TWO events in Thurrock tomorrow (Sunday, 18 September) will be highlighting the danger drivers might pose to horses and their riders by driving without due consideration.

Thurrock Nub News reported last month on an awareness ride taking place from the Dog and Partridge pub on North Stifford High Road to Aveley and back, starting at 9am.

It is part of the  'Pass Wide and Slow' campaign which is an annual national event which aims to educate drivers on the safest way to pass horses and riders on the road.

As well as the ride from North Stifford, another of 212 rides taking place across the country will set off from Robinson Road in Horndon on the hill.

Local rider Alison Treadwell along with others will ride through Horndon and the event this is open to riders, cyclists and pedestrians.

Highlighting the importance of the event, Alison said: "We ride in the road because like most areas we don't have any off-road riding or bridle paths in Horndon, by drivers passing wide and slow we are reducing the element of risk when exercising our horses.

"However, I will say a large majority of drivers in the village are very courteous and I we have noticed a positive difference in driver behaviour since the changes on the Highway Code."

"The purpose of this ride is to raise awareness on issues like people driving too fast, not leaving sufficient width when passing riders, which can be distressing and dangerous for a horse and rider."

The Horndon event will start from the entrance by the gasworks in Robinson Road at 10, taking around an hour. Alison is encouraging any pedestrians, riders or cyclists to join the ride, but must register before hand. She can be contacted by email at [email protected]