A devastated woman whose beloved horse tragically died after being hit by a car is urging drivers to be more cautious on the road.

Hope Jarvis was riding in Lydd on July 27 on a country lane when the collision happened.

Her “one-of-a-kind” 13-year-old mare Holly had become startled by motorbikes before a car hit her from the side, knocking her over and throwing Miss Jarvis off.

Holly sadly broke a leg and was put to sleep at the scene. The 34-year-old rider also broke her wrist in the fall.

She’s now urging motorists to take care and pass horses wide and slow.

The Bethersden resident told KentOnline: “My horse had always been a saint on the road but obviously she's a horse and they are still animals.

“There were about 30-40 motorbikes which went past, and she was starting to get a little bit agitated.

“I pulled in on the grass verge to just calm her and then went back on the road.

“She started to get a bit silly again and spun and the car was coming towards us.

“I screamed ‘slow down’ and it didn't happen. She hit my horse as she spun and knocked her over and knocked me flying.

“I couldn't move on the floor. I'd broken my wrist and at that time I didn't know but Holly had broken her leg and had to be put to sleep at the scene.”

Paramedics and police arrived and gave Miss Jarvis first aid and painkillers, before letting her say goodbye to her pet.

“I'm very, very grateful that I got that opportunity,” she added. “She was an absolute diamond.

“She was my life. She was my first horse that I saved and bought myself.

“When I first got her she was scared of her own shadow. She didn't really like humans, shall I say, but she turned out to be this soft, sassy character that really captured a lot of people's hearts.

“She was one of a kind.”

Miss Jarvis - an accounts assistant for a property management firm - has now teamed up with the national Pass Wide and Slow campaign and has organised a sponsored ride in Holly’s memory.

Called Holly’s Last Mission, it is taking place in Bethersden on September 14.

Riders are urged to take part to raise awareness of safety around horses on the road.

Miss Jarvis said: “It’s also as a send-off for my Holly as her last little mission of just trying to raise awareness of how to pass horses, cyclists, walkers, dog walkers and all that kind of thing on the road.

“Even though it's in the Highway Code, I don't really think that people are aware around these country roads and I don't think there's enough signage.

“It’s tragic but I’m trying to turn it into something good.

“We also get so many comments saying ‘horses shouldn't be on the road’ or ‘they're just horses’.

“They're not just horses to us. They're part of a family.

“Although I've lost my best friend, I feel like I've also lost my purpose in life. She got me up and out every day.”

Details of the event are still being finalised, but anyone who wants to get involved can join the Holly’s Last Mission Facebook page for updates.

Walkers and cyclists are also welcome. More than 250 people have already registered their interest in the event.

The Pass Wide and Slow campaign is a group trying to educate drivers on how and why to pass horses, and supporting riders.

The Highway Code states: “Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when approaching, overtaking, passing or moving away.

“Always pass wide and slowly. When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph.

“Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine.

“When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least two metres of space.”

Just a week ago, a rider was injured in Kent when a car allegedly “honked its horn” and startled the animal.

Paramedics treated the woman at the scene before she was taken to a local hospital for further medical attention.