Campaigners on the Black Isle are aiming to raise awareness on road safety for horses and their riders.
Since 2010, there have been almost 150 incidents on Scottish roads involving motorists and horse riders, with two fatalities and 50 serious injuries recorded.
Campaigners have met with Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes near to Cullicudden, where footage of near misses and fast moving vehicles was shared by the riders from the surrounding roads.
The politician said: “In a rural place like the Black Isle it’s not surprising to see horse riders.
“Despite that, I was really disappointed to hear that drivers usually drive too close and too fast when passing a horse.
“There is evidently a lot of work to do in educating drivers about overtaking horses and the serious dangers of scaring horses.
“Sadly, horse riders told me that they believe the roads are increasingly dangerous for horse riding, despite horse riders having equal access to the road.
“I support these horse riders on the Black Isle who want to raise awareness of how to overtake horses and ensure that horse riders don’t fear for their safety when riding in a rural place like the Black Isle.”
Nel MacDonald-Rolfe, one of the riders, added: “Rural roads are to be treated with respect even by the locals who become complacent and take chances.
“You never know what is round the corner nor what can suddenly appear from the side of the roads.
“Rural roads are there to be used by all, which includes cycles, walkers and horse riders.
“Patience and respect for all users and educating is the key. As they say, speed kills.”
