RIDERS forced to ride their horses on roads during the foot and mouth crisis are being urged to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety, writes Andrea Calvesbert.

Stratford-based NFU Mutual, which insures more than 60,000 horses and ponies, is also urging motorists to be careful when driving on rural roads and country lanes.

Nicki Whittaker, of the NFU Mutual's press office, said that as the Government encouraged people to return to the countryside over the Easter break, motorists should be aware of the increased risks posed by people walking their dogs and riding their horses on rural roads, as bridlepaths, footpaths and common land remain closed.

Sid Gibson, underwriting manager, said: "At present, personal experience and conversations with our agents suggest that many horse owners with animals stabled on farms are not moving their animals at all.

"However, where horses are being exercised, riding on the road is often the only option and, as restrictions are gradually lifted, the situation will probably worsen."

He added: "Road safety is an ongoing concern for NFU Mutuals and many accidents could be avoided if motorists reduced their speed and exercised common sense when driving on rural roads."

Concern that many horse riders and owners were unsure where to turn for help in an emergency situation, such as a road accident, prompted NFU mutual to provide its policy holders with a 24 hour Freephone number which accesses to a specialist equine rescue team.

As part of its latest road safety drive, the company has issued a few simple guidelines for motorists driving in the countryside.

l Reduce your speed.

l Stay alert, horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians are frequently injured on country lanes and rural roads.

l Be patient - if you find yourself behind a horse or group of horses, drop back and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Don't be tempted to drive too close or sound your horn. Even the quietest of horses can panic and could injure itself, its rider and your vehicle.

l Pass wide and slow.

l Familiarise yourself with the hazards you may encounter including livestock, cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and tractors.