THE British Horse Society is asking all horse riders and owners to take extra care when riding out and bringing horses in from fields on their own.

The BHS web site has recently highlighted a large number of people who have been approached by men when out hacking, or who know of situations when riders, particularly children or women, have been confronted when out on their own.

BHS head of safety, Sheila Hardy, said: "With darker mornings and evenings, it is important that riders take extra care.

"If you are alone when bringing a horse in from the field, try and take a torch with you and make sure that someone else knows where you are.

"The same applies when out riding. Try and ride out with another person, but if you do have to go out without company, tell someone where you are heading and roughly what time you will be back. Take a mobile phone with you if you can."

The BHS advises anyone confronted in a frightening way to report it immediately to the police and inform others in the area about it