HORSES in Hutton I know this subject always ruffles a few feathers, but as an experienced driver who covers over 30,000 business miles a year and a recently

HORSES in Hutton - I know this subject always ruffles a few feathers, but as an experienced driver who covers over 30,000 business miles a year and a recently returned horse rider, I simply have to comment on the behaviour of both my fellow road using riders and drivers.First, the residents of Hutton have my utmost sympathy. It is clear drivers use Hutton as a short cut to the hospital end of Weston, as the volume of traffic is at times ridiculous. This is, in essence, the crux of the matter, too many cars in too much of a hurry.As horse riders we try to make ourselves as visible as possible, wearing bright jackets, having reflective leg bands or exercise blankets on the horses, having reflective or lit devices on the stirrups, we also wave cars from behind or those approaching past and we often stop in order to allow vehicles to pass us more easily.The same consideration is not always returned, and to illustrate I will list only two of the many incidents that I have witnessed in the three months.The first was at one of the traffic calming narrowings, leaving the village heading towards Locking. There were three of us riding in single file as we approached. A car was coming up the hill, and as it reached the narrowing we were already passing through. This did not deter the driver, who just pushed through forcing my wife who is an extremely experienced rider on a well trained and calm horse (thank goodness), to move sharply left to avoid having her horse hit. The driver showed no discernable sign of even seeing us which is pretty scary, as if you can't see a horse and rider in a bright jacket 30 feet in front of you, what chance has a motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian got?The second incident was in the village close to the hairdressers and village hall, when a young guy decided the best way past a horse was to 'tailgate' it, revving his engine. He was no more than a foot behind the horse when he did this.I know there are less considerate horse riders than the people I ride with. I have seen groups of young girls clattering along barely aware of the vehicles being them. This is both inconsiderate and rude as well as being bad riding and I'm sure it frustrates the other road users, but this does not excuse the impatience, ignorance and rank stupidity that I see almost every time and so a little extra room and a few minutes extra on your journey will just make life safer and more pleasant for us all.NEIL MACKINNON - Balmoral Way, Worle