Horses in the countryside

[Adam Cheeseman]

Hi All,

Tried the BHS without much joy. Does anyone have or know what the code of conduct for horse riders is perchance. Any other info on horses in the countryside would also be of use too.

Many thanks,

Adam

[ellen h]

I just tried googling-country code for horses-and the first site listed may help-equinetourism.co.uk
Mind you tried going direct into said web site but could not find the info that was on the "googled" first link!
Hope this helps and makes sense to you
ellen

[Beekeeper]

Most horse riders in my area do just what they please including trampling an entire area of Orchids into the ground never to be seen again, cutting furrows in the forest lawns up to 1 ft deep and i am not exaggerating, mostly trekking centers, one in particular have 14 horses going out every 1 1/2 hours nose to tail along the same route day in day out.

Take a look here --- http://sparkey.biz/id44.htm
Erosion 4
Erosion 5
Erosion 6
Erosion 8

As you will probably have realised by now, this is my pet hate.

To actually have someone ask what the countryside code is reagrding horse riding, is appreciated, so many people just use and abuse.

I think the main requirement is to vary your route so as not to destroy the ground, limit galloping and close contact with forest animals, especially when they have young, keep out of the areas used by ground nesting birds and do not walk your horse on country roads at night for obvious reasons.

BK

[ron1863]

We have a walkway that goes through our village and runs for 8 miles. It was recently done up and given a tarmac coating to allow wheelchair users to enjoy the countryside. Horse riders have now started using it and the horses hoofs are tearing up the recently laid surface, not to mention giving it a different sort of coating. They just laugh when told that it is for pedestrians.

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

cutting furrows in the forest lawns up to 1 ft deep

Of course these features can be invaluable for many species of invertebrates - but it is another case of "in moderation".

The Highway code has some rules relating to horse riders: Horse riders and animals : Directgov - Travel and transport

[gess]

Adam

here is the link to our Local Code of Conduct in the AONB which relates to all i.e. walkers, horse riders, dog walkers, cyclists, motorists

http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/dow...ct_leaflet.pdf

Gess

[Adam Cheeseman]

thanks folks