HORSERIDERS across the South are taking to the saddle today to campaign against escalating carnage on the road.

They aim to promote greater safety awareness among drivers and fellow riders by distributing leaflets and posters.

More than 3,000 traffic accidents involving horses are reported in Britain every year, with many blamed on a simple lack of understanding between road users.

Lymington horseowner Tiana Giles, 29, was due to lead one of several rides marking National Horse and Road Safety Day.

She said: "It's something I am very concerned about. There should be more courtesy and respect between drivers and riders."

Her hour-long ride was due to follow a circular route from the Rising Sun Pub at Wootton, beginning at 10am.

Inevitably, motorists in the New Forest are being specially targeted due to the death toll among ponies who are allowed to roam free.

Latest figures show there were 86 ponies killed or injured so far this year. The verderers, who supervise the care of animals grazing the Forest, say it is too early to assess the impact of reflective collars fitted to some 800 ponies last year.

Deputy clerk Sally Cardwell said nine of the casualties this year were wearing the collars. She said: "It's difficult to say how effective they are as there are more stock and more traffic on the roads." David Guy, Forest spokesman for the International League for the Protection of Horses, said: "We live in an age where the car has taken over from the horse, though riders have as much of a responsibility as drivers."

A former mounted policeman, he urged all riders to follow proper training before going out on the road.

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