THE British Horse Society is warning drivers to be vigilant on roads after 4 horses were struck and killed by cars in just 6 weeks. The incidents, which took place in Cumbria, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Leicestershire, all occurred during daylight hours, while the riders wore Hi-Viz and with the car driven straight into the back of the horse. All 4 riders were injured, with 2 requiring Hospital treatment.

Statistics released by The British Horse Society in November showed road incidents involving horses and vehicles are continuing to rise, with 1037 incidents reported to the equine charity over the past year. Of the 1037 reported incidents, 81% of them occurred due to vehicles passing by too closely and close to ½ were subject to road rage.

The charity is urging drivers to be careful when passing horses on the road and encouraging them to adhere to its Dead Slow campaign messages.

Dead Slow was launched to help better educate drivers on how to safely pass horses on the road. The campaign consists of 4 key behavioural change messages to drivers:-

If I see a horse on the road then I will...

1. Slow down to a maximum of 15mph.

2. Be patient - I won't sound my horn or rev my engine.

3. Pass the horse wide and slow, (if safe to do so) at least 2 metres or a car's width if possible.

4. Drive slowly away.

Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at The British Horse Society said:- "The incidents that have taken place over the past 6 weeks have been both tragic and extremely concerning. We are asking all drivers to slow and adhere to our Dead Slow messages. Understandably, all the owners effected are highly emotional. Speaking to them, it is clear the lasting impact losing their horse in these circumstances will have on their lives. Year on year we have witnessed an increase in the number of road incidents involving horses being reported to us. With 81% of the incidents reported to us having occurred due to vehicles passing too close it is evident that there is still a great need for better education on how to safely pass horses on the road. It is also deeply concerning that close to ½ of riders were subject to road rage. We all have a right to use the roads and no 1 should face abuse for exercising this right."

The BHS encourages all riders to report their incidents to the charity, at:- HorseIncidents.Org.UK.

National UK Statistics:- 2019 - 2020

►  1,037 road incidents involving horses have been reported to The British Horse Society.

►  80 horses have died and 136 have been injured.

►  1 person has lost their life and 135 have been injured because of road incidents.

►  43% of riders were victims to road rage or abuse.

►  81% of incidents occurred because a vehicle passed by too closely to the horse.

►  40% of incidents occurred because a vehicle passed by too quickly.

The horse on the photograph with this report was owned by Francesca. Her beloved horse, Bart, were out on their usual ride, when they were struck by a car. Francesca said:- “It all happened so fast. We were walking along when suddenly Bart was off his feet, with his back on the car. I fell off and hit the floor and Bart was next to me. I could see he was in so much pain."

Francesca suffered torn ligaments and tendons, as well as nerve damage. If she had not been wearing a helmet her injuries could have been much worse. She was airlifted to hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Sadly, Bart was less fortunate and, due to his horrific injures, he was put down at the scene.

Francesca, who is now recovering well, is determined that Bart will not have died for nothing:- "Bart was my best friend, and I'm sure that the way that he took the impact saved my life. He was such a gentleman and was great with the younger horses. He never spooked and he would go out with the younger ones to show them how to behave on the road. I have set up a go fund me page called Bart’s Legacy. The money that we raise will be split between the Great North Air Ambulance Service and for educational purposes. I am going to work with The British Horse Society to help raise awareness of the issue because if it can happen to me and Bart, it can happen to anyone."

Francesca also has a message for drivers:- "I would ask drivers to be considerate on the roads. Passing us slow and wide can make a real difference; it might just save a life."

Also, a warning to electric car owners. Electric vehicles can surprise horses as they are so quiet, so please give extra room when passing them, in case your vehicle startles them.

DIABETES UK is calling people across Merseyside to sign up to the 1st ever FakeAway February. The charity is challenging people to swap processed foods for healthier, homecooked meals throughout the month of February, to raise vital funds for diabetes research.

FakeAway February aims to get people to try new recipes and think homemade; whether you're a stranger to the kitchen, or a regular meal prepper. With Diabetes UK by your side throughout to provide advice, support, and most importantly; delicious recipes, FakeAway February is here to keep you on track to a healthier you.

When you sign up to take part, you'll be welcomed into an online community, where fellow FakeAway February participants can share tips, tricks, and cooking hacks. You'll also have access to the FakeAway February Toolkit where you can download your free meal planner.

FakeAway February is a great way to get the whole family eating more healthily;- by creating a team you can take on the challenge together. You'll be entered into the leaderboard where you can track your progress against others, and if you raise over ₤35 by the end of February 2021, you'll also receive your very own Diabetes UK wooden spoon.

Clare Howarth, Head of the North of England at Diabetes UK, said:- "This February, keep up the new year motivation with Diabetes UK's 1st ever FakeAway Feb. By signing up, you'll commit to a month where you ditch the takeaways in favour of delicious home cooked alternatives. FakeAway February is a fantastic opportunity to discover new recipes, connect with our community, and save some pennies; all while raising money for vital diabetes research. If you're living in Merseyside, sign up to FakeAway February today, and kickstart your journey to a healthier you."

Sign up to FakeAway February on:- FakeAway.Diabetes.Org.UK.

A report has been sent in to us and a photograph posted on the Hightown Village Twitter Page of a mysterious object that is reported to have arrived in the Sand Dunes over night. The Tweeter message says that it is:- "A much needed light distraction in these times." and ends with the hastag:- "#monolith."