To the lady riding a blinkered grey through Lower Slaughter at 11am on Sunday May 27th.

Dear Madam, I am the motorcycle rider who received the full wrath of your tongue on Sunday morning.

I was doing my best to give you and your horse a wide berth.

As I approached you I throttled right back so as to be moving at no more than walking pace.

I was in absolute control of my machine.

You, however were not in control of your mount, far from it.

As the poor thing veered across the road it needed your reassurance and I’m not sure shouting at me at the top of your voice was the best way of accomplishing that.

I felt sorry for the poor animal. It was clearly nervous.

Can I suggest you stick to quiet bridleways? You are clearly unable to control the animal on the road.

I had to pass a rigorous test to prove I can handle my machine properly.

I gather similar tests exist for horse riders. Contact the The British Horse Society, they operate a Riding and Road Safety Test. I think you would benefit.

Thankfully you are in a minority. I saw many horses on the road on Sunday morning, including a large group near Upper Slaughter manor.

Their riders were sensible, considerate and capable, and all I got from them was a cheery wave of thanks as I crawled by.

Richard Morris

Witney