Horses and riders took part in Chew Moor road safety event

The Pass Wide And Slow ride saw participants travel through the village carrying banners urging drivers to slow down and leave plenty of space when passing horses.

Despite wet weather conditions, riders completed the route from Seddon Fold Farm in Lostock through the village in Chew Moor, joined by Bolton Mayor Cllr Mohammed Iqbal for the duration of the walk.

There was an excellent turnout despite a heavy downpour. (Image: Newsquest)

The event forms part of the international Pass Wide And Slow campaign, which aims to educate motorists about sharing roads safely with horses and riders.

Speaking after the event, Cllr Iqbal said: “It was a pleasure to be here, and I want to thank Debby and everyone else for the invitation.

“It wasn’t the best of days weather-wise, but I think we have sent an important message.

“It’s important that motorists know that they need to adhere to the highway code and pass horses no quicker than 10 miles per hour and leaving at least two metres width.

Bolton Mayor, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, (centre, rear) was among those who joined the walk (Image: Newsquest)

“So, it’s very important that we send this message out for the safety of the cars as well as the riders.

“I don’t think some people realise what damage a horse could do to a car or a car to horse and rider.

“It’s so not worth it to try and overtake too quickly or when there’s no space – people just need to give way or wait for a couple of minutes.”

Pass Wide And Slow spokesperson Debbie Barry thanked those who attended and said the campaign’s message was continuing to reach audiences around the world.

She said: “The ride is part of an international campaign to raise awareness and educate drivers on how to pass horses safely whilst sharing the roads.

“Too many avoidable incidents have resulted in death or injury to horses, riders or both on our roads.

Organiser Debbie Barry (centre) led the group through the village. (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s the groups aim to ask road users to be continually mindful of their driving behaviour around horses.”

Ms Barry added that what began in the UK has since grown into a global movement.

She said: “It started in the UK, but it’s now become an international campaign with groups sharing the message in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

“The latest highway code update mentions passing horses and cyclists safely, but it’s currently still advisory rather than mandatory.

“We’re hoping they make it a legal requirement, but until then events like this are vital to help try and raise awareness.

Dozens of horses and riders took part in the event. (Image: Newsquest)

“Most of the horses we’ve brought out today are older and more experienced around traffic, but any horse can still be spooked.

“When that happens, it’s incredibly dangerous for everyone, including the people in cars. So we’re here today to spread the message to pass horses slowly and safely.”

Campaigners continue to advise drivers to slow to a maximum of 10mph and leave at least two metres of space when passing horses, warning that sudden movements, noise or vehicles travelling too closely can easily startle even experienced animals.