Can I call for a debate in this Chamber on the issue of what can be done to provide safer travel for horse riders in Wales? Equine ownership in Wales is worth over £0.5 billion to the Welsh economy, and is a vital part of the health and well-being of many people. For horse owners, riding and exercising their horses is integral to their lives, and one that needs more protection put into place. Riding horses on the roads has become increasingly dangerous. The British Horse Society has reported, through their Dead Slow campaign, that there have been 1,010 instances involving horses this year; 46 horses have been killed; and 118 horses injured in the UK. Although the Welsh Government has proposed changes to the highway code, this does not change the fact that 80 per cent of instances occur because drivers travel too close to horses.

The debate will also be very timely, because, as some Members will be aware, on Sunday, 19 September, horse riders right across Wales staged a protest to call for active travel plans to include them. They argue that many bridleways have been downgraded to footpaths, which have taken away vital routes for horses and their riders, forcing them to use roads to travel upon. I would ask for this debate as an urgent matter. It would allow Members to present experiences of horse riders from across their regions and discuss proposals that could be put into place to help protect horses and riders. The debate should also discuss including horse riders in the Welsh Government's active travel plans. Thank you.