Schoolchildren in driving instructor horse rant get special treat

Callum Mullock, 12, and Megan Lockett, 14, both students at St John Fisher RC High School, were riding their ponies in Martland Mill when the incident took place.

The pair were taking their ponies for a short walk when former AA driving instructor, Craig Allred, pulled over his car to shout and swear at the young riders, telling them they should not be on the road.

Acting quickly, Megan pulled out her phone to record the incident, in which the two clued-up youngsters told Mr Allred that he was wrong and to check legality with police or Google the information.

The mounted unit at Greater Manchester Police quickly gained word of the incident, and invited the pair over for the day to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes and meet the horses.

Chief Inspector Tariq Butt said: “It’s worrying that a driving instructor is behaving in this way and also getting the rules of the road incorrect.

“It can be a very scary and intimidating place riding a horse or pony on a road but they have every right to be there and to be treated with equal respect by other road users.

“That’s why I wanted to invite them to visit our mounted unit, see behind the scenes, meet our horses and spend some time with us.”

Mr Allred has since lost his franchise with the AA and the company has offered money towards a campaign which raises awareness of riders on the roads.