A NATIONAL equestrian competitor from Selby has backed efforts by North Yorkshire Police to improve horse and rider safety on the roads.

Laura Birley, 21, has been riding since the age of three and in 2012 finished fourth in the British Eventing Pony Championship.

Now studying at Manchester University, she is captain of the university's team, and represented Great Britain in a Student Riders Nations Cup in Belgium last year.

Laura and her horse Boxtree And 1 - also known as Dan - tried out new high-visibility clothing from R&R Country's Selby store, to publicise the force's ongoing campaign to promote rider safety and responsibility.

She said: "In order to get Dan fit for the events, I include some hacking in our schedule. Hacking is great for fitness, especially over in Manchester as the hills are perfect for getting Dan super-fit for the cross country stage.

"I have had some very positive experiences when riding on the roads, especially in Manchester where the bus drivers are very considerate. I am always courteous to drivers, and always thank them when they drive past us in a considerate way."

Laura said she wears hi-viz while on the road, and ensures she is in control of her horses and doesn’t listen to music or use her phone. She also encouraged riders to get to know their horse in a safe environment, and only start hacking once comfortable with them.

PC Hannah McPeake, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, urged riders to wear reflective clothing, even as the nights become brighter.

She said: "Sometimes the days can still be overcast and dull or the shadows from trees and hedges can create dark areas.

"Bright colours are excellent for making you stand out on the road, and the new reflective material really stands out when lights are on it."

PCSO Kathryn Bean, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Whitby, is also a keen rider and said: "Other peoples’ actions are out of our control, but we can do everything we can to influence those actions. If wearing hi-viz improves our chances of positively influencing another, then why not wear it?"

Motorists have also been advised to four simple steps when passing horses:

- Slow down to 15mph

- Be patient, don’t sound your horn or rev your engine

- Pass wide (at least a car’s width)

- Drive slowly away