HORSE riders in Swindon are backing 9,000-name petition aiming to raise the awareness of government-funded off-road tracks.

Many of the signatories have experienced first hand the dangers from drivers going to close to them resulting in severe injuries.

Karen Ferris has been riding since she was six and owns four horses. She has seen riders suffer broken bones and a horse smash through a car windscreen after being spooked by drivers – as well as her own pets jumping into ditches and bolting up the road.

She said: “It is frightening when you do go for a ride because you never know what is going to happen as you get drivers revving their engines and speeding past animals that freak very easily.

“Horses are flight animals, which means they run away when they are scared.

“They remember situations and where they occurred and will be a lot more nervous about being on the road.

“When the horse is spooked unexpectedly it can become a fatal situation.”

Mrs Ferris has signed the petition and says it is extremely important to get something done about road safety as well as the upkeep of bridleways.

But she also thinks riders need to take some responsibility as well.

“I think high-vis should be compulsory for anyone riding. We may not be as visible in the dark without it and it is surprising that even though horses are big when they are along hedging you cannot be seen clearly.”

Rein and Shine Horse Riding Centre in Braydon near Swindon is backing the petition.

Owner John McDonald said: “Some of the road accidents that have involved horses are simply horrific. Many drivers are impatient and they don’t slow down and this is when it becomes dangerous.

“If there’s a way to help avoid these accidents with more off-road riding then we support it all the way.”

There are off-road tracks in Purton and Brinkworth.

The petition will be shown to the Department for Transport once it reaches 10,000 signatures.