Rise in horse and car accidents in Shropshire
The number of accidents involving horses and cars on roads in Shropshire have risen, according to The British Horse Society.
Last year in the county, nine incidents were reported compared to two the previous year.
In total, 38 riders and 222 horses have died since the body started keeping records seven years ago.
The society also claims some riders have found themselves the target of road rage or abuse.
It says bridleways are under threat which means riders are being forced onto public roads.
The organisation launched its Dead? Or Dead Slow? campaign last year to encourage drivers to pass horses safely.
The campaign aims to make drivers aware of what to do when they encounter horses on the road.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down to 15mph and leave a wide berth when passing horses.
Meanwhile, riders can reduce the risk of accidents by wearing high-visibility clothing, showing courtesy to drivers and should avoid riding in adverse weather conditions.
Jane Kerswell, chairwoman of the society's Shropshire committee, said: "Horses can suddenly become frightened at sudden sounds and movements.
"Sometimes a horse can suddenly move quite quickly and that is a danger.
"Drivers should leave enough room when passing and be patient.
"Riders can take training and exams in improving their control of horses. "They can also thank drivers when they do slow down."
Although the rules on passing horses are already mentioned in the highway code for drivers, The British Horse Society is campaigning for more visibility on the issue.
The society also wants more training for drivers to increase awareness of how to approach riders in the road.
Although there has been an increase in the number of road incidents reported to the organisation, it believes the rise is due to more people being aware of the horse accidents website and reporting incidents they have been involved in.
In December, an 18-year-old woman was taken to hospital after an accident involving a car and a horse at the junction of Randlay Avenue and Stirchley Avenue, in Telford.
The horse rider suffered an arm injury and a suspected head injury, after being unseated from the horse and was immobilised by paramedics at the scene.
Last September, a horse had to be put down after an accident with a car on the county's roads.
Myfanwy Murray afterwards appealed to drivers to slow down on the roads and think about other road users.
The 22-year-old was riding her horse Razz through the village of Kinnerley, close to her home, when they were involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Zafira.
The 13-year-old horse broke its leg and the decision was taken for the vet called out to Razz to put her down.
