Horses and soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment enjoyed a well-deserved trip to the beach to cool off to conclude their three-week summer training camp.

Photographers SSgt Donald Todd, PO Belinda Alker and Corporal Christian Delice captured stunning photos and drone video of the regiment on the beach ride at West Beach, Hayling Island, on Thursday (3 July).

Watch drone footage of Household Cavalry horses and soldiers on the beach in the video below

“After welcoming four world leaders to Windsor, protecting The King at the state opening of parliament and a spectacular King’s birthday parade, a day in the sea felt very well deserved,” said the spokesperson.

“These horses face the noise and chaos of London every single day – sirens, crowds, and all the unexpected delights of city life, so building their confidence through exposure to new environments is essential.

“The beach – with its shifting sands, crashing waves, screeching gulls, and overexcited children – is the perfect testing ground. For the youngest horses, it was their very first encounter with the sea. Watching them find their feet in the waves, and seeing the bonds between horse and rider grow stronger in the process, is what makes this training so valuable.”

The spokesperson added that soldiers and horses took part in a programme of “innovation, fieldcraft and mounted operational experimentation” on Longmoor training area during the summer camp, before the ride across the beach.

“The activity showcases the versatility, fitness and partnership of horse and rider in a dramatically different environment, demonstrating the adaptability that lies at the heart of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment’s approach to training,” said the spokesperson.

“The beach ride provides a fitting finale to a camp focused on pushing traditional cavalry skills into new operational contexts while celebrating the unique capabilities of the military horse.”

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The idyllic image of galloping along a beach or across empty moorland may be a dream scenario – but for some riders it’s a nightmarish prospect. While most of us start our riding lessons in arenas, and may feel quite secure within an enclosed space, the thought of the freedom of horse riding in open spaces can be daunting.

Providing the horse itself is used to the sight of an expanse ahead and not liable to get over-excited, riding in open spaces – whether walking, trotting or cantering – should be a thoroughly enjoyable and exhilarating experience for both horse and rider.

However, it can be shrouded in fear due to the rider’s trepidation or past negative experiences. Let’s take a look at how to build our confidence up to the stage where you’re ready to take on the challenge.

4 ways to build confidence horse riding in open spaces

1. Be present

Mindset and performance coach Jenni Winter-Leach of Flying Changes explains that worrying about riding in open spaces is often because riders don’t feel in control when there’s not a “barrier” around them.

“Maybe a rider has had issues like their horse taking off, or just feeling out of control,” says Jenni.

“From there, when we get worried we go into ‘what ifs’, but ‘what ifs’ are in the future – they’re not now in this moment.

“We need to stay present in the moment, because when we project things into the future our bodies start doing things which are never helpful in our riding like tensing up or not breathing properly, and we go into a freeze response.

“The best place to be in the present moment is in our body and physical feeling; so think about your breathing, and your position on the horse.

“By doing this you’re aiming to change the pattern and prevent yourself from going into the ‘what if’ mode, and you can then be effective in the moment.”

2. Elevator breathing

Equestrian mindset and confidence coach Debbie Hill of Ahead for Life recommends practising breathing exercises before you set out.

“One of my favourites is to imagine that you’ve got an elevator inside and when you breathe in the elevator stops at your belly button, then it stops at your mid chest, then the top of your chest,” she explains.

“Then you watch it slowly descend back down towards your tummy. By using the image of an elevator, you’re using your conscious mind to stay in the moment,” she explains.

“When doing this you should breathe in through your nose, and gradually out through your nose, and the reason this is important is because it tells the rest of your body through your nervous system that everything is OK.

“As soon as we breathe through our mouths it can cause stress, because we would usually breathe through our mouths when we’re running or fighting to get as much breath in.”

3. Take in your surroundings

Debbie also recommends immersing yourself in nature and admiring the view.

“Practising mindfulness when you’re on your horse can be really helpful and remind you to enjoy being out,” she explains.

“Think about what you can see: are the trees changing colour? What new flowers have come up? Have you spotted a buzzard? What do the clouds look like?

“Looking up is really important because when we look up and we use our peripheral vision, it relaxes our mind. When we’re in ‘focus’ vision, like when we’re staring at something thinking, ‘That’s going to spook my horse!’ that sets us off, because going back to tribal times we’d have only been in focal vision when we were hunting or being hunted.

“To widen our vision and look around us is useful to calm the mind, and also helps us to balance. If we’re crossing the road for instance we wouldn’t just focus on one spot on the other side, you’re aware of the traffic coming and going because it helps us to judge speed and balance when we step off the kerb.

“Enjoy your surroundings; we tend to forget to enjoy it because we’re so worried what might happen.”

4. Turn the dial down

Debbie says a useful tool is using the “arousal dial” to help bring calm to a situation.

“Imagine there is a dial between your horse’s ears – and you can turn this up and down,” advises Debbie.

“If we say that at number one you’re completely relaxed, and number 10 is you’re so nervous you can’t ride.

“When you’re riding consider what level you would like to be at. To work this out you can think of something that went well, and think about where on the dial you were, was it maybe a four or a five?

“When you are riding and you start to feel overwhelmed and that dial is creeping up, take a moment and picture turning that dial back down to that time it went well.”

So whether you’re planning a beach ride, or are going to head out into the open countryside with your horse, using these techniques can help ensure you are in the best possible mental place to enjoy the experience.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Emergency services have issued warnings after they went to the rescue of a horse and rider stuck in deep mud on a beach.

Humberside Fire & Rescue Service sent two crews to the Cleethorpes coast on Sunday (24 July), where the horse and rider were stranded on a mud bank.

A spokesman for the service told H&H there were other people nearby who had also got into trouble in the mud and called 999. It is thought the horse was stuck up to its neck, but had managed to free itself by the time the crews, one with specialist animal rescue equipment, arrived.

“It was covered in mud,” she said. “The crews used the rescue equipment to help the rider out, and tried to calm the horse down. They decontaminated it; rinsed the mud off gently, and helped ease the stress.”

The spokesman said the horse and rider were not locals.

“The rider had checked the tide times, which is really important, but you need to be mindful in case there could be big areas of mud from the rivers as they make their way to the sea,” she said.

“Even if the tide is out and it’s a brilliant sunny day, these areas can be very claggy. And of course, the horse being heavier, as they tried to get out, they were digging themselves deeper and deeper. It must have been very scary for the animal, but the crews have specialist animal training so were able to calm the horse and rider, and I’m pleased to say the horse was left in the hands of the rider and didn’t need any more assistance. The rider was fine too, just a bit shaken up.”

It is thought horse and rider had been riding on the beach, and were going back a different way when they hit the mud.

The fire service’s incident commander John Lowden said: “As a message to the public, please, please be aware of the mud and clay just off the beach. There’s been a number of adults and children rescued in the last few weeks. The Coastguard will endorse this; if you’re going to use the beach, please do so safely.”

Mr Lowden said anyone in trouble should call 999, and recommended the what3words app to help emergency services find their location.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The owner of a horse who suffered a horrific injury and was submerged in seawater when he fell in a deep but concealed hole full of concrete blocks has urged others to take care on the beach.

Ellen Eagles was riding her Irish gelding Jasper at Sandwich Bay, Kent, on 23 January, in water barely up to his fetlocks when he went into the hole, which Ellen estimated at four to five feet deep.

“My friend said Jasper and I went completely under the water,” Ellen told H&H. “I remember desperately trying to get to my feet, but I assume I was standing on these concrete blocks as I kept falling. I could see him on his side, thrashing and hitting his head, and the water turning red with his blood. It looked horrific.”

Warning, very graphic image

Ellen thanked a “lovely lady” who was walking her dog and stopped to help. Ellen’s phone had been submerged so the dog-walker googled the vet and rang the emergency number, and Ellen managed to get Jasper home.

“We were heading back to the trailer when it happened; thank god it was so close,” Ellen said. “He was pouring with blood but I managed to focus on ‘I’ve got to get this horse home’. It was only when we got back, I realised how cold I was and that I’d hurt my shoulder.”

The vet arrived at the yard soon after Jasper did and although the wound looks horrific, the damage appears only to be superficial. The stitches are due to come out on Monday (7 February) and it is hoped he will then be able to have some turnout.

“We’re really happy with how he’s doing; I don’t know how he got away as lightly as he did,” Ellen said. “I’d been imagining the worst; that horrific wound, and I thought he’d have fractured something as his legs are quite fine but there was nothing.

“He was a bit sore for a day or two but he’s completely sound now. We were so lucky.”

Ellen said she rides at the beach several times a year and has never had a problem, but she wants to warn other people of the potential dangers. It is thought the hole and lumps of concrete may have been something to do with Second World War defences, possibly hidden until recently and uncovered by shifting beach sand.

“We’d thought we’d be able to see any obstacles as the water was so shallow and we were going so slowly, but we didn’t see that,” she said. “I won’t ever ride through water again unless I’ve been down before and checked it with my own eyes; if I’d seen my own Facebook post before we went, it would have made me think twice.”

She also added that the incident has hammered home the importance of wearing a hat.

“I only realised a few nights later that mine was smashed,” she said. “It’s a new cross-country skull and it’s smashed in. People can be blase about wearing hats on the beach but if I hadn’t been wearing one, I’d have probably been killed.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider who “flew” with her young mare on a deserted beach in a special moment caught on film said she is planning something even more “spectacular” by the summer.

Debbie Wright and Rebel Mountain Mare (Debs and Rebs) were filmed by a drone on the Isle of Man last Sunday (23 January), and the video, filmed and edited by Andy Orton and Will Oates of Dot Performance, and “beautifully organised by Stephanie Bee and Robin Higgins from Hive” has been released.

Debbie told H&H Stephanie and Robin had been looking for a rider to feature in the video, “but I don’t think many people wanted to do it because it was quite a big and noisy drone”.

“I thought I’ll give it a go,” Debbie said. “On my five and a half-year-old horse!”

Debbie and Rebs are well used to beach riding; Rebs lives a 10-minute ride away from Smeale Beach in the north of the Isle of Man, and Debbie said the way she had been “so beautifully backed and produced”, by Patrick “Packy” Meyler in Ireland, set her up well to cope with the drone.

“She’s been a brilliant horse from day one and she loves her beach gallops,” Debbie said.

“I didn’t know how she would react, and when the drone started up, she felt like she grew three inches, and did three poos, and then just went. But by the end — we did four runs — she was looking for the drone and wanting to run with it. It was absolutely amazing, and she was loving it. Perhaps that’s going to be her forte; being a film horse.”

Debbie said Rebs did not put a foot wrong all day, including in the arms-out “flying” sequences.

“My friend Jean Young and I are always acting like kids; we’re always on the beach or the beautiful tracks in the sand dunes and doing things like that, I’ll say ‘Come on Jean, let’s go flying’!” Debbie said. “Then suddenly, someone captures it on film, and you think ‘Wow’. And it really does feel like you’re flying, but you have to have a horse you really trust.”

Debbie said the plan is for she and Rebs to meet the drone pilots again, once a month, to get more footage.

“The plan is to do something spectacular by the summer,” she said.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Most people have a “bucket list” of things they would like to experience at some point in life – and equestrians are likely to have a “horse bucket list”. Here’s Horse & Hound’s list of suggestions that we think you should consider including – some will be relatively easy to tick off, while others will take a bit of saving up to do. But all of them will be totally worth it when you get there – and even better if you can capture it on one of the best riding hat cameras!

Horse bucket list suggestions to consider

1) Gallop in the sea

Splashing in the surf, galloping along the sand – or even full-on swimming in the sea. Training on the beach was the making of Red Rum, and it’s a treat for any rider and horse.

If you have a horse you can take, here’s what you need to know before you go for a beach ride. If you don’t have a horse you can take, check out these horse experience days to see if there’s a beach riding venue near you.

2) Ride among giraffes in Africa

An African safari is the rider’s equivalent of swimming with dolphins. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a wilderness paradise of lagoons, islands and forests with the best game viewing in Southern Africa. Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa also offer great riding experiences. Here are some tips to help you choose the right safari for you.

3) Ride out for a racehorse trainer

Wangle an introduction and convince the trainer that, perched atop half a ton of galloping horse, you’ll be able to restrain its power. Be prepared for cold, early mornings – but nothing beats the feeling of having galloped three thoroughbreds by breakfast.

If you don’t fancy riding yourself, why not book a behind-the-scenes tour in Newmarket?

4) Fall off in a water jump

Perhaps not top of your list of priorities, but a rite of passage. Tackle them often enough and it will happen. Just try to ensure a photographer is there to capture the moment.

5) Ride side-saddle

Side-saddle riding has gained new interest since period dramas such as Downton Abbey. It’s elegant, skilled and – once the initial awkwardness is overcome – some riders believe it’s more comfortable than astride. Read this tips on how to ride side-saddle before you give it a go.

6) Jump a 5ft fence

Take your pick and pump up some pluck: a Chase-me-Charlie pole, a hedge out hunting or an Irish wall.

7) Go hunting in Ireland

Not for the faint-hearted – but if double banks, cavernous ditches and a totally gung-ho attitude is up your street, there are plenty of ways to fulfil your dream of hunting on the Emerald Isle. If you’re adding this to your horse bucket list, make sure you book an experienced hireling who will know the lie of the land, fill up your hip flask with some Dutch courage, and find out what people say about hunting in Ireland.

8) Drive a horse

In honour of the late Duke of Edinburgh, who took up driving after retiring from polo, this is one sport every horseman should try. The British Driving Society has a list of contacts for all qualified instructors in all areas of the UK, including those catering for the disabled. We’ve also found a few and rounded them up in our guide to horse experience days.

9) Do tempi changes

One to tick off as and when you are ready rather than pushing for something outside your skill level. But if you are not yet up to training your horse to do them yourself, then you can book in a lesson with a dressage schoolmaster at various training centres around the country, although you will need to prove a certain level of riding ability.

10) Have riding boots made to measure

Although they don’t come cheap, nothing feels as good as slipping on a pair of made-to-measure riding boots. No rubbing, no awkward baggy gaps, and the feel of perfect unison with your horse. Here’s a selection of the best long leather riding boots, some of which are available in made-to-measure sizes.

11) Back a horse or pony

Not for the inexperienced horseman, but everyone who backed a horse has had a first time – just make sure you have someone experienced on hand to help and guide you. The joy of backing your own horse, developing mutual trust and going on to compete is immeasurable and definitely one for the horse bucket list.

12) Have a spin round the Golden Button

If you’re an equestrian adrenaline junkie then look no further than the three-mile race over Ledbury hunt country held in February. Anyone can enter – there’s just 22 natural obstacles between you and the finish line.

13) Lead a winner into the paddock

If you can’t afford the Tattersalls Sales, you could join a syndicate. Most racing stables run syndicates with an enormous variation in

numbers of owners and costs, or there are also racing clubs where you can pay an all-in fee. For instance Elite Racing Club has membership for £17 per month. You may not end up leading in a winner, but you’ll be able to visit the horse training and at the races and be privy to some special owner perks.

14) Be a stunt rider in a movie

“Real” stunt riders need a minimum of six skills (fighting, falling, riding/driving, agility/ strength, water, and miscellaneous – any

skill performed to elite standard). However, many riders have been in the right place at the right time and called up to film a riding scene because they look the part and know how to look authentic on a horse.

15) Ride at sunrise in Hyde Park

The Household Cavalry has a small pool of civilian riders who help exercise their horses, but a serving soldier needs to nominate you

to be added to the waiting list. Alternatively, there are a couple of riding stables on the edge of the park: Ross Nye and Hyde Park Stables, where you can pay for the pleasure. There is also a Civil Service Riding Club for those eligible, which uses Hyde Park.

16) Ride up the centre line at Horse of the Year Show

For showing riders, this is the pinnacle. Ride up the centre line in that hushed arena and you know you’ve made it.

17) Play polo

The feeling of (finally) being able to canter after that white ball and whack it is intensely satisfying, never mind the exhilaration of a ride-off. Check out some venues that offer polo lessons in this collection of horse experience days if you’re adding this to your horse bucket list.

18) Hear the roar at the start of Cheltenham

When the first race of the Cheltenham Festival begins, the crowd’s roar is enough to make your blood sizzle. There were no crowds last year, but hopes are high that this year we will again hear the roar as the tapes are raised for the Supreme Novices on 15 March. Find out more and buy tickets at thejockeyclub.co.uk

19) See a horse being sold for a million

For astronomical prices, head to Newmarket or Kentucky. Records of some kind are smashed year by year, and the buzz of the sales ring is spellbinding.

20) Volunteer at a show

If you phone up any event organiser, chances are they’ll take your hand off. Surprisingly rewarding and for hardcore volunteers, the route to championships around the world. Here are five ways to volunteer in the horse world.

21) Ride at Badminton

An advanced eventer with five-star potential is going to cost you an arm and a leg, and then you’ve got to be able to ride it. However, the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships brings together winners from BE90 and BE100 regional qualifiers from around

the country to contest for the championship. This year, Badminton takes place from 3–8 May – find out how to get tickets here. Failing that, or if you fancy the thrill of the chase, take a day out with the Beaufort hunt. You never know where the trail might lead you…

22) Watch the Grand National live

If you’ve never ventured up to Aintree, this is a must. This season, the Randox Grand National Festival takes place from 7–9 April, with the great race on Saturday, 9 April. Get more info at tickets at thejockeyclub.co.uk

23) Watch the Spanish Riding School

Under glittering chandeliers, the famous white Lipizzaner stallions perform the purest form of dressage in Vienna.

24) Get your photo in H&H

Either beat one of our Olympians, or be at the top of your level and send a completely brilliant photo to wow the picture editor.

25) Spend a day at the Calgary Stampede

“The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, as it is billed, brings out the cowboy in everyone. Top-level rodeo riding, barrel racing and more. It takes place in Calgary each July (8–17 July 2022).

26) See a foal being born

Offer to do the last week of nightly vigil for a friend’s in-foal mare. Or, if you’re extremely lucky on a National Stud tour, you might see a live birth during the foaling season, but probably via a video link. A tour of the National Stud is part of this behind-the-scenes day at Newmarket.

27) Ride in a charity race

A number of charities, such as the British Horse Society (BHS), hold special races on allocated days, usually a one-mile Flat race. Riders usually have to source their own racehorse, raise a set amount of money and physically it’s no walk in the park, with riders facing a gruelling assessment and fitness test. Horse & Hound’s Gemma Redrup gave it a go in 2018 and blogged about the experience.

28) Watch the action on the frozen lake at St Moritz

With freezing temperatures and 1,800m above sea level, the Swiss venue of St Moritz is a dazzling setting for elite polo teams, racing and skijoring. White Turf runs on three Saturdays in February, featuring international horse racing, while the Snow Polo World Cup will take place on the lake 28–30 January. Horse & Hound went behind the scenes at St Moritz to check it out.

29) Herd cattle across the plains of Montana

Unless you have a long-lost cowboy uncle, you’ll need to join a trip or work on a ranch. It’s not a cheap riding holiday, but it’s an unmissable experience.

30) Ride a bucking bronco

Either head to the Wild West for the real thing (madness), or hire one for a party.

31) Try reining

Fancy embracing your inner cowboy/girl? Then why not give reining a go – from spins to sliding-stops, reining could offer you a completely new equestrian experience.

32) Give vaulting a go

If you’ve got a pair of leggings and some pumps to wear, you can try your hand at vaulting. You don’t need your own horse and new vaulters are welcomed into the fold. For more information visit the British Equestrian Vaulting website or book yourself onto a vaulting and trick riding session.

33) Ride a heavy horse

Are you a thoroughbred snob? The rolling gait of a heavy horse gives a completely different feel in the saddle. Cumbrian Heavy Horses is the world’s only BHS-approved heavy horse riding centre and offers a range of riding on fields, fells and beaches in the Lake District National Park aboard magnificent Clydesdale, Shire, Suffolk, Comtois and Ardennes heavy horses.

34) Compete in the Mongol Derby

The longest and toughest horse race in the world – over 1,000km of Mongolian Steppe, on semi-wild horses, changing steeds every 40km. You navigate and survive on your wits and skill, living among the herders. It’s you and your horse vs the wild. Here’s eight things you need to know before you start planning your trip.

35) Enjoy the thrill of a team chase

The exhilarating sensation of galloping across the country, over whatever fences block your path, with a group of mates. No one takes themselves too seriously and it’s a lot of fun. Here are some tips on how to get started.

36) Jump bareback

If you want to have a go, the answer is to start small, build up and practise. Just remember, canter is more comfortable than trot! If you feel insecure riding with no saddle, start on the lunge so you can concentrate on your position rather than what the horse is doing. Here are some riders taking part in the Bareback Challenge at Bury Farm to give you some inspiration.

37) Ride an Icelandic in tölt

The small and compact Icelandic horses are famous for their fifth gait, the tölt. Book yourself up on a trip to Iceland to put it to the test – and if you time it right you could see the Northern Lights.

38) Have a go at horseball

Do you back yourself to be able to cling on for a fast-paced game of horseball? A number of riding schools offer lessons and clinics, and the British Horseball Association has a list of registered trainers who are available to come out to groups of riders who want to learn the sport.

39) Ride in the main ring at Hickstead

Hone your dressage, showing and showjumping skills and get out there and get winning.

40) Represent your country

Competition will be exceptionally hot for this year’s World Equestrian Games teams, but there are opportunities at lower levels, such as the CCI3*-S European Cup or the Home Internationals in dressage.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A ban on riders using an Essex beach during the summer months has been overturned after the leader of the local council said the order had been imposed without official consent.

Signs were erected on Frinton Beach announcing that from Good Friday (2 April) until 30 September horses would be barred from the sands. New restrictions were also imposed for the winter months, only permitting riding on the beach until 11am.

Tendring District Council said the move was in response to “issues reported last season” and an anticipated influx of “out-of-area” riders and holiday makers when lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Local riders felt they were being targeted unfairly by the ban and launched a petition that attracted 4,793 signatures.

Last week, Tendring District Council leader Neil Stock announced that the decision had been made “by officers without the knowledge or consent of the cabinet at Tendring District Council” and that the council’s chief executive had been asked to undertake a “full and thorough” investigation of the events surrounding the ban to ensure it “does not happen again”.

“On behalf of Tendring District Council I can confirm that there is no ban in force preventing horses using the district’s beaches, including the one at Frinton,” he said.

He added that the local equestrian community was developing a code of practice, in consultation with the council, to minimise any risk to public safety going forwards.

“The Council is proud that whilst access to beaches for horses is relatively rare in this country, riders have been always been able to use the Essex Sunshine Coast,” he said. “By working with the riding community on a code of conduct to preserve public safety, we are confident that we will be in a position to preserve this long into the future.”

Local rider Emma Overton, who set up the petition, told H&H it had been “amazing” to find out how much support riders had.

“When you see people posting on social media about horses on the beach, it’s almost always negative, so to have so many people step up and say they like seeing the horses was fantastic,” she said.

“I think the signatures on the petition were 50/50 horse riders and the general public — there were people saying how every evening they liked to get fish and chips and go down to the beach to watch the horses, and other people saying how it gave them goosebumps seeing them gallop through the tide.”

Emma is now helping to create a code of conduct for riders using Frinton Beach, along with fellow campaigners Wendy O’Brian and Nina Snow and Councillor Peter Harris.

“We’re able to work with the council now instead of against them,” Wendy added.

Collection name… 

Riders’ frustration at council’s beach-riding restrictions

Local riders had also proposed other solutions to the problem, including horse permits, as well as suggesting moving a bridleway

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“Peter’s wife rides and he is now also working to set a budget aside to open up more bridleways as this issue is emphasised that there are hardly any. Hopefully this is just the beginning of an effort to make a difference to everyone.”

Frinton Horse Riders, the Facebook page used to fight the ban, is now being repurposed to provide a resource for those wanting to ride on the beach, including advice about tide times and avoiding busy periods.

There has been a slight adjustment to hours for riding on the beach, which are now before 9am and after 8pm in the summer, returning to unrestricted access during the winter months.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Restrictions on horses using an Essex beach has been met with fierce objections from local riders, who say they are being treated unfairly.

More than 2,600 riders have signed a petition to reinstate horse access to Frinton beach following the local council’s new restrictions, which came into force over Easter.

Signs have been erected announcing that from Good Friday (2 April) horses would be excluded from the beach until 30 September, after which they will only be allowed access until 11am.

Previous rules permitted riding on the beach until 9am and after 6pm in the summer, and unrestricted access during the winter.

Tendring District Council said the move was in response to “issues reported last season” when lockdown restrictions prompted an influx of both “out-of-area” riders and holidaymakers to the beach.

While local riders usually obeyed the rules, others were attempting to use the packed beach in the middle of hot summer days and at high tide, when the available space was reduced.

Mike Carran, Tendring District Council’s assistant director for economic growth and leisure, said: “Unfortunately a small minority of riders have caused issues in the past, by not respecting the presence of other beach goers or the designated access routes.

“This is disappointing, when we know the vast majority of riders – especially those based locally – are responsible, and seeing a horse ride along the edge of the surf is wondrous to behold.

“Access to beaches for horses is relatively rare in this country, meaning Frinton becomes a magnet for this activity – and it is important we safeguard this for the future.”

But local equestrian campaigners have said the council is not treating all beach users equally and that the targeting of riders is disproportionate.

“They said a small minority of riders have made this happen but a small minority of dog walkers and a small minority of holidaymakers also cause problems, so how come we’ve been tarred and they haven’t been?” Emma Overton, a local horse transporter who has started a petition against the ban, told H&H.

She argued that the problem stemmed from limited signage on the beach, which made it difficult for out-of-area riders to know the rules — and that the council ignored attempts to find a solution.

“We knew the Frinton Residents Association were getting annoyed with horses going across the greensward, so we asked for more signage for people who come from out of the area.

“There was just one sign on a gate, which was easy to walk past and not see, and one other a mile further up — but they said more would ruin the image of the beach.”

Emma added that she did her best to educate people about the rules with posts on social media and that she also had information about using the beach on her website, just in case riders who were renting her horsebox planned a visit.

Local riders had also proposed other solutions to the problem, including horse permits, as well as suggesting moving a bridleway further towards a quieter end of the beach.

“Everything we were putting in front of them, they weren’t willing to negotiate on,” Emma added.

She subsequently launched a petition to fight the ban, which has received “more support than I ever dreamed”.

“I can understand riders not being allowed to use the beach on summer evenings — I’ve been down there myself and know it can still be busy — but we would like access in the mornings,” said Emma, who has been using the beach for 35 years. “An 11am restriction in winter also doesn’t work with the tides and daylight hours; the beach is quiet then, so horses should have full access.”

Alicia Wilkinson, a local four-star event rider and trainer, has also been using the beach for essential competition fitness work for her horses for many years.

“I understand the decision to ban riders after 6pm as there are still many families, walkers and dogs around but I’m really disappointed that they have banned the mornings, I feel they could have continued allowing riders to come in the mornings of low tide and make the rule of being off by 8am. It is early but those that want to use the beach for training will go,” she said.

Continued below… 

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A follow-up statement from Tendring District Council added that it hoped the restrictions were “not a permanent measure”.

“As with all risk management issues this measure will be kept under review; but with visitor numbers forecast to be even higher than last year, this will be difficult to do before the end of the summer. Likewise we are aware of suggestions of a permit system, but again this is not something which could be implemented in the short-term if it were found to be viable,” Mr Carran said.

“We understand this is a difficult position, particularly for the majority of responsible riders who would like to make use of the coastline.”

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A riding school owner seriously injured in a terrifying dog attack has been left with “mental scars” from watching dogs try and “take down” her pony.

Helen Hart-Mitchell, of Daffodil Paddock Riding Centre in Kent, was on the beach with 11.2hh Milo and 12.2hh Billy, and 12-year-old riders Jasmine and Anabel, when a dog appeared and started “nipping” at Billy’s heels.

“A second dog appeared and ran towards Jasmine and Milo. It grabbed Jasmine’s foot and started viciously shaking it,” Helen told H&H. “The other dog then came away from Billy and started joining in.

“I grabbed Milo’s reins and told Jasmine to jump off then the next thing the dogs were jumping at Milo’s face and throat.”

Helen said the owners of the part-bred Staffordshire-type dogs appeared but “just stood in shock”.

“The dogs were still attacking, they wanted to bring Milo down,” she said. “I shouted at the owners to come and get their dogs and the man got hold of the less vicious one, but the second one was in the zone to kill.

**Warning: graphic image**

“I still had hold of Milo’s reins and he reared up and came down on my face. I lost my vision in my right eye and remember thinking I was going to lose consciousness. I touched my eye and all I could see was blood.”

Helen said the man eventually managed to get hold of the other dog and the police were called. Helen was taken by ambulance to hospital with a suspected broken eye socket while Anabel’s mum Lauren, whom Billy had also trodden on, drove the ponies back to the riding school.

“A vet was called for Milo who needed staples for lacerations to his face and neck, and some wounds were left open to drain. He has been left with a droopy lip due to nerve and muscle damage,” said Helen.

“I was taken for a CT scan but only had bad bruising. The doctors said I was very lucky not to have broken my eye socket. I think the fact Milo wasn’t wearing shoes saved the day.”

Helen is still suffering with peripheral vision issues and is dealing with the “mental scars”.

“I’ve had horses all my life and never experienced anything like that. It’s every rider’s worst nightmare – it was terrifying. Jasmine and Anabel’s mums are traumatised after seeing that happen to their children,” she said.

“We have so much fun on the beach and the ponies love it, but as the riding school is due to reopen and because horses aren’t allowed on the beach during the busy summer season I feel relieved to have an excuse not to go back at the moment. This has put the fear into me.”

Helen said Milo has become afraid of dogs since the incident.

“I have two spaniels that used to greet Milo and they would touch noses but now if the dogs are on the yard he runs to the back of the stable, it’s really sad,” she said. “Hopefully time can be a great healer.”

Helen would like dog owners to be more aware of horses on the beach and to consider using a lead.

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“I don’t know what the answer is to stop these things happening when a dog instinct kicks in like that. I know it has been hard with lockdown; more people have bought dogs and maybe not been able to get them out to training but some dogs should be on a lead, or muzzled,” she said.

“You read about these incidents and don’t think it will ever happen to you, but sadly it was us on this day. If one person reads this and it makes them put their dog on a lead then it will be one less dog for us to worry about.”

A spokesman for Kent Police told H&H both parties have been spoken to and an investigation is ongoing.

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Those who enjoy riding on a popular beach have been given a shard of hope following the news horses could be banned from the seashore — but are not out of the woods yet.

Havant Borough Council stated in June that it was “looking again” at a 40-year-old by-law that allows riding on Hayling Island beach “as it is putting other beach users at risk”.

Riding is allowed on the beach before 10am and after 7pm, but a statement from the council claimed riders were using the shoreline outside these times.

“During the recent sunny spell there have been a number of incidents where irresponsible horse-riding has posed a risk to people on the beach,” said Cllr Gary Hughes, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet lead for planning, Hayling seafront strategy and commercial services.

“I accept that riding on the shoreline is an activity that has been preserved in our local laws for many decades. However, if it puts other beach users in danger then we must consider whether it is appropriate to allow it to continue during the summer season.”

The news sparked a petition to protect the by-law and allow equestrians to continue to enjoy the beach, which has had more than 6,000 signatures.

H&H contacted Havant Borough Council on 11 August to ask when and how the council would be making its decision.

Article continues below…

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While the review is going ahead, the situations that sparked the announcement in June “have not been repeated”.

“The safety of all users of the beach is our paramount concern,” said Cllr Hughes on 13 August.

“We are pleased that we have not seen a repetition of the events of recent weeks. The engagement with the British Horse Society, TV, radio, social media and our website has sought to put out a simple message of self-regulation and consideration.

“We want people to enjoy the beach, mindful of other users. A review of the offshore and seashore by-laws has commenced. They are outdated and do not reflect the wide variety of activities that take place on the beach, many of which did not exist when the bylaws were last updated.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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A rider who was hospitalised after a freak fall on the beach is raising money to thank the air ambulance service that came to her aid.

Karina O’Brien praised the actions of both the emergency services and members of the public who helped when she was bucked off her six-year-old cob Foley and kicked in the chest at Brancaster beach in Norfolk.

Karina was visiting the beach early in the morning with the horse, who she has owned since September, her husband and two youngest sons. She had mounted and heading down a track from the car park when Foley was spooked by a loud car engine, stepped backwards and caught his stifle on a metal sign.

“He cut himself on the sign, panicked and started bucking,” Karina said. “I held on for two or three bucks but then I lost grip and I could feel myself falling at an angle. He was still bucking and as I fell he caught me in the chest and knocked the wind out of me. As soon as I hit the deck I knew I needed medical attention, I’d smacked my forehead, my neck hurt and I was having trouble breathing. All I could do was lie still.”

Karina’s husband had pulled her children, aged four and six, out of harm’s way and a “lovely couple” who had seen the accident ran over to help.

“The man was a trained first aider and he was on the phone to the emergency services straight away and his wife took over looking after my children; the youngest was crying for me, while my husband ran after Foley — he found him grazing on a neighbouring golf course,” Karina said.

“At the same time a couple were coming up from the beach with their own horses and they stopped to help my husband untack Foley and load him on to the trailer where he’d be safe.

“It shows there is still a lot of kindness in the world — the first couple left their own children in the car to look after mine and help me, and the man was absolutely selfless considering we are in a pandemic,” she added.

A first responder arrived, who was unable to do much as Karina could not be moved without spinal stablisation, and an air ambulance was also called.

“I could hear the helicopter thudding and I thought ‘oh my God, I don’t need all this’ – I kept apologising to them,” Karina said. “My next thought was for Foley, who I thought would be frightened by the noise, but my husband went and checked on him in the trailer and he was quietly munching his hay. He panicked at a car engine and a sign but wasn’t bothered by an air ambulance!”

The team from Magpas air ambulance administered advanced pain relief but decided Karina was safe to travel by East of England land ambulance and she was taken on a 30-40 minute ride to her local hospital.

“I felt every pot hole on the way out of Brancaster!” Karina said. “The ambulance was actually being driven by a fireman, who had been drafted in to help during the pandemic, and we’d also had the coastguard help in the beach, everybody was just awesome.”

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At the hospital Karina was given an urgent trauma CT scan of her head, neck, chest and pelvis which revealed a fifth rib fracture. She also had a whiplash injury to her neck from where Foley had bucked. She was kept in overnight but asked to be released the next day to get home for her eldest son’s birthday.

After three weeks of recovery, her rib and neck are starting to heal and she is hoping to get back on Foley this week.

“It was the first time I’ve taken him to the beach but he’d tacked up fine and had stood there good as gold and hadn’t seemed stressed at all, it was just one of those freak accidents,” Karina said. “He is my heart horse, he is so kind and doesn’t have a bad bone in his body. I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle and we will do some desensitisation with signs just to be on the safe side. I’ve also vowed to wear a body protector from now on.

“I’m lucky it wasn’t worse and that being a cob with tough feet, he isn’t shod behind!”

Karina has made a donation to MAGPAS and will also be cycling the 50 mile My Prudential Ride London next weekend (15-16 August) to raise money for the service. Donations can be made at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/karinaobrien1

“As equestrians, it’s nice to be able to give back as I am sure the air ambulance has attended to quite a few of us, and not everyone is aware of them,” she added.

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Reigning Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin made up for not being at the Tokyo Olympics this week as planned by taking a trip to ride on the beach in north Cornwall.

Along with her friend and fellow dressage rider Jayne Turney, Charlotte joined Devon-based Kirsty and Holly Kerslake for a gallop on Summerleaze beach near Bude at the weekend.

Charlotte rode Simon Kerslake’s Irish draught mare Frosty, while Jayne rode Danny, a coloured cob owned by Gemma Lunt, and Holly partnered her Connemara hunting pony River.

“Amazing day yesterday at Summerleaze Beach in Bude with Kirsty, Holly and Simon Kerslake and Jayne Turney,” said Charlotte, who trains British international junior rider Holly. “So much fun and such lovely horses. Loved every minute!”

If it wasn’t for the coronavirus pandemic causing the postponement of this year’s Olympic Games to 2021, Charlotte would likely have been competing on the British team in Tokyo this week. The team medals, decided from the scores of the grand prix special, would have been awarded on Tuesday, with the freestyle taking place yesterday. The Olympic dressage is now scheduled to run from 24-28 July 2021.

Charlotte has had the chance to get back in the arena following the lockdown, however. She and her double world bronze medallist, Emma Blundell’s 11-year-old Fidermark mare Mount St John Freestyle, took part in the Hickstead Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge earlier in the summer, where spectator judging had them to win with 78.89%.

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Charlotte also rode in an unofficial grand prix competition at Hartpury in mid-July, where she scored a massive 85% riding her own and Renai Hart’s Gio, the nine-year-old Apache gelding she is likely to campaign alongside Freestyle for Olympic team selection in 2021.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While there are no set guidelines about horse riding on the beach in the UK in terms of permits and approvals, you should understand that some beaches are privately owned and some are owned by the local authority. Due to this some require permits to allow riders to use them, 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.

Are horses allowed on your local beach?

If you interested in riding on your local beach, the first step is to ask your local authority about its own guidelines. For example Gwynedd in Wales 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”.

While 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 horse riders on to their local beach.

Safe riding on the beach

1. Always check if horse riding is permitted on the beach you have chosen — visit www.bhs.org.uk for a list of beaches

2. Riding might be limited to certain times, days or areas

3. Ensure you know the boundaries of where you can ride — they might not always be visible

4. Avoid disturbing wildlife and plants — on dunes, stick to designated paths

5. Check there is a car park near the beach before you go for safe unloading

6. Be courteous to other beach users — remove any dung. And you won’t be popular if your horse kicks sand into a sunbather’s face…

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

As lockdown restrictions lift and people start to get out and about more, riders who intend to enjoy a day at the beach with their horses are being encouraged to plan ahead. H&H explains the potential dangers and how riders can keep themselves and their horses safe...

A timely reminder for riders to plan ahead and be aware of what to do if things go wrong when visiting the beach has been given as the summer holidays get underway.

H&H has reported on several recent incidents involving horses, and some seaside councils have called on riders to ensure they stick to the rules.

Rebecca Eccles, who did all the correct checks and complied with the rules on a day at Cleethorpes beach this month, urged riders to be aware of the risks after her daughter Evie’s pony sank to her middle in soft mud at the water’s edge.

“We’ve been to beaches before, but you don’t think in a million years something like that might happen,” she said. “Beach riding is great fun but unless the sand is dry and looks sand-coloured, don’t ride on it. I hope this makes others aware and going forward I will check the beach on foot first before allowing Evie to ride on it.”

The British Horse Society (BHS) and coastguards have given guidance to riders heading to enjoy the coast.

“The first thing you should be looking at is tide times,” a spokesman for Burnham Coastguard in Somerset told H&H, adding that riders must also check in advance with councils as to which beaches they are allowed to ride on.

“We have had a number of incidents over the years involving horses and their riders in various predicaments.

“The most common practice among the more experienced beach riders is to either walk the beach on foot before riding or take a slow ride along it to get used to the terrain and find any spots to avoid. These are extremely dangerous for horses – we sadly had one previously who broke a leg in soft sand and had to be put down.

“If you are visiting any beaches where there are known mud flats, such as ours, ensure the tide has come in enough to avoid them before entering the water. Horses love the shallow water, but they will get stuck if you misjudge where the mud ends and the sand begins.

“That said, the beach is a place we see many riders enjoying safely every day; as with any ride, keep your wits about you and if anything does happen while at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguards.”

BHS head of approvals Oonagh Meyer told H&H checking permitted times, tides, areas and bylaws is an important place to start.

“Gain local knowledge on suitability of the beach to avoid danger of unwittingly riding into an old groyne or sinking quicksand,” she said, adding that any time restrictions are likely to be to riders’ benefit, as these are at quieter periods.

“If there are areas where riding is not permitted, be sure you are clear about their extent and avoid them carefully; their boundaries may not be obvious even if they are above high water because signs and fences tend not to last long on the shore or may not be permitted.”

Ms Meyer said riders must avoid disturbing wildlife and plants, paying particular attention to dunes, salt marshes and estuaries, and should keep to designated paths where marked.

“Be cautious of the sea, and on first entrance, ride slowly,” she said.

“Approach at an angle rather than head-on because if your horse spooks at the breaking waves, he is then more likely to shy away from the water than rear, which is potentially more dangerous.

“Horses that are not used to the beach may be excited by the different environment, even if they are normally calm.

“Be wary of faster paces, especially in company, as horses may be stimulated into racing by the atmosphere, even if they would not normally do so in other places.”

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The owner of a pony who “disappeared” after plunging into deep mud on a beach has compared the incident to the famous scene from the film the Neverending Story, where the horse sank in a swamp.

Rebecca Eccles took her daughter Evie and her 14.2hh Connemara mare Easter to Cleethorpes beach, Lincolnshire, to celebrate Evie’s 15th birthday on Thursday (16 July).

“The day before I did all my due diligence; I checked tide times and spoke to the council to check where we could park and where on the beach we were allowed to ride,” Rebecca told H&H.

“Evie went to the water’s edge to have a splash around and all of a sudden Easter disappeared and her legs sank down. It was like the scene from the Neverending Story when the horse disappears.”

Evie got off Easter, who had sunk down to her saddle.

“Evie then sank and as I got closer to them I was sinking too but I had to remain calm. A lady who had been on the beach came to help and someone else called the coastguard,” said Rebecca.

“Easter had managed to get her reins caught round her leg and kept trying to move. The next minute she leapt and managed to free herself. She’s such a fit and healthy pony, which I think must have helped her.”

Easter was uninjured in the incident.

“The whole thing felt like it went on for days, but it was over in 10 minutes thankfully. I’m just grateful the tide hadn’t been coming in as you don’t want to imagine what could have happened,” she said.

“The coastguard arrived after Easter had freed herself and they were so lovely. They phoned later to check how Evie and Easter were doing. I also can’t thank the lady who helped enough, I don’t believe she was horsey and she left covered in mud.”

Rebecca urged others to be aware when riding on the beach.

“We’ve been to beaches before but you don’t think in a million years something like that might happen,” she said.

Article continued below…

Lifeboat rescue of mare who swam over a mile out to sea

the horse unexpectedly bucked her rider off and then swam out to sea

Heroic bystander saves drowning horse in dramatic sea rescue

‘The horse was still panicking and I tried to get his attention. It went under the water at least eight

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“Beach riding is great fun but unless the sand is dry and looks sand-coloured, don’t ride on it. I hope this makes others aware and going forward I will check the beach on foot first before allowing Evie to ride on it.”

Evie praised her “incredible” mare, who she enjoys Pony Club eventing on.

“Easter didn’t put a hoof wrong when we were trying to help her, she’s such a good pony,” she said.

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An exhausted horse who became stuck in belly-deep mud on a beach was freed in an “extremely rare and complex” rescue.

Teams from the HM Coastguard Flint and Wirral, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Hoylake Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) attended Leasowe Bay, Wirral on 13 April after reports two horses had become stuck.

A spokesman for Hoylake RNLI, which deployed a hovercraft, said: “The young riders had been assisted to safety by the Coastguard and were under the care of the North West Ambulance Service and their parents.

“One horse had already been freed and led to safety, but the other was stuck up to its belly in very thick mud.”

The rescue teams began digging to free the horse’s legs but the mud proved too thick for the equipment.

“After some further digging and gentle encouragement from the emergency services the horse managed to free itself but became stuck again,” said the spokesman.

“The RNLI volunteers and the fire service deployed their mud boards and mats to provide the horse with some firmer footing. The horse was freed again and managed to climb on to the boards with some assistance.”

A vet sedated the horse to allow the emergency services to move it to shore safely.

“The horse was guided along the mud boards before eventually reaching firmer ground. Once ashore, the horse was led into a horsebox to receive further assistance and treatment,” said the spokesman.

Volunteer hovercraft crew member Ian Farrall said: “Considering the ordeal the horse had been through its behaviour was exceptional in what was clearly a distressing situation. The emergency service teams worked really well together, pooling their resources and experience to ensure a good outcome in very difficult circumstances.

“Walking and riding is a safe activity most of the time but it is important to be aware of the risks. The sand and mud around the Wirral coast can be dangerous and coastal conditions can change over time. We would advise horse riders and walkers to check local safety notices and to always carry a means of calling for help.”

Safety warning after exhausted horse freed from belly-deep mud in major rescue mission

‘With an incoming tide this could have ended in a different way’

Owner praises ‘incredible’ fire service for trying to save her horse

‘We knew we weren’t going to get him up on our own and would need the fire brigade’

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A spokesman for HM Coastguard Wirral said both horses are expected to make a full recovery.

“This was an extremely rare and complex rescue and all agencies pulled together utilising a range of skills, knowledge and equipment from each agency, all of which contributed to the successful rescue and happy outcome,” said the spokesman.

If riders get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty they should dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Explore a top racing yard in Lambourn…

More than 25 racing yards will open their doors during the Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day on Good Friday, 19 April.

Trainers including champion trainer Nicky Henderson, Charlie Hills, Clive Cox and Oliver Sherwood will all welcome members of the public into their yards.

In the afternoon, there is a full programme of shows and demonstrations, including a showjumping competition between famous riders and their children, plus AP McCoy, John Francome and other racing stars will go head-to-head in some camel racing, as well as the popular schooling session. There will also be a parade of equine heroes, including Sprinter Sacre, Coneygree, Buveur D’Air and Bobs Worth.

Yards are open from 8.30am with the afternoon entertainment starting at 1pm. Entry is £15 per person or £10 just for the afternoon.

Visit: lambournopenday.com

…or head north for the Middleham Open Day

Don’t miss out on your racing fix if you’re based further north, with the Middleham Open Day in North Yorkshire, also on Good Friday (19 April). Eleven trainers are opening their doors to the public for the event from 9.30am — and make sure you don’t miss the swimming demonstrations at Mark Johnston’s Kingsley House yard. There will be a parade of Bedale West of Yore foxhounds through Middleham at 11am and the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) musical ride at 1.30pm. Adult tickets cost £12.50 and children under-16 are free.

Visit: middlehamopenday.co.uk

On the hunt for Easter eggs

What’s better than an Easter egg hunt but on a horse or pony? If you want to get into the Easter spirit with your children, contact your local Pony Club (pcuk.org) to find out what Easter egg hunts they have planned.

Enjoy a picnic at a point-to-point

Why not dust off your hamper and get your friends together for some Easter fun at your local point-to-point over the weekend?

Fixtures are as follows:

Saturday 20 April

Ashford Valley Tickham, Charing, Kent

Dartmoor, Flete Park, Devon

Essex & Suffolk, Higham, Suffolk

Fife, Balcormo Mains, Fife

Glamorgan, Bonvilston, Wales

Kimblewick, Kimble, Bucks

North Staffordshire, Sandon, Staffs

South & West Wilts, Larkhill, Wiltshire

Woodland Pytchley, Dingley, Northants

Worcestershire, Chaddesley Corbett, Worcs

Sunday 21 April

Cleveland, Witton Castle, Co. Durham

Monday 22 April

Aldington Races, Aldington, Kent

Four Burrow, Trebudannon, Cornwall

North Cotswold, Paxford, Glos

Old Berkshire, Lockinge, Oxon

South Notts, Thorpe Lodge, Notts

South Pembrokeshire, Lydstep, Dyfed

South Shropshire, Eyton-on-Severn, Shropshire

Taunton Vale Foxhounds & Harriers

For the latest information on point-to-point fixtures visit: pointtopoint.co.uk/fixtures

Support Bransby Horses

The rescue and welfare centre in Lincoln is hosting plenty of fun over the Easter weekend, including two egg hunts, plus face painting, glitter tattoos and pony grooming, and all for a great cause.

Visit: bransbyhorses.co.uk

Get out competing

With a few days off, this is the perfect opportunity to go to some competitions. Whether it’s clear round showjumping you’re after to dust-off the cobwebs, or something more demanding, head to Equo Events at equoevents.co.uk to find out what is happening at your nearest show centre.

A trip to the seaside

For the ultimate holiday experience without leaving the UK, box up and head to the coast for a gallop along the beach. Find out more on riding at the beach here

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The owner of an out-of-control dog who chased a horse into the sea could be prosecuted if the dog is found loose in the area in future.

The man, whose Hungarian vizsla chased Tracey Berryman’s mare Spring, ridden by Tracey’s niece Milly, was found by police and has since signed a voluntary dog control order.

Tracey Berryman was at the beach with Milly and Spring on 7 January when the dog escaped from its owner and chased Spring, causing Milly to fall off. Following a police enquiry the owner was found and issued with the order, which includes keeping the dog on a lead when being walked on or near the seafront.

Tracey told H&H she hopes the order will protect others.

“The man must must have known his dog was out of control and it should have been on a lead,” said Tracey.

“I felt so helpless watching Spring get chased into the sea — the man allowed his dog to hunt and hound my horse. If Spring hadn’t stopped once she got into the water and his dog hadn’t lost interest it could have been so much worse – I could have lost her.

“I received a call from the police to say they found the owner. The witnesses had been so helpful. The man was asked to sign the order and Milly had to sign it to say she was happy with the outcome. Going forward if the man breaches the order he could be prosecuted.”

Tracey said the police “couldn’t have been more helpful”.

“I didn’t think it was police worthy – dogs chase horses — but because of the man’s attitude and the fact he refused to call it off, I rang them. I could not have asked for any more from the police, they rang me daily after the incident and were so proactive, I felt really supported,” she said.

Tracey said since the incident Milly and Spring are both fine.

“Milly is brilliant, she’s such a gentle person and doesn’t have any anger – the worst part for her was seeing the dog lunging at Spring. I was worried how Spring would be around dogs but we’ve hacked her since and she’s been around dogs again and hasn’t harboured anything against them,” said Tracey.

Continued below…

Owner tells of her terror as out-of-control dog chases horse into the sea

Tracey’s 17-year-old niece, Milly, fell off during the incident

Teenager thrown from horse after owner refuses to call off out-of-control dog

Police are appealing for video footage after the rider was chased for 15 minutes

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“I’ll never go back to Exmouth beach but I may go somewhere a bit quieter, and do my research first.”

Tracey is urging riders to wear hat cameras while hacking, and report incidents.

“The police had asked if we had footage of the incident but I was too worried about Spring to film what was happening and when people offered footage at the time I was rushing to get to my niece,” she said. “The police said footage would have been useful so I really recommend riders where cameras when riding.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re looking for something new to try with your horse this year, then we’re here to help. Sara Walker talks us through taking your horse on holiday...

If you’ve ever struggled to find holiday cover for your horse while you’re away, have you thought about taking him with you? Taking your own horse on holiday has become increasingly popular, with equine B&Bs and holiday camps available across the UK.

Holidays can be roughly divided into two types:

Equestrian escapes

With a group of friends, you can take your horses and stay in a venue with access to the type of countryside you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to explore. For example, if your dream has always been to ride on the beach, over open moorland or across the Welsh mountains, then taking your own horse to an equine B&B is a fantastic way to make that a reality.

If you’re looking for an equine B&B, a good place to start is with the BHS Horses Welcome scheme. Started in Scotland in 2006, this has now expanded to cover the whole of the UK and lists premises that have been inspected by the BHS. There are also a lot of fantastic venues that don’t belong to the scheme, though, so word of mouth recommendation is always useful.

To find your perfect holiday, think about exactly what your requirements are. If you want to go for lots of long rides in an area you don’t know, can the venue provide a guide or will you be responsible for your own map reading? If your aim is specifically to ride on the beach, is there easy hacking access from the B&B or will you need to box? Do you need a stable, 24-hour turnout or separate paddocks for each horse? If your horse isn’t a particularly keen traveller, it might be better to choose a venue that’s not too far away. The clearer you are about your requirements, the better your chance of finding a perfect match.

When packing for your holiday, team up with a friend so you can share the number of spare items you have to take between you. If you’re planning longer rides than usual, a saddlebag is useful to hold drinks and lunch. Check if the venue will provide forage and bedding, or if you’ll need to supply your own. Most venues will require you to have your own public liability insurance such as BHS Gold Membership, and may also ask to see your horse’s passport and vaccination certificate.

Cheshire-based leisure rider Debbie Robinson says: “I’ve been taking my horse on holiday for about eight years now, to destinations such as Wales and Lambourn. I do it for a variety of reasons, but mostly for the social aspect of being with friends and riding in new places with more off-road tracks available. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone, as these days there are holidays available for all tastes and budgets.”

Riding camps

The other option is to take your horse away for a few days to a camp. These are an ideal choice if you want to bond with a new horse, train for a competition, try new challenges, meet like-minded people or get a new perspective from a different trainer.

Jane Walker started off running Horsecamp, the pony camp experience for adults, over 25 years ago and now runs her Active Rider camps for a wide variety of riders.

“I’ve run many types of camp over the years, including jumping, dressage and confidence clinics,” she says. “The more general camps attract two types of rider — those who are coming for a lot of social activity with a bit of training thrown in, and those who are coming more for the training. I also run specific camps aimed at novice riders, to give them the confidence to move forward. I love running those camps — I’m always very proud of what the attendees can achieve which is often far more than they thought they could!”

The vast majority of her business now comes from word of mouth and camps sell out quickly.

“One of our riders has come to over 30 of our camps and many others have at least 20 visits under their belts, so people are obviously keen!” she laughs.

Find out about camps and clinics via social media, your BHS regional events page or via advertisements in tack shops.

If you’ve never been away with your horse before, then why not take the plunge in 2019? With so much choice available, you’re sure to find an option that suits you and your horse.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

You might also be interested in:

Try something new – equestrian orienteering

8 reasons why horses are better than men (and dogs are better than women)

Mucking out, vet bills and being bucked off aside, here are a few suggestions why horses might trump men

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There’s a reason the Household Cavalry choose Holkham beach to take their horses for a summer break each year — riders can paddle, splash and gallop undisturbed for miles along the Norfolk coast. And that certainly beats a London stable and sand arena.

So if you’re tempted to organise your own horse riding holiday to the area so you can enjoy the wide-open spaces riding on the beach, the Horse & Hound team are here to help.

Plan your trip, box-up, grab a neck strap and get ready to get wet…

• There is dedicated parking for horseboxes, but it is limited and in summer months gets filled up very quickly. It is less busy in winter, but the area can become waterlogged.
• It is vital to check tide times before planning a visit — horses can only access the beach at low tide. A link to weather and tides can be found at www.holkham.co.uk
• The beach is privately owned and the gates to the car park are locked outside core summer and winter hours.
• You must access the beach from the end of Lady Anne’s Drive by following the white arrows on the marker posts. This route takes you directly to the beach and safely through the dunes and developing saltmarsh that are very easily damaged. Always return by the same route.
• Once on the beach, horses may be ridden anywhere on the sand but below the high tide mark. You must not ride beyond the beach huts at Wells as it can be very busy — especially in the summer.
• Riding is not permitted on the sand dunes, shingle ridges, saltmarsh or within the pines.
• There is no public phone and mobile phone coverage can be patchy, so make a plan of what you will do in the case of an accident before setting off.

Stay safe on the beach with your horse

Where to stay with your horse

Whitehall Farm

Whitehall Farm is a 560-acre working farm within the Holkham Estate, just 2.5 miles south of the North Norfolk coastline, close to the village of Burnham Thorpe.

Price: £88 for a double room per night. Glamping, camping and own vehicle accommodation also available. £14 per night per horse for grazing. £18 per night per horse for a stable with grazing.

Visit: www.whitehallfarm-accommodation.com

Courtyard Farm

Courtyard Farm offers basic self-catering accommodation in a converted farm building. They provide you with bunk beds, cooking rings, toilets, showers, kettle and a fridge, a table and chairs. But you will need to bring sleeping bags, towels and utensils. Something to consider when you’re filling a car with horsey gear too.

Price: £15 per night per person for accommodation in the bunkhouse barn. Camping and own vehicle accommodation also available. £10 per horse per night in paddocks or stables.

Visit: www.courtyardfarm.co.uk

Home Farm Stables

Home Farm Stables is a B&B located n beautifully converted barns, with all rooms having en-suite bathrooms.

Price: £49 per night per person for accommodation. £24 per night for a stable with a shavings bed and grazing and grazing only is £15 per night.

Visit: www.homefarmstables.com

For more information visit www.holkham.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Hurrah for the Easter holidays! We're excited about the impending chocolate fix, yes. But there are plenty other horsey reasons to get us in the holiday mood as well...

1. Take a sneak peek at a top racing yard

Due to heavy rain Lambourn Open Day has had to cancel the opening of all yards on Good Friday (30 March 2018) and the afternoon activities — but the good news is that Nicky Henderson’s historic Seven Barrows stable will still be open to the public, from 9am-1pm. The entrance charge will be £5 per person and if you have prepaid tickets you will be given £5 and a free programme for each ticket already bought. So get ready to spot some of the biggest stars to come out of this year’s Cheltenham Festival, including Buveur D’Air and Altior. Visit: lambournopenday.com

2. Head north for the Middleham Open Day

Don’t miss out on your racing fix if you’re based further north, with the Middleham Open Day in North Yorkshire, also on Good Friday (30 March 2018). Twelve trainers are opening their doors to the public for the event from 9.30am — and make sure you don’t miss the swimming demonstrations at Mark Johnston’s Kingsley House yard. There will be a parade of Bedale West of Yore foxhounds through Middleham at 11am and the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) musical ride at 1.30pm. Adult tickets cost £10 and children under-16 are free. Visit: middlehamopenday.co.uk

3. Pack a picnic for a point-to-point

Dust off your hamper and round up a group of friends for your local point-to-point over the weekend (and if the heavens open, it will give you a perfect excuse to succumb to the burger van…). Fixtures are as follows:

Saturday 31 March 2018

Ashford Valley Tickham, Charing, Kent

Avon Vale, Larkhill, Wiltshire

Cotley, Somerset

Dart Vale & Haldon Harriers, Buckfastleigh, Devon

Kimblewick, Kimble, Buckinghamshire

Middleton, Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire

Monmouthshire, Monmouth Showground

North Staffordshire, Sandon, Staffordshire

Puckeridge, Horseheath, Cambridgeshire

Woodland Pythchley, Dingley, Leicestershire

Monday 2 April 2018

Aldington Races (East Kent with West Street), Aldington, Kent

College Valley & North Northumberland, Alnwick, Northumberland

Four Burrow, Trebudannon, Cornwall

Hurworth, Hutton Rudby, Yorkshire

North Cotswold, Paxford, Gloucestershire

North Shropshire, Eyton-On-Severn, Shropshire

Old Berkshire, Lockinge, Oxfordshire

South Notts, Lydstep, Dyfed

Taunton Vale Foxhounds & Harriers, Kingston St Mary, Somerset

Vine & Craven, Hackwood Park, Hampshire

For the latest information on point-to-point fixtures visit pointtopoint.co.uk/fixtures

4. Sniff out some Easter eggs

Searching for Easter eggs becomes a whole lot more credible if a horse or pony is involved. Contact your local Pony Club (pcuk.org) to find out what Easter egg hunts they have planned. Or if you’ve made the trip to the Big Smoke for the Easter break, head to the Household Cavalry museum (householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk), where you can hunt around the stables in search of the Royal golden egg.

5. Get out competing

With a few days off, this is the perfect opportunity to buck up the courage to get out competing. Whether it’s clear round showjumping you’re after to dust-off the winter cobwebs, or something more demanding, head to Equo Events at equoevents.co.uk to find out what is happening at your nearest show centre.

Like this? You may also enjoy…

11 tasty Easter gifts with an equestrian twist

Relocate to Laura Collett’s former base — complete with 20 stables and an indoor arena

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6. Indulge in an ice cream by the seaside

For the ultimate holiday experience without leaving the country (or your horse behind), box up and head to the coast for a gallop along the beach. Get up to speed with staying safe by the sea and check out some of our readers’ top spots here.

For all the latest equestrian news, reports and analysis, don’t miss the latest issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

After a good battering from the ‘Beast From The East’ last week, most frozen-fingered horse owners have been left dreaming of warmer climes.

Well, the showjumpers were one step ahead of the game this winter and while the rest of us slithered across icy yards and trudged through snow drifts, the riders on the MET Tour in Oliva Nova, Spain, were enjoying some downtime on the beach.

Top riders such as 2012 Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash, Italy’s leading rider Alberto Zorzi, Qatar’s Sheikh Ali Al Thani and Olympic champion Steve Guerdat have all been regular competitors during this series of international showjumping competitions and there’s nothing these hard-working competitors and their horses like more than a daily splash, even a swim, in the sea. The beach is just a 500m ride from the main competition complex where Great Britain’s leading rider Scott has been a big winner, teaming up with his exciting prospect Hello Mr President to produce the winning performance in a hat-trick of grands prix.

But it’s not just the glorious beach that’s a huge selling point to riders at The Oliva Nova Equestrian Centre. The venue hosts daily classes across eight sand arenas with a grand prix grass ring and stabling for 1,000 horses — as well as the glitzy VIP area, on-site farrier and veterinary clinic, restaurants and shopping village. And let’s not forget the (almost guaranteed) wall-to-wall sunshine.

“It has been fantastic and I think the team here tries really hard,” says Scott Brash.

“Everything is really well organized; you can have a lot of horses jumping, everything is on time and the rings are great. It is fantastic to jump in a grass ring and get the horses ready before the outdoor season starts.”

With the Tour currently enjoying a short break, we look forward to the third series kicks off again next week and you can catch up with all the action in Horse & Hound every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In the market for horse riding holidays, but the idea of a gentle trek doesn’t appeal? If an adrenaline rush is what you’re after, try a fast-paced trail ride such as the Catalonia Extreme Trail.

After surviving four days of intense riding at speed, over variable terrain including endless deserted beaches, wooded paths and rolling farmland — plus a whirl round a race track — Polly Bryan shares her top tips for embarking on a hardcore riding holiday…

1. Make sure you’re fit enough – if you ride every day at home, it can be easy to assume that you’ll cope easily with a riding holiday. But being in the saddle for up to seven hours a day, with long periods spent at speed, might come as a shock to the system to the average rider. Put the effort in ahead of your trip to increase your cardio fitness and core strength and, if you don’t ride frequently, consider upping the hours you spend in the saddle in the weeks leading up to your holiday. But no matter how fit you may be, don’t forget to pack muscle rub!

2. Be honest about your riding ability and requirements during the introductions on your trip, to make sure you’re matched with a suitable horse. Also, be honest with yourself about the sort of horse you would like to be paired with — it’s all very well enjoying high-spirited horses at home, but after several hours in the saddle you will definitely prefer something more chilled out.

3. Try to learn a little of the language of the country you are visiting – even if only to be able to thank your hosts, or order a post-ride beer! A little bit of effort goes a long way.

4. Be prepared to get stuck in with jobs such as grooming, tacking up and feeding the horses if required.

5. Remain open-minded, and aware of the fact that horse management and riding do vary across countries. As long as the horses and riders remain safe, happy and comfortable, respect the instructions and opinions of your host and guides, even if some things are not done in quite the same way as you would expect at home.

Continued below…

What do cross-country colours actually mean?

6. Choose your riding clothes appropriately. Make sure your riding boots are comfortable and sturdy enough to walk in, should you be required to dismount and lead your horse at any point (such as when a fallen tree blocks your path). Choose comfortable jodphurs or breeches with a pocket for easy access to a phone, and opt for breathable, long sleeved base layers to keep you at a comfortable temperature throughout the day, and to protect your from scratches while riding through woodland or down narrow tracks.

7. Take a good, robust camera, preferably one that you can attach securely to a belt or similar to allow easy access when faced with a spectacular view. Action cameras, such as GoPro, are a good choice as they are designed to be used on the move.

The four-night Catalonia Extreme Trail ride runs from March to November in 2018. It costs from £735 when booked with Unicorn Trails (excluding flights and transfers). Visit unicorntrails.com

Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine for our horse riding holidays special — including the ultimate horsey haven near London, and find out where you can go Western riding without leaving the UK

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has been enjoying a splash in the sea.

While the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment spent time by the coast earlier this summer, this week it has been the turn of the British Army’s other mounted section.

Almost 100 horses from The King’s Troop are staying in Norfolk this month and a highlight for both soldiers and horses is the trip to Holkham Beach.

“This camp is an excellent opportunity for both the horses and soldiers to take a well-earned break from their ceremonial duties in London,” said Captain Greg Flynn, of the King’s Troop.

“The troop hasn’t sent horses to Norfolk for a while, but they always enjoy themselves on the region’s beaches and what they learn here will make them better prepared for the rigours of their ceremonial duties in London.”

The unit is based at Bodney Camp in north Norfolk and the beach training is to help horses and riders develop trust, which is “vital” for their high-profile ceremonial duties.

The King’s Troop is The Queen’s ceremonial saluting battery, which fires gun salutes on state occasions and royal birthdays.

A total of 50% of its members are women and all its soldiers are trained to drive teams of six horses, pulling six First World War “13-pounder” state saluting guns.

It is stationed in King George VI Lines, Woolwich Barracks in London and its soldiers also deploy on operations around the world.

Since the troop’s last visit to Norfolk, it has taken part in a series of high-profile events including the Sapphire Jubilee gun salute, the Spanish state visit, Trooping the Colour, the opening of parliament, First World War commemorative events and parades in Belgium and France.

It has also undertaken the daily Queen’s Life Guard duties in the summer while the Household Cavalry was away in Norfolk.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Breathe in the sea air with our pick of equestrian properties on the coast — from Dorset to Northumberland

1. Frogmore Farm, Dorset

For you: a traditional Dorset farmstead at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, with stunning views across the surrounding countryside, Lyme Bay and Golden Cap. The main farmhouse has five bedrooms, and is adjacent to a separate two-bedroom cottage, that is currently run as a successful holiday let.

For the horses: a timber stable block with three loose boxes and a tack room, a large stone barn/ former diary (which is at the top of the drive), a further detached barn and two storage rooms. Set in 80.3 acres.

What’s the damage? £POA

Agent: Stags

Telephone: 01308 428000

Visit: stags.co.uk

2. Moons Hill House, Isle Of Wight

For you: a six-bedroom Victorian home, with ‘his and hers’ bathrooms with the master bedroom. There is a wine cellar, tennis court and double garage with automatic doors. The kitchen/breakfast room opens onto the large terrace and there is underfloor heating throughout the downstairs and in the master suite bathrooms. The property is 3.5 miles from Yarmouth.

For the horses: a block with four stables, plus a large barn that is currently used to house garden equipment and offers potential storage for a trailer. Set in 8.5 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.95m

Agent: Knight Frank

Telephone: 01962 850333

Visit: knightfrank.co.uk

3. Old Orchard House, Northumberland

For you: a five-bedroom house with coastal views, an orangery, indoor pool, a kitchen with

an AGA, snooker room and landscaped gardens. It is 2.6 miles from Alnmouth beach.

For the horses: three stables, a feed room, tack room, office and two garages (one with sufficient height to house a lorry/trailer) all arranged around a yard, with a small holding paddock adjoining. There is an outdoor arena, a store and another small holding paddock with a field shelter. Set in a total of 4.5 acres. The current owners also rent five acres of additional grazing.

What’s the damage? £1.9m

Agent: Sanderson Young

Telephone: 0191 223 3500

Visit: sandersonyoung.co.uk

Continued below…

Ride for miles with these dream horsey homes complete with excellent hacking

Our pick of properties with excellent hacking on their doorstep around the country

4. 121 Rattle Road, East Sussex

For you: a Victorian semi with two bedrooms in Westham. Eastbourne is around 4.5 miles away. There is a new conservatory and parking for a horsebox/trailer.

For the horses: 12 acres of mostly pasture land with a steel- framed barn, currently used for machine storage and pony stables, but more than capable of stabling larger horses with a new stable system. There is ample space to add an arena.

What’s the damage? £555,000

Agent: Equus Country & Equestrian

Telephone: 01892 829014

Visit: equusproperty.co.uk

Next week: Equestrian properties near Blair Castle

Ref: Horse & Hound; 17 August 2017

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It's that time of year again, when photos of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment splashing through the sea in North Norfolk are splashed across the national newspapers — a sure-fire sign that summer has arrived

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Forget lying on a sun lounger with a piña colada in hand — in our opinion there’s only one way to enjoy the seaside... Take a look at these H&H readers making the most of the sand and sea with their horses

Sue D'Arcy on Rolex at Holkham beach in Norfolk

Sarah Russell and her intermediate eventer Mister Tea enjoying some playtime at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire

Sarah Sproule and Duke on Rossnowlagh beach in Co Donegal

Louise Good and her horses on Inchydoney beach in West Cork. "I was lucky enough to live there for four years," she says. "It is a beautiful beach and a fantastic place to ride"

"Poppit Sands is where I go to for fitness and exercise on my dressage horse Lemon — a great place for trotting in the surf and cantering fitness on the beach," says Leanne Pittam

"This was my first beach ride and it was incredible. Eagle, who was then six-years-old was very eager!" says Polly Middleton, about riding from Nolton Stables in Haverfordwest, Wales

"This picture was taken last Saturday at Red Ward Bay on Anglesey, North Wales. Yes, surprisingly we do have golden beaches and the occasional sunshine over here!" says Rebecca Parry

Rebecca Lowes riding Heidi at Seaton Sluice Beach in Northumberland

"This is my Connemara Elmo at Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire," says Lauren Green

"This is me and my friend Candice Pottage at Holkham beach in Norfolk. My horse (the piebald) is called Mikey," says Laura Szuca

"Here is a picture of my daughters Olivia and Poppy and their Shetlands playing on the beach in Pembrokeshire," says Kate Canton

Jenny Tombs on Saltburn beach near Huntcliff in North Yorkshire

"My friend Jo Tibbles and I went to Studland Bay at the end of March this year. We were amazingly lucky with the weather and had a wonderful time," says Claire Stevenson

Georgina Grey riding Truffle on Camber Sands in East Sussex

"This is a picture of me and my six-year-old horse Archie at our first beach ride together in Anglesey. We were also joined by my partner Tom," says Jess Evans

Bella Wilson and William on Holkham beach in Norfolk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Exercising horses on the beach is more than wish list fodder for riders — the health benefits for equine athletes in all disciplines are in high demand

Beach riding — a bucket-list staple for the non-horsey to the seasoned equestrian. But beyond the romantic picture of riding through the surf, there are those actively seeking the powers of this natural resource with training in mind.

From the refreshing sense of wellbeing that Britain’s wild beaches can bring, to using the water as a tool to build strength in sport horses, there are a variety of reasons why some riders turn to the coast.

1. A change of scene

Eventer and showing producer Amy Tough, whose CV features multiple Horse of the Year Show victories, is based on the Pembrokeshire coast, a national park since 1952. “It is always great to give the horses a nice day out and a change of scene; they really enjoy it,” says Amy.

“We tend to be down at the sea once a week during the spring and throughout the winter.

“The tide comes over the whole beach when it comes in and where the sand has dried out it can be very compact and too hard to canter on. We work the horses just a couple of inches deep into the water because then the going is really good.”

2. Fitness work

For Barbadian eventing team trainer Joss Gray, the tropical waters of the Caribbean sea are a vital tool in fittening work, swimming the horses for about five minutes at a time.

“Here in Barbados we have really hard ground and the surfaces are a bit deep,” he says. “Being able to swim the horses is a godsend.”

3. Strengthening work

As well as fittening, Amy uses the shallows for help with slow strengthening work and 
the beach also provides great education for young horses.

“It is a really good way to introduce them to water,” she says.

The increase in resistance and depth of the water encourages a horse to use himself more and stretch over his back, helping to strengthen muscles.

4. The cold water can help sooth injuries

The cold temperature 
and salt content of sea water is also known 
to soothe injuries and help the healing of 
skin complaints.

“Saltwater — if clean — is cooling and beneficial to some limb injuries, which is why the saltwater spas have become popular,” says H&H’s vet Karen Coumbe.

5. Preparation for travelling to big events

As well as providing a change of scene and helping with strengthening, racehorse trainer Richard Rowe uses seaside trips to 
help young horses to relax when travelling, 
as they learn that going in the horsebox is 
not always associated with the pressures 
of raceday.

6. The perfect celebration

For owners and horses connected with the showing supremo Hood family, the Holkham beach trip has become an annual highlight at the end of a busy season.

When the tide is out, the north Norfolk beach is a spectacular endless swathe of golden sand, broken by soft dunes and edged with a pine forest.

“We started it the year before last,” says Allister. “It was nice for the clients to have a day out after the season had finished.

“Several of our owner-riders ride their own horses while others come on foot with their dogs.” The day starts with a tot of sloe gin, before the riders and walkers head off for a steady hack along the water’s edge.

“It is a treat for the horses and a treat for the riders,” says Allister.

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Safety

While an endless expanse of sand might seem idyllic, there are hazards.

Amy stresses the importance of knowing your beach, the tides, the surface and to be aware of stones and rip-currents that may cause problems underfoot.

Some horses can take time to get their bearings with the movement of the waves — plus added surprises such as kite-surfers can be “quite exciting”, says Amy.

Vet Karen Coumbe also offers a word of caution to those not experienced in working their horses on beaches.

“There is always the risk of potential unseen hazards underwater,” she says, warning that unpredictable surfaces — such as a sandy beach — create a risk of limb trauma, particularly soft-tissue injuries, when travelling at speed.

“I may be biased, however, as I tend to see horses when they are injured after a seaside gallop,” she adds. “I realise that I do not see all the others who have successfully exercised while paddling in the sea.”

The full version of this article was published in the 25 May 2017 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Forget swimming with dolphins, swimming with horses is the experience of a lifetime. What could be a more incredible experience than floating above your horse as he powers through the waters beneath you? If you’ve every wondered if horses can swim, they are natural, strong swimmers, and most of them love being in the water.

If you’d like to swim on a horse, there are amazing places in the UK and abroad where you can do just that – but the number one piece of advice is not to just jump right in.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency gave us the following advice:

“The Coastguard would like to encourage everyone to enjoy our British coastline safely. So make sure that you check weather and tides before you set out, wear appropriate clothing and footwear and be responsible about alcohol consumption. We would recommend taking a mobile phone with you. A torch, map and compass may also be useful items if you are unfamiliar with the area. It is always good practice to let someone know where you are, what you are doing and when you expect to return. Update them if your plans change.

“When swimming, stay within your depth. If you get caught in a strong current or rip current try to stay as calm as you can, raise your hand and shout for help. If you can’t get help, try and swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of trouble then swim to the shore. If you can stand up, wade instead of swimming.

“Do not attempt to try and rescue your horse if it gets into difficulty and is being swept out to sea. More often than not, the horse is likely to rescue itself but sadly in some cases, owners get into further difficulty and may not return to shore.

“As always, if you get into difficulty or you see anyone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Finally, a few more obvious points to bear in mind:

• Know where you’re swimming. Check local coastguard information and don’t swim anywhere with rip tides, strong currents, underwater rocks, and so on.
• Be aware that your tack may restrict your horse — you definitely don’t want to use anything that may hold his head, like a martingale, and you could get tangled in the reins.
• If you do use any tack, you’ll need to thoroughly clean and condition it afterwards.
• Your horse may try and roll when he goes into the water and again when he comes out, with you on top! Be prepared for this (it’s another reason not to use a saddle!)
• Be aware that ponds and lakes may have unpleasant creatures in them such as leeches, which can be harmful to your horse — and you.
• Never go alone. Take a friend on horseback and have them stand in the shallows while you swim. That way, if your horse panics, he’ll be more likely to head for his friend than out to sea.
• Don’t even think about swimming on a horse that’s never done this before and isn’t used to beaches/dogs/water. You need a horse that’s completely bombproof!

Other than that, enjoy! Here are seven of the best places to book horse riding holidays if you’d like to try swimming on horseback…

Vivanculos, Mozambique

Mozambique Horse Safaris offers its lucky guests the opportunity to explore the Vivanculos coast on horseback. This part of this South African nation is renowned for stunning white sand beaches, gently waving palm trees, the archipelago of islands that lie in its waters, and incredible sunsets. With a range of trail rides available, the final day includes a dip in the sea with your trusty steed (tide permitting.) Guardian journalist Kate Kellaway said of the experience: “As I rode into the sea, half a tonne of horse and me started moving like a dolphin. It was wonderful. I laughed at the absurd joy of it — this was the ride/swim of a lifetime.” Can we have a go now please?

Visit: www.mozambiquehorsesafaris.com

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Every year, the horses of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment are brought to Holkham Beach in Norfolk for their holidays, where they get to have a gallop and a swim. The long, golden sandy beach forms part of a huge nature reserve, and dogs and horses are welcome – although be aware that you may get strong currents, and the odd naturist or two popping up among the dunes (although that may scare you more than your horse!).

Visit: www.holkham.co.uk

Sweetgrass Creek, Montana, USA

A tributary of the famous Yellowstone River, Sweetgrass Creek is a crazy river that’s jumping with brown trout — and from July through the September, once the high water drops from the spring run-off, the conditions are perfect for swimming horses in it. Sweet Grass Ranch is a family-owned cattle ranch in this stunning national park that offers a range of riding holidays for wannabe cowboys and pleasure riders alike, including the opportunity to swim in the creek. Yee-hah!

Visit: www.sweetgrassranch.com

Loch Lomond, Scotland

The banks of Loch Lomond — Britain’s largest stretch of inland water — are home to Shoshoni the swimming horse, who can regularly be seen paddling alongside her owner Susan Gell’s boat as she takes the trip from their island home on Inchtavannach to the mainland. Check her out on YouTube here. There are plenty of trekking centres along the banks of Loch Lomond, but if you want to swim, you’ll need to take your own horse. It’s fabulous riding country, but as ever, do make the proper safety checks before taking your horse into the water. And remember, it’ll be bracing, to say the least!

Continued below…

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Riding on the beach: your hot spots

Take a look at our tips for safe

Keratokambos, Crete

Crete’s combination of fascinating archaeological sites, sunshine and stunning beaches make it the perfect holiday destination. It’s also horse riding paradise, with Odysseia Stables not only offering riders the opportunity to explore the island’s craggy mountains, quaint villages and cool olive groves on horseback, but also to swim with the horses in the sparkling waters of the Libyan sea.

Visit: www.horseriding.gr or check out this YouTube clip

Bali, Indonesia

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, then look no further than Bali, the Indonesian island famous for its green forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. To make it even more perfect, many local tour operators and trekking centres offer guests the opportunity to swim in the island’s warm blue waters on horseback – try Bali Star Adventures or Bali Happy Tour. Heaven.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Summer isn’t just about competing, competing, competing. Whatever your budget, there are loads of other things you can do with your horse to make the most of the long, balmy days…

1. Sign up for a camp

Many local riding clubs run residential camps where members can spend two or three days with their horses, having lessons and having fun, with none of the distractions of everyday life. Check out your local Riding Club website for more information.

2. Take your horse on holiday

If you can never quite relax on that week on a Spanish beach because you’re missing your beastie so much, then why not take him with you? Not to Spain, perhaps, but there are loads of places in the UK where you can holiday with your horse. The BHS website has a list of approved equine B&Bs — visit www.bhs.org.uk to find out more.

3. Ride on the beach

If you’re one of those people who’ll be ticking a point off the bucket list by riding on the beach, then why not make that dream come true this summer? Not all beaches are horse-friendly, so check the list on the BHS website, as well as their guide to safe beach riding, before you set out. www.bhs.org.uk.

4. Give TREC a try

Whether you’d like to compete in this discipline, or just enjoy exploring the countryside with your trusty steed, TREC (orienteering on horseback) sounds like an excellent way of whiling away the summer months. There are lots of TREC events taking place — just don’t forget your water bottle and map. Visit www.trecgb.com to find out what’s happening near you.

5. Do a sponsored ride

Summer is sponsored ride season, and what could be better than having a fabulous ride on your horse, possibly over a course of optional jumps, while also raising money for charity? Double win. You can find details of sponsored rides and fun rides taking place across the UK on www.ridingdiary.co.uk.

6. Box him somewhere new for a hack

Do you know your local hacking routes like the back of your hand — or hoof? Time to venture further afield. You can find details of great hacking routes on www.bridleways.co.uk. If you’re boxing any distance, it may well be worth teaming up with a friend to share costs and have a companion to ride with.

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7. Do a pub ride

Many country landlords are happy for riders to tie up outside their pub to enjoy a refreshing drink — it’s a good idea to ring first and check before you ride over, though. And take it easy — you need to remain in control when riding, so it’s not a good idea to drink and ride…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Sick of riding on the roads or the same old bridleways? It’s time to start exploring. Box your horse up, check out local riding schools and hire a horse, or simply dream about riding some of the best hacking routes in the UK and Ireland.

Studland Beach, Dorset

Hacking along this glorious four-mile stretch of golden sand, in a sheltered and safe bay, is a dream come true for most riders. A National Trust nature reserve, you can wind your way among the sand dunes into the heathland beyond, spotting deer, insects, birds and beautiful wild flowers, before blowing the cobwebs away with a good old gallop across the beach. Studland is also home to the best-known naturist beach in the UK – your horse won’t know where to look! You will need to obtain a riding permit first.

Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-beach

Holkham Bay, Norfolk

Voted the best beach in Britain by leading travel writers because of its stunning natural beauty both in the heat of summer and on a crisp winter’s day, perhaps the best thing about Holkham Beach is that you can ride on it! Home to many rare flora and fauna, with gorgeous, fine golden sands as far as the eye can see, who wouldn’t want to head out for a blast? You don’t need a permit and there’s pay-and-display parking for horseboxes in Holkham Village.

Visit: www.holkham.co.uk

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Exmoor National Park, Devon

Ancient Exmoor, full of Mesolithic monuments, standing stones and undisturbed archeological sites, is a magical place. It’s also fantastic riding country; with over 300 miles of bridleways across varying terrain, riders can spend many happy hours exploring its wild moors, hidden valleys with trickling streams, and mysterious woodlands – and of course, meet the wild Exmoor ponies. It’s also home to some of the darkest skies in Europe, making it perfect for star-gazing – so romantic.

Visit: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Connemara, Ireland

Horses are as much a part of the Irish landscape as its green hills, and a huge part of its mythology – according to Irish legend, the great hero Oisin rode his beautiful white steed into the sea to be with his true love Niamh in Tir Na Og, the Land Of Eternal Youth. Home to the feisty grey horses, Connemara is a horse lover’s paradise. Majestic mountains, long beaches, bubbling bogs, enchanting woods and quiet roads – it’s got it all, and you can explore on horseback, along the ancient Connemara Trail. 

Visit: www.connemara-trails.com

Cheviot Hills, Northumberland

There’s no better way of enjoying the fabulous views in Northumberland National Park than from the back of a horse. Follow ancient cattle-droving routes used by our ancestors (who would have also herded on horseback) and ride the border between Scotland and England through a wild and romantic hilly landscape dipping into lush valleys. This route is across the Cheviot Hills, and it’s a wonderful place for experienced riders to let their hair down, make like the Celts who once lived here, and gallop across the hills.

Visit: www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Take a look at our tips for safe beach riding and if you’re lacking inspiration of where to go, check out our reader’s favourite beaches across the British Isles.

Safe horse riding on the beach

1. Always check if it is permitted on the beach you have chosen — visit www.bhs.org.uk for a list of beaches

2. Riding might be limited to certain times, days or areas

3. Ensure you know the boundaries of where you can ride — they might not always be visible

4. Avoid disturbing wildlife and plants — on dunes, stick to designated paths

5. Check there is a car park near the beach before you go for safe unloading

6. Be courteous to other beach users — remove any dung. And you won’t be popular if your horse kicks sand into a sunbather’s face…

Find the perfect beach for riding

ENGLAND

This year 4 of us hired a box and driver and went to Formby beach [in Lancashire]. It was my first time riding on a beach and it was an experience I will never forget. The beach is perfect for long canters, gallops and paddling. It was a lifetime dream fulfilled and lived up to all its expectations.

Nici Aves

Holy Island in Northumberland…. fabulous scenery, miles of sand and always quiet.

Susan Beevers

Holkham [in Norfolk] at 6.30 in the morning. No tourists about, total bliss!

Sarah Wale

I have been to Brean beach near Weston-super-Mare in Somerset. There is 7 miles of space to gallop and you can park on the beach — but there is a steep ramp to get down onto it. It’s fine in my 3.5t box and would be OK for a trailer but a 7.5t box would need to park elsewhere. It’s very tidal though so if the tide is out you won’t see the sea, and I would advise against trying to ride to it as the sand further out does get like quick sand. The beach is amazing for galloping on, but go early to avoid tourists as there are lots of caravan parks close by.

Jayne Henderson-Hamilton

I use Camber beach in East Sussex as a giant sand school to do my stamina work, and I walk the horses off the day after a competition in the sea. There is a massive car park but in the summer you must be off the beach by 7:30am and can’t go on again until 7:30pm (it excludes weekends). However, in the winter I often have the beach to myself.

Emily Brodrick

Mablethorpe beach [in Lincolnshire] — miles of perfect flat sand all to yourself with the odd pool to splash in! We take our hunters there for a few days at the end of the season to unwind.

Chris Price

WALES

When the tide is out at Ynyslas beach near Borth in Wales you can canter all the way up to Borth and the sand dunes are a lovely back drop!

Jenny Phillips

Ogmore-by-Sea in South Wales is pretty good, and if the tide is not out there is always the sand dunes to ride through.

Philip Green

The Gower near Swansea has the most amazing beaches but my favourite for riding was Oxwich beach. I was fortunate enough to grow up a 5 minute ride away from it and galloping along it is 1 of my favourite childhood memories. Beach riding makes the winter all worthwhile — empty beaches so you can go flat out. Perfect!

Julie Taylor

IRELAND

Keel beach, Achill Island on the west coast of Ireland… stunning cliffs and scenery and a lovely long stretch for a gallop!

Helen Carty

Benone and Downhill beaches which join together in Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland — fabulous views over to Donegal and you can see right round to Portrush and Portstewart on a lovely clear day. We really don’t know how lucky we are to have such great beaches here to ride on all year round!

Laura Haslett

SCOTLAND

Evie beach at Aikerness in Orkney is a fabulous surface with a totally stone free level area to school on. And it’s long enough for fast work too.

Katie Coward

Got to be Lunan Bay, North East Scotland.

Carrie Ogilvie

Ettrick Bay on the Island of Bute.

Holly Macmillan

Find out what rules and regulations you need to know about when riding on the beach

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riders in Essex claim a girl was thrown from her horse after a kite surfer deliberately tried to scare her horse.

Nine riders from Billericay were riding at East Beach, in Shoebury on Sunday when they claim a kite surfer aimed his machine at the group, seemingly for fun.

Peter Hayward, was riding in the group with his wife Julie, told local paper The Echo: “The kite surfers were going up and down the channel so we waited for them to pass.

“When they got about 600 yards away from us we decided to cross, but they started to come back towards us.

“They stopped and one said something to his mate, then came roaring towards us laughing and veering off just 5ft away from Nicole’s horse.

“Her horse started jumping and bucking. It threw her off and her foot caught in the stirrup, which broke along with her reins.”

15-year-old Nicole Scorah, of Laurel Avenue, Wickford, was uninjured.

Another witness told the paper: “The kite surfer went sailing into this little grey horse which reared up and the girl came off. It galloped off.

“The kite surfers were then just circling them, almost taunting them. It was so irresponsible.

A spokesman for Essex Police said they were not investigating the incident.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 12-year-old girl was flown to hospital with serious head injuries after falling from a horse on a beach in North Berwick on Tuesday (14 July).

An RAF rescue team was scrambled to a private beach at Seacliff, where local papers say an East Lothian Pony Club event was taking place, and the girl was flown to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

The child has not been named and the district commissioner of the Pony Club branch was not available to discuss the incident with H&H.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The horseworld has missed two golden opportunities to secure more access to England’s coastline and create a national bridleway network, says Labour peer Ann Mallalieu.

Key amendments in favour of riders were made to the Marine and Coastal Access Bill in the House of Lords last week.

But Baroness Mallalieu, who represented riders’ interests and acted on behalf of the British Horse Society (BHS) as the bill went through Parliament, says this bill and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 were wasted opportunities to create a national bridleway network.

“The BHS has done its best, but the Ramblers’ Association is very effective at lobbying. The emphasis of these bills has been on walkers. We’ve wasted chances,” said the Baroness.

She fought for rider access as part of the government’s plan for a coastal walking path.

She said: “I feared this bill would close down access for riders, with people saying the new coastal access route was only available for walkers. I believe the government has accepted our argument and the bill will now not adversely affect [existing] access for riders.”

Bridleway campaigner Catriona Cook said: “More and more landowners have padlocked their gates, but put in stiles for walkers. If our access isn’t written down, we lose it.”

Former Conservative MP and president of the National Equine Welfare Council Harry Greenway, agrees: “This bill will see no greater access, no progress on converting paths to bridleways and there will be no restoration should they disappear through erosion.

“Now the horseworld needs to fight to amend the Highways Act. It is something we can press both parties for manifesto pledges on coming into a general election.”

BHS director of access Mark Weston said: “Equestrians must lobby doubly hard so they are not an afterthought when decisions are made for new access opportunities.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (11 June, ’09)

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A Northern Irish council is reconsidering its plans to ban horse riders from its beaches.

At a meeting of Coleraine Borough Council on Tuesday, 30 April, it was agreed that the council will consider management arrangements for horse riding — rather than banning horses from beaches.

Currently riders are allowed on Coleraine beaches at all times in the winter, but are banned between 11am-7pm May to September.

The council was considering enforcing a ban for health and safety reasons after it received several formal complaints.

A spokesman for Coleraine Borough Council said: “At a full council meeting, members amended the committee’s recommendation to change the word ‘ban’ to ‘consider future management arrangements’, with regards to horses on council beaches within the borough.”

The council also confirmed that they had agreed to enter into a period of consultation — but did not specify how long this would be for.

Last month BHS Ireland said it was “horrified” to learn of the restrictions, but the organisation is now “very pleased” with the outcome of the meeting.

BHS Ireland’s Heather Hoffman said: “We were quite concerned we were going to lose what little access we have to off-road horse riding in the Coleraine area, which may have had a knock-on effect in other parts of the country.

“Having spoken with Kieran Doherty, of the environmental department at Coleraine Borough Council, we gather this consultation period will take place over the summer months and be completed in the autumn, when it will be taken to council again for a decision.”

For more information visit: www.bhsireland.com

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Horse riders in Northern Ireland are concerned horse riding could be banned from their beaches in the future.

Currently horses are allowed on beaches in the borough of Coleraine at all times during the winter, but are banned between 11am and 7pm from May to September.

But after receiving formal complaints about horses on the beaches, Coleraine Borough Council will be discussing possible enforcing further restrictions at a meeting next Tuesday (28 April).

The British Horse Society (BHS) Ireland has said it is “horrified” to learn of this.

BHS Ireland’s off-road riding development officer Heather Hoffman, said: “Increasing volume and speed of traffic on our roads is a national issue for equestrians and other vulnerable road users such as walkers and cyclists.

“Safe, accessible, off road riding is essential to riders and carriage-drivers throughout the UK. But with its lack of equestrian off-road routes and bridleways, riders in Northern Ireland are already significantly disadvantaged and therefore at heightened risk compared to the rest of the UK.”

Rider Julie Smith added: “I enjoy the beautiful scenery and space afforded by our beaches for pleasure riding, in particularly the White Rocks.

“It is a rare opportunity to get off the roads, which are becoming busier and more dangerous.”

But Coleraine Borough Council said there is currently no proposed ban.

“Coleraine Borough Council officers recently submitted information for councillors to consider if they wished to discuss restrictions of horse owners and their horses on the beaches,” said a spokesman.

“Discussions were to decide if officers are to investigate and commence consultation on the possibility of placing further, or any restrictions in the near future.

“Councillors will be meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss how they wish to proceed with this, if there should be consultation, or if the current practices should continue unchanged.”

But it is not only local riders that oppose the restrictions — the tourism industry could suffer from it too.

Philip White, who owns Maddybenny Stables in Coleraine said: “A large amount of our business comes from the equestrian tourism industry, and liveries choose to stable their horses here because we are so close to the White Rocks Beach.

“Denying horse riders access would have a detrimental impact not only on our equestrian business, but also the holiday cottages and B&B service we run.“

A committee of nine equestrian representatives’, including BHS Ireland, has been formed and will meet for the first time after the Council’s meeting on 28 April.

BHS Ireland suggests anyone who is concerned to the Coleraine Council and/or their local MLA.

Visit: www.colerainebc.gov.uk

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Riders in Devon are being warned not to exercise their horses alone in remote areas after a teenager was pulled from her horse by a sex attacker at the weekend.

The 17-year-old was riding on a Mansands beach between Brixham and Kingswear on Saturday. She was pulled from her horse by a man who then tried to take off her clothing.

According to Totnes Police, she resisted his attack and the man ran off, leaving her distressed and with bruises and scratches.

Police are anxious to trace the man who is described as white, around 6ft tall, clean shaven with a scar on the side of his left eye. He was wearing jeans and a waxed jacket.

If you have any information contact Devon and Cornwall Police tel: 08452 777444 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting police reference JH/07/631

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Riders will be joining cyclists, canoeists, climbers and walkers at Brean Down on the North Somerset coast at noon tomorrow (9 August) to show their support for a coastal access corridor.

Representatives from the different recreational groups aim to show the government that there is no conflict between their activities, and that they should be allowed a permanent right of access to the English coastline. They want to be able to use beaches, foreshores and cliff tops.

Mark Weston, director of access, safety and welfare at the British Horse Society (BHS), said he was supporting the government proposal to establish an access corridor on the proviso that it included non-motorised users. As it is currently drafted it excludes riders.

He said: “A local riding school is sending some riders down to Brean Down to demonstrate that all the activities can get on perfectly well together — just as they do bridleways.”

He added: “Riders currently only have access to 7% of public rights of way around the coast in England,” and he encouraged all riders to lobby their MPs.

At 2pm The National Trust and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) will give a short briefing on the government consultation and what it will mean for the public.

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Do you want to have a say about plans to open up England’s coastline to riders? Then be sure to register your views on the DEFRA website before September 2007.

As reported in H&H earlier in the year (news, 15 March), the British Horse Society is campaigning for riders to be included in government plans to open an accessible coastal riding route around England. At present, only 95km from a coastline of 3,000km can be used by riders.

Environment secretary David Milliband visited the White Cliffs of Dover on Tuesday (19 June) to launch the public consultation process. To give your views on the plans, visit www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/default.asp

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (21 June, ’07)

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Riders can enjoy a previously inaccessible part of the Welsh countryside now that a new 80-mile ride has been opened by the British Horse Society (BHS).

The Prince Llywelyn ride runs from Llanfair Waterdine in south Shropshire to the coastal village of Borth, with its popular sandy beach, near Aberystwyth.

The ride passes through a variety of scenery, including moorland, farmland and forest.

BHS director of access Mark Weston said: “This new route provides riders with the opportunity to ride across Wales and experience beautiful landscapes.

“The ride will hopefully attract a large number of equine tourists to the area and make a significant contribution to the local economy.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 May, ’07)

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The British Horse Society (BHS) is campaigning for riders to be included in government plans to make England’s coastline more accessible to the public.

The creation of a permanent right of way round the coast was part of the Labour Party’s manifesto in 2004, and listed as a priority for DEFRA in 2005.

On 2 March, government agency Natural England submitted recommendations to DEFRA that would allow walkers free access to the coast, but advised that access for riders, cyclists and other users should be dealt with “on a local level”.

“If the government proceeds with Natural England’s proposals, it will be missing a golden opportunity to open the coast to all members of the public,” said Mark Weston of the BHS. “It will miss the chance to promote activity and a healthy lifestyle, and make the countryside accessible to all.”

Working as part of the Equestrian Access Forum, the BHS has teamed up to lobby with the British Canoe Union, British Caving Association, British Mountaineering Council, Central Council for Physical Recreation, Cyclists Touring Club (CTC), International Mountain Biking Association UK, the Open Spaces Society, the Ramblers’ Association and the country’s Youth Hostel Association.

There is 4,000km of coast around England, 70% (3,000km) of which has recognised public access — but within that, some sections are eroded or impossible to follow. Of that 3,000km, riders and cyclists are given access to only 95km — 16% of the total.

Read this news story in full in today’s Horse & Hound (15 March, ’07)

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