EXPERIENCED horse rider Samantha Bradley is counting her lucky stars that she and her horse escaped serious injury when both were involved in a collision with a car.

The experience has left her shaken and her confidence is dented but she is keen to warn other riders of the possible dangers they may encounter when riding on roads.

She is also campaigning for extra rider warning highway speed limits and signs, to alert motorists of horses on the roads, especially near stables.

The accident happened on a straight road. Her mount is sure-footed and at ease in traffic and she was wearing protective and luminous clothing. But she says many riders do not take the same precautions.

"They throw on any old anorak or jumper, often in dark colours. They don't wear a fluorescent cover to their riding hats or a fluorescent jacket. They don't make an effort to be seen by motorists.

"I did all that and still there was an accident so I do ask 'How much more can I do?'"

She thinks insurance companies used by riders should make it compulsory to wear reflective clothing. She is also making a general request to all drivers to slow down and respect riders on the road.

"Most are very good but there is a small percentage who do not seem to respect riders.

"The young seem better than older drivers who perhaps think they know a particular stretch of road better because they use it so frequently.

"Horsewatch in Andover does get complaints from riders about speed on the roads and questions on how motorists can be slowed down. It is a worry."