Daughter's road incident spurs mum into action

A FRIGHTENING incident near Steyning a few years ago, involving a speeding motorist and her daughter riding a horse, prompted Christine Supiot to become a British Horse Society Road and Riding Safety trainer.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Apr 2009, 14:10 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 04:06 BST

"Renee was riding Thunder, our grey Connemara gelding, along the narrow country lane near our home at Annington, when Thunder was clipped by the wing mirror of a car. The car was speeding along the centre of the road and did not stop. Fortunately they were both unhurt, but it could have been far worse," explained Christine.

As a dog walker, occasional cyclist and rider, Christine had been concerned for some time about safety on rural highways.

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She explained: "Many of the local roads in Steyning and Bramber area connect with bridleways and have to be used by riders to gain access to off-road riding. Many of these roads have the national speed limit which is simply not appropriate."

The incident highlighted her concern, and she felt that many young horse riders did not know how to ride on roads.

She said: "You do not have to train or pass a test to ride on roads, as you do with a car. I felt the only thing I could do to improve matters was to become a BHS road and riding safety trainer.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette, Sussex Horse World, April 29