Here’s what you need to know about this month
SAFETY
Riders are being encouraged to make use of a police initiative aimed at making reporting incidents on the roads more streamlined.
There is often confusion as to how and where riders should report dangerous behaviour on the roads and near misses, and the national Operation SNAP initiative has been specifically designed as a one-stop shop to give people the opportunity to submit video and photographic footage of incidents directly to the police via their local force’s website.
Detective chief superintendent Andy Cox told Your Horse: “The police alone can’t be everywhere all the time, so by enabling the public to be our additional eyes and ears we can help to deter dangerous and reckless behaviour.
“We review submissions from dashcam and helmet cameras and, where appropriate, will take action which can and has led to offenders being disqualified from driving.”
There is more information about the initiative on every local police force website, but it is worth noting that the criteria for submissions can vary between forces. For example, some require the footage to have two minutes either side of the incident on it for context.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has also been working with the British Horse Society (BHS) on road safety. The BHS has been urging anyone involved in a road incident to report it to the charity via its website or the Horse i app.
For all the latest news from the horse world, visit yourhorse.co.uk
WELFARE
The British Horse Foundation has launched a new programme designed to help improve the production and welfare of young horses. The Better Beginnings programme was born from a belief that the production of young horses, from inception to two years old, is of vital importance in safeguarding their wellbeing throughout their lives. A best practice guide for young horse development has been launched, while regular webinars and expert round tables are also integral to the programme.
For more information, visit britishhorsefoundation.org.uk/programs
RIDERS JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME
Leicestershire Police has recruited a new team of volunteers on horseback to spot and report crime in the countryside. Twenty riders have volunteered to become the ‘eyes and the ears’ of the force to protect rural communities while out riding.
They will also be asked to assist in rural crime prevention initiatives and local operations to develop contac
