A HIGH-VISIBILITY awareness ride has taken place to kick-start a campaign about improving horse rider safety.

The Canewdon Equestrian group was set up after a horse was tragically killed last month in Lark Hill Road, Rochford.

Laura Thorogood was knocked off her horse Angel when a car crashed into the back of them while she was out riding in the road. Angel had to be put down by a vet attending the scene of the collision.

Now the equestrian community has come together to make sure this tragedy is never repeated and, as well as meeting local councillors and collecting signatures for a petition to reduce the speed limit, they organised a group ride through the villages wearing high-vis clothing.

Claire Lilly, of Althorne Way, Canewdon, who helped organise the campaign, said: “We had the parish council meeting on Wednesday and it was raised with members of the county council’s highways panel.There was a really good turnout and the ride was really well-supported. We had a sponsor who provided the high-vis clothing and EQ magazine have done a feature as well, so it’s gathering momentum.

“There was one incident with a blue Transit van which came up fast and overtook us on a blind bend which goes to show why this campaign is needed. It’s such a small minority. Most people have been so supportive.”

The petition gathered 380 signatures while they were out in the towns and villages on Sunday with another 148 signatures from people who keep their horses in the area.

The ride was also attended by Rochford District councillors George Ioannou and Laureen Shaw who have backed the campaign.

Councillor Ioannou said: “Because of the accident, I’ve taken it upon myself to support the campaign and bring safety to our roads.”

The group also enlisted the help of Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois who has written to the county council on their behalf. To support the campaign you can find the Canewdon Equestrian page on Facebook.