A NEW campaign has been launched to get drivers to slow down on New Forest roads.

I regularly ride my horse around the Bartley, Woodlands area, and while I endeavour to get onto the Forest as quickly as possible, I am astounded by the number of motorists, who pass by without slowing down, even a little, despite the fact that I wear a high visibility vest, stating "Please pass wide and slow''.

Surely, even people who have no knowledge of horses, must realise, that they could turn or shy into the road for any number of reasons, very quickly, no matter how competent the rider, or how steady the horse.

I urge drivers to take heed of the new campaign, and think for a moment of how by just slowing down, and giving a wide berth to horses, they could prevent killing a horse and/or rider, doing untold damage to their car, and possibly killing themself or their passengers.

Please, please, refer to your Highway Code.

To those drivers, and there are some, who do obey the Highway Code, I thank you.

MARILYN COE (by e-mail).