Police urge riders to be safe

Date published: 20 September 2006

Greater Manchester Police’s Mounted Unit is spearheading a campaign to urge horse riders to ensure they can be seen.

The police horses patrol around 95,000 miles each year in Greater Manchester and are a regular sight on local roads. The safety of horse and rider is a top priority, which is why they wear high visibility equipment and clothing even during the day.

Chief Inspector Lynn Roby, head of the mounted unit, said: "This is a really important issue and all horse riders need to be protect themselves when they are out on the roads.

"The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to follow our example and ensure they can be seen by motorists."

Posters and leaflets featuring the GMP horses in fluorescent and reflective gear are being circulated to local riding schools, livery yards, equestrian stores and other relevant locations.

The campaign is being supported by The British Horse Society which continues to work to promote horse and rider safety.

Chief Inspector Roby added: "We patrol some of the busiest routes in Greater Manchester and in many areas motorists don’t expect to encounter a horse. By ensuring we are wearing high visibility jackets and the horses are in fluorescent exercise sheets, brushing boots and breastplates we can reduce the risks we face."

The poster, leaflet and safety information are available from the GMP website at www.gmp.police.uk click About Us, and then onto the Mounted Unit pages. More information is also available from The British Horse Society website at www.bhs.org.uk

Greater Manchester Police has 35 horses that are used to fight crime across the county.