Sir, - As responsible horse owners, and riders, we can fully understand Ms Gail Saunders' feelings (D&S letters, Sept 28) after having damage caused to her car and there being no-one prepared to do the honorable thing and ensure the costs were covered. Ms Saunders did exactly the right thing in slowing and stopping while someone was having difficulty in controlling a horse; it's a shame the right thing was not done in return.

To address a point raised, there are many more horses insured than the writer fears. Third party insurance can be obtained not only from within a dedicated policy, but through membership of the British Horse Society or an affiliated riding club or pony club, the last three at a fraction of the cost of the first. A large majority of responsible riders have at least one of the above.

However, even though an excellent piece of driving was demonstrated, the last sentence of Ms Saunders letter raises alarm with the "advice" given "to get past as quickly as possible" being one of the worst actions a driver can carry out in relation to riders and horses on the road. As was demonstrated in the tragic accident reported on page three of the D&S last week, it is all too easy for horses to spook or be frightened, and not just by road traffic. Birds startling, plastic bags blowing, farm machinery or animals behind a hedge - the list is long; all these can result in a horse suddenly jumping several feet. That's not to mention vehicles or bicycles suddenly approaching from behind or worrying a horse by their rapid approach.

The awful situation with foot-and-mouth has also resulted in many more riders on the roads, owing to bridle path closures limiting access to safe riding areas. This is why the BHS advises that the maximum recommended speed to pass a horse is 15mph, and to pass as wide as safely possible.

A good rule of thumb when approaching a rider is to think: "How would I drive past if it was my daughter or mother riding the horse?" Please show the same thought for the rider ahead; you never know who it may be! The situation is becoming so serious, the BHS has declared October 13 national riding and road safety day. This is to educate not only drivers to the dangers of not respecting horses and riders, but to highlight the difficulties that thoughtless riders can cause traffic, too. Whether you are a rider or a driver - please be thoughtful of each other's presence and don't be another statistic.

SIMON PLATTEN

Raby Cottages,

Denton.

BRENDA GRAY

BHS riding and road safety officer, Cleveland

South View,

Brafferton,

Darlington.

Information crucial

Sir, - Mr Andrla makes another contribution to the common currency debate (D&S letters, Sept 14) in which he says that the electorate will decide. If that is really so, the information given to the electorate is crucial. Mr Andrla predicts that rejecting the euro could seriously damage exports but he might be wrong. It is possible that they will be strengthened by remaining independent.

Closer integration with Europe has not been tried before and economic predictions are frequently unreliable. The EU imposes highly centralised policies across a great variety of nations and the resulting changes are almost entirely outside the control of the electorate.

It is instructive to look at the lessons of the FMD outbreak. The disease is fairly well understood and earlier outbreaks have been thoroughly studied. Despite that we have been given confident statements that have appeared illogical or even been proved wrong.

We must all try to understand what the implications of the euro are and not depend on the advice of a party press officer.

JOHN S WHEELER

Roman Way,

Middleton St George,

Darlington.

Justice done

Sir, - How pleasing to see a young man who had been wrongly accused of rape win his appeal (D&S, Sept 28).

Such a shame that it has taken so long for a witness to come forward but God bless them for doing so as in the case of this young man. He was doomed to a life of absolutely nothing because a 14-year-old girl lied.

I have seven sons and God knows how I would feel if I one of them was innocent yet endured what Mr McGratton had endured. It could scar this young man for life.

This man should claim compensation. It would make some of these 14 year old girls think in future and realise lies will not be tolerated.

God bless the Army for sticking to the rules because it probably means that this young man can try to resume as near a normal life as possible. So there is some justice in this world.

(Mrs) C S BEADLE

Station Road,

South Otterington