him, his foot was slammed on the breaks but he wasn't going to stop. luckily we got out the way and he didn't hit us. my horse now has damaged all four hooves from cantering at speed on tarmac. she is 21 years old and i am 16 years old. i owe my horse my life as does the driver and passenger, as if he'd hit us, all four would have without a doubt been killed.

I'm so glad you have started this, there are too many people putting others lives at risk. There is awareness for drivers to slow down for schools, cyclists, and even motorbikes, but none for horses. Most drivers don't realize that a horse is a living creature with a mind of it's own, and when frightened is not so easy to control. More education is needed for all road users-including riders. I'm glad you are making people aware. I have brought stickers for myself, and as presents for friends to help spread the word. Thanks for all you are doing. X

I have been there, More than once I lost one of my own and have lost three ponies and one friend all for the need for a driver to speed home or to work . I can not agree with you more, my work place is useless and call me paranoid I pray each day that they dont learn the hard way, they nearly do now use a bit of Hi Viz but not a lot.... not enough!!

Hey sorry to hear about your horse that story is really sad i dont know what i would do if that ever happened to my horse. My reguards Kelley Xxxxxxx

plz message me back and i feel so sorry for u and for Holy i completely suport your campain and what did happen to the driver scentance wise (jail)

i think your horse must have been lovely and she did save ur life and it is those sorts of idiots who cause accidents and kill both people and horses!!!!!!!

U have my complete and utter suport on ur campain.

p.s i have my own pony and i can not imagine what lie would be like with out him so hope u recovered alwright

thanx bye xx

Hi, your story was very sad but the 2nd Ive heard about. The last one her horse was hit from behind by a lorry and ended up under its wheels. It is shocking to hear of another incident. We hack out on local minor roads a lot and have only recently started wearing Hi Viz. . I think your campaign is marvelous, I'm waiting for my tabbard to arrive. good luck with all that you do and if it prevents one more terrible accident then Holly wont have died in vain.  Jo x

HI

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Hi!!!!!!!! i am sian and i have heard all about holly the horse it was tragic i am sorry for both of you!!!!!!!!!!! I think they should start putting adverts on the tv the max speed is 15mp when you are near a horse! And remember to be safe and be seen!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so sorry to hear your story I fully back your campaign. My friend and I hack around our local lanes and often get p**sed off with the ignorance of drivers.  There have been times where our hearts have stopped at near misses and luckily our horses have been very well behaved in those situations.

Not sure if you have considered this and how you would go about this but what about contacting the Driving Standards Agency to put pressure on them adding a new section to theory driving test so people are educated better and are more aware of how to pass a horse (and cyclists too as they also have a rough ride!) carefully, it seems some people just don't have a clue! I just don't think these sort of hazards are emphasised enough when people are learning to drive......

Just read your story! You poor thing I cannot magine how you must feel and felt at the time!  what happened to the driver?  I think I would have huned him down and killed him!

Bless you,

Love Kim x

Your story made me cry: We have a similar problem at my yard in Denmark, we are on a country road and the cars speed by without a thought for anyone never mind horses and riders: We can noe persuade the council to do anything in terms of signs and I guess all we can do is wear reflective gear and try to stay as much in the verge as we can: My fear is something like what happened to you will happen to one of us: My heart goes out to you loosing your horse like that. I only hope that you can in time remember the better memories you have of Holly more vividly that her awful accident: God bless you both for this site. I will bring your campaign to Denmark through our site and contact one of our Danish horse magazines with your story as we are not good enough to ride safely all the time. Best Regards

Victoria

im very sorry to hear your loss, a very touching story and i hope i never have to go through that with my horse iv just returned from the stables and giving him a big hug and telling him your story to, good luck with your campain xxx

I am so very sorry to read your story. I can't begin to imagine that horror. I totally back this campaign. All the best for the future.

Nicola

i feel for you, i have over the years had so many close shaves on country roads due to mad drivers. I have watched 4 horses destroyed in car accidents, two in a lorry, keep up the good work, we are all behind your campaine.

HI A GREAT WEB SITE ITS A GREAT CAUSE U HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT.

Thats such a sad story.You should make a charity and raise money .

having trained racehorses in the 70/80s i know what peril lies in store fo the rider on our roads,i had a horse killed WOGANS WAGER some may remember him in the early 1970s winning over hurdies.he was killed by a speeing driver on a back road.all the best with your website.

this is such a sad story but we all would have done what you did. You did the best thing for the horse and for that you are really brave. I admire you

Hi thanks for taking the time to stop by my site! Yours is great also, but very sad! I cried! That is the most devastating story i have read in awhile! I am sorry for your loss! I think it is wonderful what you are doing! Good luck with everything!

PS sorry to dive into a rant. Your story is heart wrenching. Since reading it and buying the stickers, I never ride out without my fluorescent tabard. The campaign is fantastic and I really hope that riders and drivers can work together to make a difference. You have my full support. xxx

Sorry the slight rant came first, I just feel that it's an important factor that needs to be considered. You story is heart-wrenching, no one should have to go through that. Ever since coming across this campaign, I never ride out without a fluorescent tabard- the extra seconds could make all of the difference. Luckily my pony is extremely sensible, so I can only hope that drivers will slow down and give him enough space. Generally, most drivers in my area are very considerate, however, there are the odd few who will come tearing around a blind bend only to be faced with a horse! The worst thing I saw was a driver who beeped just before a bend, as if to say, 'I'm coming, get out of the way'. They then came tearing around the corner. Any horse or ever pedestrian would have stood little chance.

I have to say both as a rider and a driver, I think there is a big problem with common courtesy! I was driving to see my horse (ironically!) this morning, when I came across three young riders (wearing no fluorescent gear) riding three abreast. I slowed down and waited for them to move over, however they completely ignored me for about a minute. They finally decided to move over to single file, and the road widened out so I decided it was safe to pass them. I was surprised when they decided to begin to trot and as I passed, the lead horse spooked so I slowed right down to give the rider a chance to calm her horse. At this point, she turned around to glare at me! No thank you, and the other two riders just compltely ignored me. I was appauled.

Of course, as a rider, I will continue to treat horses with the upmost care and respect. However, I can totally see why drivers get cross with them if this is the was they are treated. Riders need to realise that they represent not only themselves, but all other riders. Their ignorance and arrogance could have severe indirect consequences for the next rider! Remember that manners cost nothing. I don't expect a big wave or anything that means taking your hands off the reins, just a nod or smile will suffice!