A HIGH Wycombe horse rider has decided to take the reins with road safety.

Helen Evans, a horse riding instructor and member of the High Wycombe riding club, is holding a riding and road safety awareness day to promote safe riding among horse riders.

The aim of the event is to give those who have little or no formal training help to ride safely on the roads.

Mrs Evans, who is also a member of the British Horse Society committee, said: "What I am doing is a one-off.

"I am hoping just to increase people's awareness. A lot of people do not have any training. You can get a horse and take it out on the roads without any training."

She said that road safety had become more important as the Foot and Mouth disease precautions meant many bridle paths were closed.

"It really brought it home to me. I have heard lots of stories of near misses on the roads."

Sheila Hardy, British Horse Society Safety Officer, said: "There are about 3,000 horse related accidents per year.

"That works out at about eight per day, or one per daylight hour."

The road safety and awareness day is being held at Widmer Farm, Lacey Green, near Princes Risborough on Saturday at 10am.

The event is being sponsored by DGL Garages in Downley in High Wycombe and Horse Magazine.

Call Helen Evans on 01494 532183 for more information.