MORE than 40 North Yorkshire horse riders attended a recent talk to help them stay safe on the roads.

Experts from North Yorkshire Police and the British Horse Society (BHS) were at Mole Country Stores, Ripley, to promote the importance of road safety for riders.

Two more events have also been scheduled, including one at Ride-Away on Stillington Road, York, at 7pm on July 26 and one in Selby on August 31.

Speakers at the evenings include BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox, regional manager of BHS Yorkshire Amy Clements, traffic constable Zoe Billings, and Cathryn Godfrey, associate solicitor from Irwin Mitchell LLP.

PC Hannah McPeake, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “Our first road safety evening with the British Horse Society was a great success, so thank you to everyone who attended.

“If you ride your horse on the road, it’s really important that you know your rights, responsibilities and the law. We have two further events planned, and experts will be on-hand to discuss road safety issues with you, and answer any questions you might have.”

The events also include a free tack marking service, using a police "dot peen" property marking machine, so attendees are invited to bring along any items of leather tack to be security-marked. Spaces are limited so attendees are advised to book in advance. Tickets are £3 and include a BHS high-visibility tabard.

For more information and to purchase tickets, email amy.clements@bhs.org.uk

Horse owners and enthusiasts are invited to follow North Yorkshire Police’s Horsewatch scheme via NYP Horsewatch on Facebook, and @NYP_Horsewatch on Twitter.