AN event was held at Denholme yesterday (September 16) as part of a campaign to boost safety for horse riders using the roads.

A ride took place in support of the Pass Wide and Slow initiative.

According to the British Horse Society, the number of incidents nationally involving horse riders and vehicles is increasing.

Last year, 3,552 incidents were reported.

Sixty-eight horses died and 125 were injured, and 139 people suffered injuries.

Just over a quarter of riders said they had been a victim of road rage or abuse.

Advice to motorists when encountering a horse rider is to slow down to a maximum of 10mph, and leave a gap of at least two metres.

Yesterday's event saw six riders and one pony being walked in-hand set off from the Foster Park area and head through the village.

Organiser Karen Waddington said: "We rode along Main Street to Denholme Pet Emporium, with a police van to the rear and two police motorcycles at the front escorting us.

"At the salt pit in Denholme, two Darvills HGV drivers were extremely patient and passed wide and slow, and West Yorkshire Police have sent a letter of thanks."