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Horse awareness event near Hempsted Valley shopping centre

13:41, 13 September 2021

updated: 13:41, 13 September 2021

Visitors to a popular shopping centre could be in for a surprise this weekend if they get caught up in a special awareness event.

Around 20 horses and ponies will be passing Hempstead Valley near Gillingham on Saturday morning.

Leanne and her mare Zula outside her stables. Picture: Leanne Hodges
Leanne and her mare Zula outside her stables. Picture: Leanne Hodges
Pass Wide and Slow campaign poster raising awareness for driving around horses. Designed by: Kevin Willsher
Pass Wide and Slow campaign poster raising awareness for driving around horses. Designed by: Kevin Willsher

It's part of the national Pass Wide and Slow campaign which aims to educate motorists on how to drive when they approach the animals.

Organiser Leanne Hodges said: "We want people to be aware of how to pass us. On a horse that has got its own mind if something spooks it you have no control."

The riders are asking drivers to slow down when passing and go at a speed no greater than 15mph.

The Rainham resident added: "I do not think people realise the damage they could do to them or their vehicle if the worst were to happen."

The route which will go around Hempstead – passing the shopping centre – will start at 11am.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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