Law Change In Store After Growing Drone Concerns

RIDERS are increasingly concerned about drones, it has emerged, as the government prepares new control laws.

- Eleanor Jones

The British Horse Society (BHS) said it is aware of riders’ concerns, and a spokesman urged drone users to consider their possible impact on horses.

Rider Joanna Jeans told H&H she was lucky to avoid a serious accident when a drone was released within yards of the horses she and her husband Simon were untacking after a ride on the Mendip Hills on 26 November.

“We were very lucky,” she said. “A man had parked behind our trailer and I saw something metal in his hand. Then there was this extraordinary noise. Both horses went into full flight mode. Simon’s mare is very spooky, but luckily he managed to hang on to her.”

Joanna said she and her husband spoke to the operator.