CIHT has received the British Horse Society’s Tarquin Trophy in recognition of its work to improve understanding of equestrian safety and support safer, more inclusive transport planning.

The award recognises CIHT’s pioneering Horse Riders as Road Users course, which is helping highways and transportation professionals rethink how the needs of horse riders are considered throughout the planning, design and delivery of transport infrastructure.

The Tarquin Trophy is awarded by the British Horse Society in recognition of excellent service in the cause of equestrian safety.

Supporting safer and more inclusive transport planning

Horse riders are one of the UK’s less understood road user groups, and their needs can often be overlooked when transport networks and highway infrastructure are planned and designed. The course aims to address this knowledge gap, helping professionals better understand equestrian road safety and how riders’ needs can be considered in practice.

Developed by course author Catherine Chapman, Director at ADL Traffic and Highways Engineering Ltd and leading researcher in equestrian road safety and transport planning, the training provides practical guidance for creating highway environments that better account for equestrians.

It forms part of CIHT’s wider work to promote more inclusive approaches to transport planning and design, ensuring the needs of different road users are considered.

Recognition for CIHT’s digital learning

Speaking on the significance of the award, Carrie Playford, CIHT Digital Learning & Content Manager, said:

"We’re delighted to get recognition for this course, which is supporting our members to consider horse riders as vulnerable road users as part of our growing suite of courses around inclusive design."

Receiving the Tarquin Trophy recognises the importance of building greater awareness of equestrian safety across the highways and transport profession, as well as providing professionals with practical learning they can apply in their work.

CIHT hopes to continue building on this work by supporting its members and the wider profession to better understand the needs of all road users and contribute to safer, better-connected and more inclusive transport networks.

Find out more and enrol in the course here.

CIHT Digital Learning & Content Manager Carrie Playford and course author Catherine Chapman accepting the award