Equestrian Road Safety: A review of the literature and where next

Introduction:
Equestrian road safety is a growing concern in the UK, with an estimated 1.5 million horse riders regularly using public roads. Despite the number of users and their vulnerability, research in this area remains limited and fragmented. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on equestrian road safety, identify key themes, and highlight gaps in understanding and policy.

Method:
Due to the heterogeneity and paucity of research, a systematic review approach was deemed unsuitable. Instead, a narrative review was conducted using academic literature, government collision data, and incident reports from the British Horse Society. Fourteen key studies were reviewed, including surveys, focus groups, video/image responses, and field studies involving riders and, to a lesser extent, drivers.

Results:
Themes identified include: the prevalence and underreporting of road incidents involving horses; primary causes such as close or fast vehicle passing and road rage; a well-established safety culture among riders; and knowledge gaps among drivers regarding horse behaviour. Current statistics significantly underestimate the issue, with discrepancies between official data and grassroots reporting. Design limitations in road infrastructure, inadequate driver understanding, and restricted off-road access all contribute to elevated risks for horse riders.

Discussion:
Horse riders are recognized as vulnerable road users with unique needs and risks. Protective behaviours such as helmet and high-visibility gear usage are common, yet should not be viewed as complete solutions. Drivers’ hazard perception and empathy toward horse riders remain limited. Infrastructure and policy fail to accommodate equestrian needs, contributing to marginalization. Promoting inclusive design, such as multi-use paths and better connectivity of off-road routes, is critical to improving safety and encouraging participation in equestrian activities.

Conclusion:
There is a pressing need for improved data collection, inclusive infrastructure, and educational interventions targeting driver behaviour toward horse riders. Without these measures, equestrianism risks further marginalisation in transport planning. Horses, as sentient beings and road users, warrant dedicated consideration in road safety policy. A fully inclusive approach to active