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Ask H&H: riding on the beach

Kathy Carter

7 November, 2009

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Q: Now that the summer season is over, can we safely take our horses to the local beaches? How do I find out the rules and regulations for my local coastal area?

KF, Gwynedd

Autumn is a great time to ride at the beach because the crowds have disappeared and many areas of sand should have a good, safe consistency.

Are there regulations?

There are no set guidelines about beach riding in the UK in terms of permits and approvals — some beaches are privately owned and some are local authority owned.

Some require permits to ride, while others request "courteous use".

You may also come across conservation areas — certain areas may be Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and therefore out of bounds.

However, most authorities prefer that horses are not taken on the beach between 10am-6pm during the peak season, which is usually from April to September.

Who should I contact?

The first step is to ask your local authority about its own guidelines. In your case, Gwynedd allows safe riding on the beaches between 1 October and 31 March, providing people do not gallop or "cause danger or annoyance to other users".

Are horses welcome?

Although there are no laws about removing horse dung from beaches, given that dog owners are requested to pick up their dog faeces, many councils kindly request that horse owners either remove their dung, or at least move it away from the shore area, as a courtesy to other beach users.

Remember, creating a good impression gives members of the public more reason to welcome riders on to their local beach.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (29 October, '09)

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