Latest from Horse & Hound in Hacking

Add structure and intent to your hacks with this simple transition exercise

Martha Terry — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:47:03 +0000

It’s all too easy when out hacking to do long stretches in one pace. By mixing it up and incorporating transitions, this will ensure your horse is listening to your aids and engaged, and improve your flatwork while you’re at it.

If you’re hacking out in company, you can still do this flatwork exercise. Count strides together and make it fun!

Aims

Improve your accuracy in making upward and downward transitions
Be disciplined about making the transition at the intended moment, rather than drifting into the new pace
Ensure your horse is listening to you in a distracting environment, and that your aids are clear

The setup

No setup required. You can do this in an arena, field or out hacking.

This is an example structure – you can vary the striding and paces to include canter and halt, according to what you want to practise. The important thing is to stick to what you’ve set out to do. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

How to ride the exercise

Decide on a sequence of transitions that you will stick to. For example, trot 20 strides, walk 10 strides, trot 20 strides, walk 10 strides. You can also include canter and halt.
Be disciplined about when the transition happens, rather than drifting into walk or trotting two strides after you intended. Prepare early, using one or more half-halts, so that your horse is ready, then execute the transition at the designated point.
If you’ve nailed the straightforward transitions, work on transitions within the gait, for example lengthened strides, free walk to medium walk, collected trot to working, or skipping a gait, like halt to trot or walk to canter and back again.

You may find your horse is more easily distracted out hacking than he would be schooling in the arena, so this is a great way to keep him listening.

Tips and troubleshooting

1. Lack of response into trot

Your horse does not have enough impulsion. Transitions are an excellent remedy for helping the horse be sharper off the leg, so try doing more frequent transitions. Also use transitions within the gait to build responsiveness and engagement.

2. Falling into walk

This reveals a lack of engagement, and could also mean the rider is leaning forward or collapsing through their core into the downward transition. Wrap your leg around your horse’s belly, close your thighs, sit up tall and maintain a consistent contact to keep the quarters engaged as he steps forward into walk.

3. Horse hollows

Your horse may hollow its back and lift his head as you make a downward transition. This can occur when the rider blocks with the reins. Soften your hand slightly during the transition, without losing the contact completely, to allow the horse to lift its back and step under.

Want more ideas? Check out our full daily training inspiration library

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6 ride-on fly rugs that will make hacking more pleasant for your horse

Franchesca Slack — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:01:24 +0000

The best ride-on fly rugs are just what you need if your horse is sensitive to flies or prone to sweet itch. Combining a ride-on fly rug with one of the best fly sprays can help you and your horse enjoy hacking again.

These fly rugs are designed for use while riding, offering protection without overheating your horse. For maximum defence, we suggest pairing it with one of the best fly fringes or best fly masks.

Best ride-on fly rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best premium pick ride-on fly rug: Bucas Buzz-Off Riding Fly Sheet

Best ride-on fly rug for UV protection: Masta Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rug for coverage: Busse Fringe Exercise Combo Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rug for largest horses: LeMieux Ride-On Fly Rug

Best ride-on fly rugs

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Bucas Buzz-Off Riding Fly Sheet

This lightweight mesh, two-part riding rug has a detachable neck piece. The hood protects the neck, chest and shoulders, and features an elastic browband to help keep the rug in position up the neck. It attaches with touch-tape to the body at the withers and in front of the saddle.

The body part covers the back, sides and tail. There is a cut-away section for the saddle and a touch-tape fastening at the wither for easy removal.

Colours:: Navy/silver or zebra print | Sizes:: S–XL (5ft6in – 6ft9in)

Two part rug with detachable neck

Cut-away section by riders legs

Heat reflective material to prevent your horse getting hot

Higher price point, but technical fabrics are worth it

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Masta Ride-On Fly Rug

This ride-on rug features a generous full neck with an elasticated bridle fastening for a secure fit, plus a wrap-around style with a saddle cut-out for easy use while riding. Anti-rub lining at the shoulder and along the neck helps prevent rubbing.

Colours:: White/black | Sizes:: S–XL (5ft3in – 7ft)

Detachable neck

UPF rating of 18 helps block 94% UV rays

Anti-rub lining for comfort

Great value

Does not offer as much coverage as others

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Busse Fringe Exercise Combo Ride-On Fly Rug

This wrap-around ride-on fly rug is trimmed with a long fringe to add an extra level of insect defence. The neck is not detachable, but has Velcro closures and can be rolled back and fastened if not needed. It also has Velcro loops for attaching to the bridle.

The rug has a cut-out for the saddle and is cutaway at the sides to allow for clear leg aids. It fastens at the chest with lightweight plastic snap buckles.

Colours:: Navy, grey, teal | Sizes:: 5ft3in – 7ft3in

Tassels around the bottom for an extra level of protection

Cut out space for saddle

More Velcro fastenings than others

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

LeMieux Ride-On Fly Rug

This ride-on fly rug is a lightweight mesh fly exercise sheet adapted to wearing with tack. It features a saddle cutout and detachable neck, while a handy loop attaches the neck to the bridle to help prevent movement.

Colours:: Grey | Sizes:: S–XL (14hh – 18hh)

Will fit the biggest horses

Lined shoulder and mane for improved comfort

Detachable neck

Higher price point than some others in this guide

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Horseware Amigo Flyrider

This hi-vis fly rug is contoured to fit around your saddle without interfering with your leg aid positioning. It covers your horse from top to tail in a UV protective breathable fabric, with easy-to-use Velcro closures for a secure fit.

It has a detachable hood with an integrated loop that attaches to the bridle. The rug also features a generous tail flap as well as reflective safety strips and trim throughout.

Colours:: Yellow, chalk/navy | Sizes:: S–XL (5ft6in – 7ft3in)

Easy to use Velcro closures

Detachable neck

Provides UV protection

No sizes for smaller ponies

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cashel Crusader Quiet Ride Bug Armour

This two-piece ride-on rug is made from a lightweight, soft mesh material to provide a cool, comfortable shield from flying insects. It attaches to the bridle and saddle for full coverage without affecting the horse or rider’s movements.

Colours:: Black | Sizes:: One size (15.2–16.2hh)

Lightweight material

Attached to the bridle and saddle for a secure fit

Limited to one size

How to choose the best ride on fly rug

The best ride-on fly rugs will offer your horse additional protection, without getting in his way or making him hot. Riding is hard work as it is and the warmer weather doesn’t help matters.

As with the best fly rugs for turnout, there are a few different designs – some have detachable necks, while others have some level of belly protection. It’s important to weigh up what’s most important to you when it comes to protecting your horse from flies. Some are hi-vis, too, which makes them great for hacking in.

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New ‘fabulous’ off-road route on stately home estate gives riders access to ancient woodlands

Lucy Elder — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:16:55 +0000

Miles of new hacking through historic woodland on a stately home estate have opened to riders this month.

Boughton House estate, near Kettering in Northamptonshire, is working with charity Toll Rides Off-Road Trust (TROT) to give permit-holding riders seven miles of new country to enjoy.

The permitted route through Boughton and Old Head Wood, which was once part of the ancient Rockingham Forest, is made up of many interconnecting paths. This means riders can choose to do the full-length set loop, or spiral off and do any number of shorter alternatives on the connecting paths.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It is a fabulous place,” said TROT’s Julie Chantler, who was approached by the estate around 18 months ago with a view to setting up a permit ride.

“We’ve put together a plan. I’ve been up three times to see the route and we have two local volunteers who have ridden it multiple times to get a feel for it and make sure that it works.”

There is secure parking on hard standing through a locked gate and riders are required to check in and out via an app, so the estate knows who is on site.

There are markers in the woods to help with navigation, and the way the route is laid out means riders can easily avoid sections. For example, if one area gets slippery, there are plenty of other directions to take.

Ms Chantler added that further tracks may also open in the summer, extending the route to around 10 miles. Days where the ride is closed for other activities on the estate are shared with permit holders.

An aerial image of Boughton House, which gives its name to the estate. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The ride had a soft launch on 1 February with around a dozen riders and permits are now available to buy. A trial membership (1 February to 30 April) is £39, plus £16 for the hat band. Annual membership (from May) is £155/year.

“It’s lovely to get new routes in more places,” added Ms Chantler. “Everyone is excited and those who have ridden it so far have loved it.”

For information, visit: https://tollrides.org.uk/

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(Image credit: Julie Chantler/TROT)

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(Image credit: Julie Chantler/TROT)

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(Image credit: Julie Chantler/TROT)

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‘Terrifying possibility’ of losing thousands of miles of off-road riding unless Government acts

Lucy Elder — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:52:43 +0000

Campaigners are calling on the Government to keep the promise it made 12 months ago to protect off-road access for riders.

Changes to the law, introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, meant that many historic routes used by riders and carriage drivers would have been lost if they weren’t formally recorded on the legal record of rights of way – or an application to record them had not been made.

New Year’s Day 2026 was the original cut-off date for recording historic paths on the definitive map. On Boxing Day 2024, the Government announced that it would be repealed in England, but the British Horse Society (BHS) is concerned by the lack of action.

“For over 25 years, we’ve been fighting an impending deadline to formally record historic routes on the definitive map, which was originally set for 1 January 2026,” said BHS director of access Mark Weston.

“While the former UK Government postponed this deadline and our current Government consequently announced its intention to repeal it, a year has already gone by and we’re yet to see any real action to reflect this decision. Without an official repeal, we still can’t rule out the terrifying possibility of losing over 40,000 miles of unrecorded paths.”

Mr Weston added that any further losses “will be devastating” for equestrians and that the BHS is “urgently calling on the Government to take decisive action and officially repeal the cut-off date, as they stated”.

“We also want to see the introduction of a green paper on access and critically, for horse riders to be included in active travel plans – as, so far, we’ve been ignored,” he said.

Active Travel England is a Government agency responsible for “making walking, wheeling and cycling the preferred choice for everyone to get around in England”.

Phil Wadey, who was appointed MBE in the New Year Honours List, also highlighted the situation when he spoke to H&H on receiving his honour (news, 8 January).

He noted that in England, the cut-off for recording historic paths is now set at 1 January 2031, which the Government has pledged to repeal, while in Wales it was abolished.

“It will be important to hold the Government to its promise this year, so we can remove the pressure on volunteers and on local authorities to record all their paths by 2031,” Dr Wadey told H&H.

H&H asked the BHS what the Government needs to do, what the BHS has done over the last year and what equestrians can do to help.

Mr Weston told H&H the BHS continues to press for legislation to officially implement the repeal.

“We’re pleased that the environmental improvement plan (EIP) now places a firm commitment on the Government to do this. However, we await Defra who is responsible for its delivery,” he said.

The Government describes the EIP as its “roadmap for restoring England’s environment over the coming years”.

Mr Weston said: “In the meantime, we continue to work closely with key stakeholders as well as the Government to drive meaningful change. Last year, we met with Baroness Hayman to discuss key equestrian access issues which notably included a call for an official repeal, among other items.

“We addressed the Government’s announcement to create river walks and why these trails need to be accessed by horse riders, why the provision of new access via woodland grants should provide for all users and not just walkers, as well as why access to ‘access land’ under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act should be extended to equestrians.”

He added: “Additionally, we spoke about active travel routes and have since had the opportunity to comment on the Active Travel England’s draft rural design guidance. Following this conversation, we’re also pleased the Government has since recognised the need for horse riders to be included in the new river walk announced at the end of 2025.

“We recognise, however, that greater work needs to be done and continue to input into the All Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature.”

He added that the BHS encourages equestrians to share personal stories to reinforce the value of safe off-road routes, and to contact councillors and MPs every time equestrians are excluded from active travel routes.

“Collectively, we can lobby local councillors and MPs to help shape future legislation. The more people across the equine community who contact their local representatives, whether that be by phone or in writing (email/letter), the greater impact we’ll see,” he said.

A Defra spokesperson told H&H that when parliamentary time allows, it will repeal the 2031 cut-off date.

“Our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride, but too many people across the country are left without access to the great outdoors,” said the spokesperson.

“We remain committed to repealing the 2031 deadline for recording historic rights of way, thereby protecting thousands of miles of unrecorded rights of way used by walkers, cyclists and equestrians.”

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‘We are always pleased to see them enjoying the landscape’: how the National Forest is welcoming riders

Lucy Elder — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:51:08 +0000

As horse owners face an ever-increasing challenge to find safe hacking routes, a Midlands-based charity is actively working to ensure riders have access to off-road hacking.

The National Forest launched in the early 1990s to help renew a landscape shaped by coal mining and other industries. Close to 10 million trees have been planted over the last 30 years in the area, which covers more than 200 square miles across parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

The aim of the National Forest project is “to create a forest for everyone, offering places to walk, ride and cycle, along with space to recover and thrive”.

“Horse riders are an important part of the National Forest community, and we are always pleased to see them enjoying the landscape,” said Stuart Dainton, head of land management and estate at the National Forest.

“Responsible use of the network of trails offers a rich way to explore the area, and we are always seeking ways to work together to make riders feel welcome and supported as they experience the forest.”

Routes include a mix of existing and new public and permissive paths, which cross a variety of types of land. The National Forest is not all dense woodland, but is rather a collective term for the area.

A spokesperson for the National Forest shared several examples and maps of areas that riders can enjoy.

These include the +32-hectare Jacksons Bank, owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, which has permissive access for walkers, cyclists and riders. It is an ancient woodland site, which has been replanted, and hosts one of the National Forest’s six “Noon Columns”, a David Nash oak sculpture that frames a ray of sunlight at midday.

Evie Holmes, who works at the National Forest, rides at Jacksons Bank most weeks and said it “always feels like a treat”.

“The mix of broadleaf and conifer woodland gives you real variety, and the permissive routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders make it easy to find a quiet line through the trees,” she said.

“In spring the bluebells and wood anemones are a lovely sight, and the Noon Column is always worth a pause at true noon. With links to Crossplain Wood and the longer distance trails, you can make each ride as short or as long as you like. Visitors can park in the car park off Brackenhurst Road, which makes it simple to saddle up and head straight onto the tracks.”

Other areas include Minorca, a 150-hectare site between Swepstone and Measham in Leicestershire, named after the coal mine that used to be there. A planting programme started there in 2020 and tens of thousands of trees have already been planted. It will connect with other woodlands, and also features wetland ponds and wildflower areas, plus public footpaths and bridleways.

Hicks Lodge cycle centre is another area that offers walking and horse riding paths.

The National Forest highlighted the following routes to H&H:

All routes (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Horseshoe trail – also listed on OS maps as a route, created by the British Horse Society

Horseshoe Trail. (Image credit: National Forest)

Boothorpe permissive bridleway route. This is accessed from the NFC car park off Gorse Lane, which is only accessible by prior arrangement. Otherwise, parking at Conkers Discovery and cross the busy Rawdon road.

Boothorpe Permissive Bridleway. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Heart of the Forest Green Network southern loop. Accessible from Conkers Waterside car park.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hicks Lodge permissive bridleway route. Only open April – October. The car park (no height barrier) is accessible by prior permission for horseboxes.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hicks Lodge lakeside bridleway. All year round, can be used as an extension to the permissive bridleway, or the Green Network loop.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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Glorious 50-mile trail for adventurous riders created on North York Moors

Lucy Elder — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:56:52 +0000

A little over two years ago, a group of people set themselves the challenge to see if they could map circular routes for riders, cyclists and walkers on the North York Moors – and now succeeded in creating a wonderful collection of trails to benefit those who enjoy the great outdoors and the wider community.

The team, made up of riders, walkers and other passionate members of the community, have worked tirelessly on mapping, logistics and manual restoration work to create the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail. They created the 41-mile walking route to start with, and have since mapped a 50-mile version for riders – inspired by the “rich riding tradition on the moors”.

“We have a really rich ecclesiastical and architectural heritage on the North York Moors,” George Gyte, secretary of the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail Society, told H&H.

“We have three churches in the Doomsday Book, Saxon, mediaeval Elizabethan, Victorian churches, and the ruins of the beautiful Rievaulx Abbey. So we thought it was a really good idea to look at developing trails for walkers, pilgrims, riders, cyclists, and see whether we could build a circular trail that began and ended in Helmsley, the market town.”

Riders Mary Edwards and Bill Tate, alongside other members of Ryedale Bridleways Group and Janet Cochrane of Ride Yorkshire, have been instrumental in developing and maintaining the riders’ trail, which officially opened in November.

“Each of the trails is rather different in length and in route, but all of them link with those heritage sites and create what we think is an interesting trail,” said George.

“We wanted there to be moorland, dales and hills, and farmland routes – we wanted to capture the variety of scenery on the North York Moors.”

Yorkshire vet Peter Wright having cut the launch ribbon Rievaulx Abbey. (Image credit: Valerie Mather)

Mary added: “We had a lot of meetings in one of the pubs in Helmsley to thrash out a route. Bill has a really good on-the-ground knowledge of all of the local bridleways, byways and various different rights of way. Although they exist, and most of them are passable to some extent, once we started really looking at it and thinking, ‘Is this something that we can present to the public as a rideable route?’ It started to become apparent that actually, there were sticking points we were going to have to avoid.”

She explained there were also “sticking points” that would need to be included on the route, but needed work, and so Bill has done “a huge amount – literally on the ground” to make those points safe.

The group stressed that this is a challenging route, crossing the moors, wild countryside, rivers, bridges – and should not be underestimated, nor is it suitable for inexperienced riders. They also recommend that riders do not take on the route alone, advise that there are places it is recommended to dismount, and people are encouraged to get in contact with the group before setting off, to get up-to-date information.

“We’ve kind of styled it to be about four days of riding,” said George, adding that details of accommodation are included in the trail booklet. “We have built it to be a place where you can ride, stop, stare and enjoy the country.

“What’s been really good is the way that all the local communities have supported the trail. We’ve had tremendous support from the landowners and the local associations and the parishes. They all wanted it to work.

“The North York Moors National Park has been a big supporter of the trail – every aspect of it. They’ve helped on the walking sections, helping us with clearance and signage, and the same with the horse riders’ trail. They are absolutely brilliant partners.”

(Image credit: Valerie Mather)

The British Horse Society has also supported the trail, as has English Heritage at Rievaulx Abbey.

Bill said it is possible to park at certain points of the route, to ride a chunk rather than the full 50 miles, and that the trail is developing all the time.

The team, in particular Ryedale Bridleways Group, also works with landowners and the national park by presenting solutions – rather than problems – and a volunteer workforce team whenever they can. For example, digging out bridleways, replacing gate latches with rider-friendly options, or chopping down overgrowth.

“The goal is to try to build a bigger interest in horse riding in our area, to get people on the trail and realise it’s a very enjoyable experience,” said George.

“Aelred was the abbot of Rievaulx from 1147 to 1167 when it really expanded. He was a great writer, diplomat and he travelled all over. He built abbeys all over this part of the country, down south, in Scotland – but his biggest treatise was on friendship.

“That’s one of the reasons we wanted to call it the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail trail, because it’s a friendship trail. Go on it with your friends, you’ll enjoy it. And it’s been created by people joining together to make something happen that other people can enjoy.”

Bill added: “We’ve got hundreds and hundreds of miles of bridleways across the moors, through valleys, and we want them to be used. We’re fighting to get them in good condition, and we need people to use them and enjoy it, because it’s a fantastic riding area.”

For more information and to buy a trail booklet, visit: https://www.saintaelredspilgrimtrail.com/

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Horsebox parking charges introduced or box parks remain closed six months after pledge to make woodlands ‘accessible to more riders’

Lucy Elder — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 17:54:20 +0000

Forestry England has brought in new annual horsebox parking charges at a number of woodlands and excluded riders from parking at others – six months after trumpeting it was making “horse riding accessible to more riders across the nation’s forests”.

This spring, Forestry England announced that riders would be able to access 49 more woodlands across England without permits from May 2025. This followed a review of 51 woodlands, where paid-for permits were required for riding. Forestry England said at the time permits would still be required at the remaining two, as these are ecologically sensitive wildlife sites that need extra management.

As Forestry England gave with one hand, it took with the other and access to horsebox parking areas at several forests was withdrawn.

For some, who are able to reach woodlands safely without driving, this will mean free access to hacking they would previously have had to pay for. But H&H heard from a number of equestrians in the south-east who were frustrated as they were in effect losing access to this off-road riding on publicly owned land. They explained that they would box to the woodlands, to avoid riding on busy roads, so losing the parking was a blow, and that they would be happy to pay if it meant they had access to safe parking (news, 7 August and 4 September).

Paid-for parking

Forestry England has now released a paid-for horsebox parking permit that allows riders to park at three woodlands: Hemsted Forest, Bedgebury Forest and King’s Wood, all in Kent. Parking areas at other woodlands, including Clowes Wood in Kent, and Friston Forest and Abbot’s Wood in East Sussex, remain off-limits for horseboxes.

The pass runs from 1 May to 30 April. A pass for the full year costs £96 and decreases proportionately, so a pass bought in November would cost £48.

H&H asked Forestry England how removing access to horsebox parking at some woodlands and introducing these parking charges for others fits with the spring announcement that it would reduce the number of permits and “make horse riding accessible to more riders across the nation’s forests”.

A Forestry England spokesperson told H&H: “The two issues are coincidental but separate. And from what you have said, we believe this is a localised issue in our east district, not nationwide. Increasing the number of woodlands in England we manage that do not need permits for horse riding does make them more accessible to more people.

“We only get around 20% of the money we need day-to-day from Government, so we raise money in other ways, including from charging for facilities. Across the country we are increasing the number of car parks where all visitors pay to support or work.

“When we review our facilities, such as box parking, we sometimes find we have to close them.”

Recovering costs

The spokesperson added that the pass will help keep areas clear for riders to use, and helps Forestry England “recover our costs for maintaining this exclusivity”. He added that Forestry England is “investigating alternatives” at woodlands where access to parking has been removed, including Friston Forest, Abbots Wood and Clowes Wood.

Asked if there will be a cap on the number of passes, the spokesperson said: “No, provided the number of people using the box parking allows for a pleasant visit and still allows us to manage the forests.

“We are monitoring how the box parking is being used, and we may introduce a cap if we decide there are too many risking the safety of horse riders or preventing our necessary forest operations.”

He added: “Forestry England has introduced this pass following changes to equestrian access across the nation’s forests. As part of this, we have ended our relationship with TROT [Toll Rides Off-Road Trust], which previously managed equestrian parking facilities at our sites across Kent and East Sussex. TROT memberships will not be valid at sites where the equestrian parking pass applies.”

TROT is a charitable trust dedicated to providing members with access to riding and carriage driving routes. Its work is continuing and it has many other routes available to members.

Added concern

H&H reported in August that TROT’s membership numbers had been affected by the end of the relationship. The news of Forestry England’s new parking charges is an added concern.

“This charge of £96 is a similar price to that which they asked us to charge for the annual riding membership, so hardly making the riding free for all, as many riders need to box to the forest to ride,” Julie Chantler of TROT told H&H. “It’s also extremely disappointing they have chosen the same expiry date as ours. That could ultimately mean some riders may have to decide on either a forestry box parking permit or TROT membership.

“Surely, Forestry England could have chosen a different date, so it makes it more affordable and spreads the cost for riders. I do hope it doesn’t come to that as our membership has been significantly reduced since Forestry England made this announcement in May. Unfortunately this could result in many of our routes closing for ever, reducing the off-road riding on offer in the southeast.”

Questions have also been raised as to how the British Horse Society (BHS), which welcomed Forestry England’s decision to scrap permits this year, is helping find a solution for riders.

Working together

BHS director of access Mark Weston told H&H: “The BHS continues to communicate with Forestry England and alert them that their operational and financial reasons for closing car parks is putting riders’ lives at risk, as the roads they have to use to ride to the woods are dangerous. We’re continuing to make this point at every quarterly meeting we have with Forestry England.

“We’ve also actively asked local riders to let us know if they are aware of any adjacent landowners who might like to provide some land for horseboxes to park on, because we’re very keen to have an open dialogue with such landowners to see how we can facilitate the provision of such parking that’ll enable riders to be able to access those woods safely again.

“We recognise that the new parking permits represent good value for those who want to park at forests more than seven times a year, but for those who want to use it fewer times it is expensive. We have made this point to Forestry England and will continue to communicate closely with them until a suitable resolution is provided.”

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First equestrian access strategy aims to improve options for horses and riders

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 14:50:22 +0000

The first equestrian access strategy approved in Wales can inspire others to work together for the benefit of horses and riders, it is hoped.

The cabinet of Carmarthenshire County Council has approved the strategy, which sets out its long-term plan to improve equestrian access across the county.

A spokesperson for the council said the document “reflects the council’s ambition to support the equestrian community, enhance rural connectivity and promote inclusive access to the countryside”.

He added: “The strategy provides a framework for delivery over the next 10 years, as Carmarthenshire aims to develop a more accessible, better connected network for equestrian use. It outlines a phased approach, beginning with the establishment of an equine user group and a volunteer equine maintenance workforce. These early actions will help shape priorities and strengthen the delivery of future improvements.”

The strategy was developed after consultation with equestrian businesses, clubs, individuals, and elected representatives, as well as the British Horse Society (BHS). The report sets out the public rights of way (PROW) situation in the county: some 166km of bridleways, and 83km of restricted byways and byways open to all traffic (BOATs) that riders and carriage drivers may use.

As well as establishing the user group and volunteer workforce, the council has committed to actions including assessing footpaths on suitability to be upgraded to bridleways, assessing council-owned land on potential for equestrian use and potentially working with other landowners to add to the PROW network.

“We want to enhance the equestrian access offer, under local authority control, in Carmarthenshire,” the strategy states. “We will strive to work across the whole local authority portfolio to seize opportunities to improve and, where possible, broaden equestrian access, working collaboratively with our partner organisations to realise our objectives.

“By delivering the actions contained in this strategy we want to maximise the potential health, wellbeing and economic benefits that equestrianism brings to our county. We intend to see the outcomes of this strategy delivered for our equestrian community, within current resources in this challenging economic climate for local government.”

County councillor and cabinet member for climate change, decarbonisation and sustainability Aled Vaughan Owen added: “This strategy sets out a clear direction for how we will work with the equestrian community to improve access in a realistic and sustainable way. It recognises the importance of horses in Carmarthenshire’s rural identity and the wider benefits equestrianism brings to our communities.”

BHS director of access Mark Weston congratulated the council on the BHS’s behalf for adopting the strategy.

“It’s great to see that the need for riders and carriage drivers to have safe places and routes is being so greatly recognised,” he told H&H.

“As a first of its kind in Wales, we’re proud to have played a key collaborative role in delivering this incredibly important piece of work for the local equestrian community. Currently, less than 10% of the county’s rights of way are open to equestrians – notably lower than neighbouring counties. For carriage drivers, who are only entitled to use restricted byways and BOATS, only 3.27% of the network can be lawfully accessed.

“This equestrian strategy intends to change these statistics – it’s a celebration of what’s being achieved locally and, critically, highlights the great work that can be achieved when the right people come together. We hope this will inspire more people to campaign for action within their local councils.”

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Are you wearing enough hi-vis? What every rider needs to know before hitting the road

Oscar Williams — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:55:38 +0000

Horse riders need hi-vis and not just for gloomy autumn and winter days – it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to become more visible, which should help you to stay safe on the road. It helps you stand out to other road users, giving them time to see you, slow down and pass wide. It also helps when you’re hacking off road as others – dog walkers or low-flying aircraft, for example – will notice you sooner.

You really shouldn’t be on the road with a horse without hi-vis – whether you’re riding or leading. But what exactly are the best hi-vis options for horse riders – and are there any rules you have to follow? Here’s what you need to know.

Highway Code: do horse riders need high-vis?

The Highway Code (rules 49-55) advises riders to make themselves as visible as possible – and it gets specific:

In daylight, wear fluorescent or light-coloured clothing
In poor visibility or at night, switch to reflective gear and add lights

Hi-vis, or fluorescent, material works best in daylight. Reflective strips bounce light back to the source like headlights. To cover all bases, your hacking gear should combine both bright hi-vis material and silver reflective elements.

If you ride in low light (which the Code discourages), extra precautions include:

Reflective bands above the fetlocks on your horse
A white light at the front and red at the rear, attached to your right arm, leg or boot
A fluorescent or reflective tail guard on your horse

These aren’t legal requirements, but they are considered best practice – and could affect liability in the event of an incident.

Some insurers expect riders to take “reasonable precautions”. If you’re involved in an accident and weren’t wearing any hi-vis, it could weaken your claim. In court, it might even be treated as contributory negligence.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Why both horse and rider need hi-vis

Don’t assume hi-vis on the rider is enough. Horses may be large, but they can easily blend into hedgerows, tree lines or shaded lanes – especially darker-coloured horses.

Adding reflectivity to your horse’s legs, tail, and sides with some of the best hi-vis for horses helps drivers recognise shape and movement from a distance. Motion draws attention, so reflective gear on moving parts – like legs or your arms – makes you even more noticeable in low light or headlights.

What to look for when buying hi-vis

At a minimum, the British Horse Society (BHS) recommends a hi-vis jacket or tabard for the rider, and reflective leg bands for the horse. But there are smart upgrades worth considering.

Lights make a proven difference

The BHS commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to study rider visibility on roads. One key takeaway? Riders should wear lights wherever possible.

LEDs are an effective way to boost visibility, especially in dull or fading light. Aim to position them to show your width:

On each shoulder
Along your horse’s flanks
On legs or boots to enhance motion visibility
Whether flashing or static, the more angles you’re visible from, the better. Lights combined with reflective gear give you the best chance of being seen early and clearly.

Safety standards

Look for hi-vis gear that meets recognised standards – it’s a sign the product has been properly tested.

EN 17353:2020 – for leisure riders
EN ISO 20471:2013 – for professional kit (often issued by employers)

Even accessories like hat bands, armbands or harnesses should meet these standards if possible.

Colour options

Consider where you’ll be riding and what colours might show up best. For example, if you regularly ride past crop fields in summer, you’re much more likely to stand out in pink than yellow. Likewise, orange may not be the best in autumn thanks to leaves changing colour. The best way to get around this is to choose hi-vis clothing that’s made up of a combination of colours.

Hi-vis kit options

There are so many hi-vis options to choose from for both you and your horse, and really there’s never too much. While you might feel seen in a tabard and exercise sheet, if you’re on a bend, drivers are unlikely to see you until the last minute, but they might have been able to see a hi-vis hat band over the hedge on their approach. Dress to be seen from all angles and perspectives – a breastplate is helpful for those approaching from the front, but not so much from behind.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Quickfire: Hi-vis dos and don’ts

✔ Wear hi-vis in all conditions – not just bad weather

✔ Kit out both horse and rider

✔ Check gear is certified and properly fitted

✖ Don’t rely on one item (e.g. a tabard on its own)

✖ Don’t assume daylight equals visibility

✖ Don’t forget to replace faded or worn-out gear

Bottom line: be seen, stay safe

Hi-vis for horse riders might not technically be a legal requirement, but it should be a non-negotiable if you’re heading out on the road. Visibility gives other road users more time to react – and that time could save you and your horse from a close call. It will also help low flying aircraft see you earlier, which may enable them to avoid flying directly over you.

You wouldn’t hack without a hat. Don’t hack without hi-vis.

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Rider seriously injured in collision with three motorbikes on bridleway

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:29:33 +0000

A rider was seriously injured in a collision involving herself and her horse, and three “scrambler” motorbikes, on a bridleway.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after the incident on the off-road route between Devil’s Hill and Harpsden Road, near Sonning Common in Oxfordshire, on 25 September.

A spokesperson for the force said the incident occurred between 5.45pm and 6pm. A woman in her 40s sustained serious injuries and was later discharged from hospital.

Investigating officer PC Ben Rowlands, of the Thames Valley Police roads policing unit, said: “We are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a collision in which a horse rider was seriously injured.

“If you were in the area at the time and saw anything, or have any information that could assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

A scrambler motorbike is one designed for off-road as well as road use. Motorbikes are not allowed by law to use bridleways in the UK.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 43250494143, or by making a report online via the Thames Valley Police website.

Have you experienced problems with off-road motorbikes using bridleways? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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Equestrians’ frustrations at hollow promises around woodland access

Lucy Elder — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 09:03:07 +0000

Riders and carriage drivers are frustrated as they are unable to access woodland routes, after a hollow promise to “make riding accessible to more riders across the nation’s forests”.

H&H reported that equestrians had lost access to off-road parking at Abbot’s Wood and Friston Forest in East Sussex (news, 7 August). The move happened in May, when Forestry England scrapped the requirement for equestrians to have paid permits to ride in most woodlands, including those managed by third parties such as TROT (Toll Rides Off-Road Trust).

This followed a survey by Forestry England, supported by the British Horse Society (BHS), in 2023 as part of Forestry England’s review of its permit systems to “ensure protocols are fit for purpose”. In 2022, when early conversations were taking place between the BHS and Forestry England, BHS director of access Mark Weston told H&H the society opposed permits for publicly owned land where access for other users is free – and said there should be no “discrimination” against equestrians.

H&H has heard from a number of equestrians affected by Forestry England’s decision to withdraw off-road parking for horseboxes in many locations. Although one said the changes to Friston Forest are “excellent” and offer safe, off-road riding for all, most spoke of frustration and sadness that they are in effect excluded from using the woodlands, plus safety concerns about the lack of off-road parking.

The reactions were related to both woodlands mentioned in the initial article, and others.

Among these is Clowes Wood, Kent, where Sarah Claydon has ridden for more than 12 years. But the loss of parking means it is no longer a possibility as it is “too dangerous” to hack along that road.

“We are being pushed out,” she told H&H, adding that riders have tried to fight, but it is “like hitting a brick wall”.

She added that the reasoning given by Forestry England centred on health and safety, as those areas are used by forestry machinery, but she has never had or heard of a problem in the years she has been parking there.

H&H also understands that the loss of horsebox parking means equine community police volunteers can no longer access and patrol Clowes Wood, a loss to both riders and the wider public.

Rider Katie Blatchford has ridden in the area for 26 years and has seen a significant change in traffic on the roads in that time, to the point she will no longer ride on them.

She told H&H the horsebox parking at Clowes Wood is “much needed”.

“It’s not a huge woodland but it’s perfect for an hour or two out. It has a fully surfaced outer track, so can be used all year round without fear of churning up ground. Those of us who paid for our permits were more than happy to do so for safety,” she said.

“Losing the box parking is devastating. There is nowhere else to park safely to access the woods, and hacking there is not a safe option either.”

Canterbury city councillor James Flanagan, whose ward includes Clowes Wood, was contacted by riders when they learnt they would lose parking. He and riders have been in contact with Forestry England, including a Zoom meeting to highlight the need for horsebox parking, but to no avail. The issue has also been brought to the attention of the BHS and Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield.

Cllr Flanagan told H&H the public road leading to the woods is a busy single carriageway, and the entrance is on a sharp bend with limited visibility.

He said access to the deboxing area is “a safety issue” as it is “far too dangerous” to ride or walk a horse along the road, and that he has contacted – and will follow up with – Kent County Council’s highways team and Kent Police about the road safety aspect.

Permits are required for riding at Bramshill (which was communicated this spring), Warren Heath and Heath Warren in Hampshire, as this is a protected area. But Forestry England says it has issued 250 permits and “unfortunately will not be able to accommodate further requests for this year”.

At sites including Hemsted Forest, Bedgebury and King’s Wood, all in the south-east, information on the Forestry England website states that permits are not required for riding, but “due to a high volume of interest” it has temporarily paused all applications for de-boxing access while it puts a new system in place. Riders who previously held a TROT permit can continue to use it for parking for now.

H&H has also heard from carriage drivers facing access issues at a number of woodlands, which pre-date Forestry England’s actions this spring.

Roads are busier than ever. Department for Transport statistics show that annual traffic by motor vehicles increased from 261.9 billion miles/year in 1994 to 336.2 billion miles/year in 2024 – an increase of 74.3 billion miles/year. In 2024 alone, 58 horses died on Britain’s roads and more than 3,100 incidents were reported to the BHS, but the charity believes the number of incidents to be much higher.

Mr Weston told H&H in July that the BHS continues to “work with Forestry England to try to make sure that all equestrians can continue to get to, and safely use, these woodland sites”. He added that “this communication and collaborative work will carry on until we can hopefully find a solution that works for equestrians and Forestry England alike.”

A BHS spokesperson told H&H on 21 August that they are not in a place to share any further updates yet but that the collaborative work with Forestry England is a “key priority and ongoing”.

H&H has contacted Forestry England for comment.

Julie Chantler of TROT told H&H it is sad to hear of the loss of access. She said that the change has had a big impact on TROT membership numbers, and that the charity is “very much still going”, helping to provide other off-road routes to riders and carriage drivers.

“We had a good relationship with Forestry England, it worked well. Our members are responsible people, and they really appreciated the secure horsebox parking,” she said.

TROT membership also had benefits to both sides in other ways, including a simple way to contact all riders in advance should routes be closed at certain times owing to forestry operations, an emergency contact number, plus the knowledge that all members are required to have third-party liability insurance.

“We are actively looking to try and get more landowners on board. I’m hoping riders will get behind us and we would like to know of any farmers or land owners that would be interested in having riders on their land – we will happily try and work with you to get a route set up and some extra income for you,” she said.

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Riders’ opinions split as council spends £32,000 to improve bridleway – with concrete steps

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:59:22 +0000

Riders have been baffled by a £32,000 scheme to “improve” a bridleway – as they now have to negotiate two sets of concrete steps with their horses.

Work has been carried out on a stream ford on the Wixoldbury bridleway in Gloucestershire after riders had flagged issues at the crossing, which was prone to flooding and getting very boggy in winter.

It now has new gates, and the bare slopes down to the stream have been covered with the concrete steps on each side.

Emma Masters, who has been using the route for the couple of years she has been at her livery yard, told H&H the land sloped fairly steeply towards the water, but “personally I didn’t have a massive issue with it”.

“The council was meant to fix it – and they’ve put this abomination in,” she said.

“It was quite steep, but I don’t think this is much of an improvement. Once I’ve done it a couple of times my horse will probably be fine but it’s the principle – and when it floods, those steps will be covered.”

The ford before. Picture by South Gloucestershire Council (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Emma said she first encountered the new crossing while out with a friend, whose mare can kick, and that neither horse was happy, especially as they had just come through a field with cows in it.

“The steps are 100% concrete and it’s textured, but people have asked what would happen if a horse tried to jump the stream; it could be really dangerous,” she said. “All the local riders had an email from council about the bridleway, saying it was going to be redone, but none of us saw any plans; we were then just told it was done and to give it a go. Did they not think to get riders’ opinions? I want to get across how ridiculous it is.”

Emma is also concerned about the gate-closing mechanism, as the bolt has to be put back in its slot, and horses turned round, back end to the steps down, to close it. But the council said it is trying to adapt the gates.

Picture by Ruth Ferris (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Local rider Ruth Ferris told H&H she rode through the ford yesterday (12 August) on her 15-year-old cob Puzzle.

“I took her through in hand first, then rode it several times including opening and closing the gate,” she said.

“I found it rode really well and a big improvement on the deep mud I encountered a couple of winters ago. Although several people have commented on the gate, I didn’t find it at all tricky, and self-latching wouldn’t be my personal choice as they can close on your horse, causing panic.

“I think South Gloucestershire public rights of way have done a very good job – and there’s a very easy bridleway that skirts round this route if users find it difficult.”

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council told H&H: “The new access steps and gates at Wixoldbury Bridleway Ford were installed following many years of contact from local horse riders who highlighted various issues with the crossing. The solution had to recognise the river’s status and characteristics as well as other drainage features.

The new ford. Picture by South Gloucestershire Council (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Once consent was eventually gained from the Environment Agency to allow work on the ford, the steps and gates were installed by the council’s structures team in partnership with the public rights of way (PROW) team.

“The improvements have only been in place since the end of July, however we have already received positive feedback from local horse riders. We will continue to monitor its use and will look to make any adjustments where necessary.”

The total cost of the work was £32,000, which came from the PROW budget.

The council said one rider’s feedback stated: “Used it today. Access very much better – thank you for that. The ford crossing is excellent, very stable, no slippage, so much safer etc, an excellent enhancement. The only additional comment is that the two field gates around the pond have riders’ handles but do not have an automatic closing latch; you have to secure the bolt in a slot on the post. If a horse is being difficult this could result in the gates not being properly closed.

“Thank you again for your support in making this bridleway much more user friendly.”

The council spokesperson said the team has responded about the gates to recognise the concern and that “we are currently trying to have them adapted to make them easier to use”.

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Equestrians baffled as scheme for woodland riding makes things worse

Lucy Elder — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:45:36 +0000

Equestrians are at a loss as a scheme designed to improve access to off-road riding and carriage driving has had the opposite effect in some woodlands.

Forestry England announced this spring that riders would be able to access 49 more woodlands in England without permits from May, in what was hailed a “great step for equestrians” (news, 20 March). It partnered with the British Horse Society (BHS) to achieve this, and the move replaced historic arrangements, including those managed by third parties such as TROT (Toll Rides Off-Road Trust).

But long-term users of two such sites, Friston Forest and Abbot’s Wood in East Sussex, contacted H&H to highlight that access to the secure horsebox parking areas was withdrawn when the change happened. The riders said TROT told them in advance they would lose their access, and they have repeatedly contacted Forestry England to ask for a solution.

Mary Hindle, who was a TROT member, told H&H she has boxed her carriage-driving Shetlands to the woods for years. Although she is within hacking distance of Abbot’s Wood, after “several near misses on the very busy road”, she has vowed never to do that again.

“The only options we now have are to park on the side of the road, unload and put our ponies on the road, or retire our older mare and rehome our younger pony,” she said, adding that she would happily pay for parking.

“The frustration of seeing our safe, off-road parking standing empty and unused is immense. This is a heartbreaking situation for us and I know many equestrians are deeply upset at the situation.”

Hannah Sutch, also a former TROT member, has been riding in Friston Forest and Abbot’s Wood for 16 years; both are within a 20-minute drive of her yard.

She has tried parking on the edge of the road but said it is not safe.

“If it’s free, but you can’t get there – you can’t park there – how is it available to everyone? It is only available to those on the doorstep,” she told H&H, adding that she would also be “more than happy” to pay for parking.

A spokesperson for Forestry England’s Kent & Weald ops team told H&H continued use of areas previously used for horsebox parking “no longer meets our health and safety requirements for riders, our operational teams or other forest visitors”.

The spokesperson said when it made the move to provide free access, it separately reviewed the safety and suitability of horsebox parking arrangements.

“At Friston Forest and Abbot’s Wood, horsebox access was previously enabled via an informal addition to a third-party agreement that allowed members to unlock forest barriers and drive on internal forest roads for deboxing and parking – the parking areas being small patches of gravel shared with forest operations,” said the spokesperson.

“These routes are not open to the general public, due to the operational risks associated with shared use, particularly where forestry vehicles are active.”

The spokesperson added that these are part of an “active working woodland with ongoing timber harvesting operations – around 2,000 tonnes annually”, with frequent use of heavy machinery, and are “not designed or suitable for general public use”.

He added there was also no mechanism to control when people access the sites and they had reports of barrier codes being compromised.

“Unfortunately, alternative solutions, including the use of existing visitor car parks or nearby land, have also been found unsuitable due to high visitor volumes, space limitations, and current financial constraints that prevent us from developing and maintaining dedicated equestrian facilities,” he said.

“We appreciate that this change has been disappointing for some riders, and we want to reassure the equestrian community that we remain committed to supporting safe access for horse riders wherever possible across the nation’s forests.”

BHS director of access Mark Weston told H&H the charity understands “just how incredibly frustrating this is for all those who have been using these facilities”.

“We continue to work with Forestry England to try to make sure that all equestrians can continue to get to, and safely use, these woodland sites,” he said. “This communication and collaborative work will carry on until we can hopefully find a solution that works for equestrians and Forestry England alike.”

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7 things riders who don’t have fancy facilities can relate to

Alex Robinson — Sun, 25 May 2025 07:30:35 +0000

We’ve all imagined what life with our horses would be like if we had fancy facilities, such as an Olympic-sized arena, an on-site cross-country course and a horsewalker or water treadmill for those days when we just don’t have time to ride. But for the majority of us, these are just a dream.

Most equestrians have to make do with what they have access to. They live within their means, getting the best from their horses without the benefit of a school, a luxurious lorry, or those added extras that many of the top pros can enjoy.

Here are a few things that riders without fancy equestrian facilities can relate to.

1. Your schooling exercises are done out hacking

If you don’t have an arena or a field to ride in, then you’ll use hacking as a chance to teach and train your horse essential basics that form the foundations of quality schooling. Ensuring your horse goes forward while working in a correct outline does not have to be confined to a session in the sand school. Without an arena, you’re challenged to get creative; leg yielding and shoulder-in exercises can be ridden on disused lanes, while on-point walk to canter transitions can be trained on safe areas of grass.

2. You know the schedule of every local equestrian centre

Similarly, if you don’t have the luxury of an arena at home, you’ll likely opt to get some outings in ahead of the competitive season so that you have ridden in some sort of rectangle-shaped space ahead of your debut. This means you can recite the price lists, timings and facilities on offer at all of the equestrian centres in your local area.

3. You’ve become a DIY pro

With just yourself and/or a few long-suffering family members to help out, you’ve become very handy at fixing anything and everything on the yard, usually on a minimal budget. General maintenance or doing odd jobs doesn’t faze these riders in the slightest. If the fencing is down or a new tie ring needs fitting, you know how to navigate a drill, and if the hedge needs trimming, you can handle a strimmer like a professional gardener.

4. You can’t sleep the week before your lorry’s MOT

Sending the old faithful into the garage always provokes anxiety as you worry if she’ll be deemed roadworthy to make it through another MOT. While you regard the stiff door handles, mouldy seats and it’s reluctance to start when the weather is cold as “quirks”, you wonder if the mechanic will think the same…

5. Or, you don’t have transport so rely on the generosity of friends

Not every equestrian has the luxury of a lorry or trailer to use at their leisure. In many instances, sharing a load with a yard friend or grabbing a lift en route to a show is the only way to get out and about. Of course, you come prepared with fuel money, baked goods and great banter for the road.

6. You dread competition prep days

Without the benefit of a wash bay, a solarium or a hot water shower, you can see why many opt to only go out to play during the warmer seasons. However, if you don’t consider yourself a fair weather competitor, you’ll be all too familiar with the struggle of lugging hot water barrels from your car to the yard, or plaiting under torchlight with frozen fingers. Winter competitions are not for the faint-hearted, and if you have a grey, we really do salute you.

7. You never let it deter you

But even without the benefit of fancy facilities, you never let it prevent you and your horse from doing your best and enjoying yourselves along the way.

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The steps horse riders can take to report bad or dangerous driving

Carol Phillips — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:30:11 +0000

If you’ve ever been enjoying a quiet hack along a country lane when you hear a vehicle speeding towards you, you’ll know how terrifying this can be. Will they see you in time to adjust their speed and pass wide and slow, or will they continue without a care for how their driving will affect your horse? If you’ve experienced a situation like this, you may have wondered how horse riders can report bad driving.

It’s not just speed that can cause concern for riders exercising their horses on the road. There is also dealing with aggressive or abusive drivers, unusually large or noisy traffic, slippery road surfaces, and external factors such as out-of-control dogs that can add to the problem.

How can horse riders report bad driving?

The RAC recommends people report cases of dangerous or bad driving to the police. If there is a fear that the driver is a current danger to themselves and other road users, it suggests you call 999.

If the incident does not require an immediate response, then it can be reported via 101 or online, but you should do so in a timely manner and certainly within seven days.

Many riders now chose to wear a camera to record other road users while out riding on the roads. Video evidence can be helpful when it comes to prosecuting a dangerous driver. For use in a legal case, a video should include the two minutes of footage before and after the incident took place.

Most police forces’ websites include an option to submit video footage of a road incident or near miss. If you are submitting video footage to the police for use in a court case, it should not also be shared on social media (or anywhere else in the public domain) as this may negatively affect legal proceedings.

Other information that the police will need include the date and time of the incident, the registration number and description of the vehicle, and a description of what happened. If there is an independent witness to the incident, their description of what they saw will also be useful.

The British Horse Society (BHS) encourages all riders to report any incidents or near misses to its safety department using its online form. You do not have to be a BHS member to do so. Incidents can include:

a situation that has resulted in a rider or handler feeling concerned (e.g. verbal abuse)
an event that has caused a horse to react in an unsettled way (e.g. excessive noise)
a situation that might have caused injury to a rider, handler or horse even though it may not have at this time (a near miss)
an event that has caused injury to a rider, handler or horse (a collision)

What if there has been a collision?

If there has been a collision between a vehicle and a horse or rider, that has caused injury to either party, you must call the police.

If someone is in danger, has been seriously injured, or the collision has caused a blockage or dangerous obstruction of the road, then ring 999 and request the police, plus whichever other emergency services are needed. If the horse is injured, call a vet.

Otherwise report the collision to the police on 101 while you remain at the scene. The driver of the vehicle should stay until the police arrive.

If the driver leaves the scene after the collision, try to take down the vehicle’s number plate to pass on to the police.

What other types of incident can I report?

In addition to incidents on the road, the BHS also want to receive reports of incidents and near misses involving:

Off-road users
Dogs
Slippery road surfaces
Low-flying aircraft
Drones
Fireworks

These reports help the BHS to identify hotspots, whether those are dangerous stretches of road or other problems. They can then use this data to lobby and advise MPs, road safety partnerships, the police and other safety organisations. They can also offer support in the form of local safety campaigns.

Can you report bad driving if you don’t have video evidence?

Yes, you can report an incident to the police without video evidence. How successful it may be in terms of action being taken will depend on a number of considerations, including whether there are independent witness.

Can you report bad driving without a number plate?

Yes, you can still report the incident with just a description of the vehicle, although this does make it less likely that the driver will be located. However, reporting the incident will help to identify potentially dangerous locations, or a particular vehicle that has been linked to other similar incidents.

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Do you need insurance to ride your horse on the road? H&H explains…

Emily Donoho — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:30:41 +0000

Working out what insurance you do and don’t need when you’re out and about on the road with your horse can be confusing. Horse & Hound sets the record straight.

Cars need to be insured to be on road, but do you need insurance to ride your horse on the road? The short answer is no, there is no legal requirement for horse or rider to carry insurance in order to use roads. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea.

Public liability cover

The British Horse Society (BHS) “strongly advises riders to take out public liability insurance for horses, although it is not a legal requirement, as if a horse in their care causes damage to property or injury, they may be liable to pay considerable costs”.

“When riding on roads, horse riders should consider both public liability insurance as well as personal accident cover with insurance providers offering cover for both junior riders (up to 17) and adult riders (ages 18-75),” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “It’s worth noting that both types of cover are typically included within horse rider insurance.”

A spokesperson at SEIB, a specialist equine insurance broker, says: “Public liability covers claims brought against you by a third party following property damage or bodily injury for which you are legally liable.”

SEIB’s literature explains how public liability insurance relates to horses: “For example if your horse escapes from its field in the night and runs out in front of a moving car resulting in damage to the car and injury to the driver, you could be made to pay the compensation costs for this incident even though you were tucked up in bed at the time.”

It’s not a road specific insurance, but it covers anything that happens while on a road, or any other public place.

What if you don’t own the horse? Are you still covered for public liability? A PetPlan spokesperson explained: “Firstly, you need to check whether the horse is insured and if it is, ask the owner to confirm what cover is in place. If the owner has cover for third party liability check if it covers just the owner, named riders or anyone riding and handling the horse with the owner’s permission.”

Personal accident cover

As the person most likely to be injured in a riding accident is the rider, it’s also recommended that they take out personal accident cover.

SEIB’s spokesperson adds: “Personal accident cover provides benefits in the event of injury following an accident. Cover can be provided for death, loss of limb or sight, permanent total disablement or weekly benefits, however this is not an exhaustive list of benefits available.”

Some personal accident policies include an optional upgrade to include fracture cover, which will pay out if you suffer broken bones as the result of a horse-related incident.

It is important to note that personal accident policies do not typically cover the associated costs if an injured rider needs to take time off work, or employ someone to assist them with their horse following an injury. You will need income protection cover in this case.

Many insurance companies also offer an upgrade for vet’s fees, should the horse be injured in an accident.

Even if you don’t own the horse, you can still take out rider insurance. A number of insurance companies offer a rider-only insurance package.

The BHS Gold membership starts at £8.50 per month, if paying by direct debit, and £102 for a one-off payment and includes public liability insurance, personal accident, and, according to a BHS spokesperson: “Covers you for any horse you own, look after, or ride.”

Shearwater also offers personal accident cover for riders, which, a spokesperson explained: “Will cover you as a rider if you get injured, offering a multitude of benefits, however it does not cover any potential damage to someone else’s property, for example a car.”

This list isn’t comprehensive. Anyone interested in personal injury insurance or public liability cover should go online and see what’s out there. Shop around to find the policy that’s right for you – and make sure you’ve read the small print. Being covered will help give you peace of mind if you’re riding on the roads.

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A ‘great step’ as almost 50 paid-for woodland riding permits axed

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:05:42 +0000

Riders will be able to access 49 more woodlands across England without permits from May, in a “great step for equestrians”.

Forestry England has announced it will “significantly reduce” the number of woodlands needing permits for horse riding, after a public review.

H&H reported in 2023 that Forestry England wanted riders’ views; in 2022, we reported that the agency and the British Horse Society (BHS) were in discussions about the permits, which the BHS opposed for publicly owned land to which others users had free access.

Forestry England has now completed its review of 51 woodlands for which permits were in place, 48 of which were paid for.

Chief executive Mike Seddon said: “We are delighted to announce this huge reduction in woodlands that need permits for equestrian access. This will make horse riding accessible to more riders across the nation’s forests.

“Our decision reflects our commitment for the nation’s forests in our care to be as welcoming and available to visitors as possible, including our equestrian community.”

Permits will still be required for two of the woodlands; Bramshill, Hampshire/Berkshire, and Hodgemoor Wood, Buckinghamshire. Mr Seddon said this is because these are ecologically sensitive wildlife sites that need extra management.

“Thank you to everyone that took part in our review and for your patience while we worked through each and every permit,” he said.

BHS director of access Mark Weston said the BHS was “delighted to hear of the decision to significantly reduce the requirement for equestrians to buy permits to access Forestry England forests”.

“The British Horse Society believes that all riders and carriage drivers should be able to enjoy safe off-road networks in the vicinity of where they keep their horses,” he said. “This is a great step towards allowing equestrians the freedom to explore and enjoy our nation’s countryside in a safe and accessible manner.”

Will this news enable you to enjoy more off-road riding? Let us know by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county, then your thoughts might be published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

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‘A huge step’ for horse and rider safety as Government removes recording deadline

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:21:23 +0000

The Government’s decision to abolish the deadline to save off-road routes in England has been welcomed as a “huge step” in horse and rider safety.

Defra announced today (26 December) that the 2031 deadline by which historic rights of way were to have been recorded has been repealed, so these “will not be lost to the public”.

H&H has reported on the cut-off date, which was initially in 2026. The previous Government abolished it, then pushed it back by five years, which the British Horse Society (BHS) said would put “horse riders at increasing risk on England’s roads”.

But it has now been removed for good.

“England has thousands of miles of unrecorded rights of way which are well used by walkers, cyclists and equestrians, but aren’t officially recorded or protected,” a Defra spokesperson said.

“These paths are some of the oldest inscriptions on our landscapes – a tangible record of people’s movements over the centuries, with many paths and roads we use today dating back hundreds or thousands of years. For many walkers, the knowledge that you’re on an ancient path trodden by generations of our ancestors is one of walking’s great pleasures.

“However, local authorities have struggled under the burden of recording historic rights of way, which are estimated to stretch over 40,000 miles, by the 2031 cut-off date introduced by the last Government. The Government’s move to reverse that decision means these paths will no longer be lost to the public.”

The BHS has been working for years with supporters and volunteers to record off-road routes, and lobbying the Government.

“The BHS is hugely relieved to learn that the UK Government has today announced its decision to repeal the 2031 cut-off date,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

“This means thousands of rights of way across the UK will no longer vanish in seven years’ time, helping more people in future to access the great outdoors and all the benefits this brings.

“For equestrians in particular, an improved off-road network of bridleways and byways is hugely important. Since 2010, over 630 horses have been killed on UK roads and 1,500 injured. More than 1,680 equestrians have been injured too. These routes will play an essential role in helping to eliminate further fatalities, as they enable horse riders and carriage drivers to avoid, or at least minimise, the time spent on fast-flowing roads.”

BHS director of access Mark Weston added that these stats have shown how important off-road riding routes are.

“The Government’s intention to repeal the 2031 cut-off date is a huge step,” he said. “Not only does it mean that our routes can be protected for future generations to enjoy and treasure, but it is also very important for the safety of the general public.”

Since the cut-off date was introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the BHS had been “committed to lobbying the government to abolish this deadline”.

“Through our Project 2026 campaign (the originally proposed cut off-date), we have made great steps to save over 3,700 bridleways and byways from being wiped off the definitive map,” Mr Weston said. “Our trained volunteers have worked tirelessly across England to research and submit these applications to local authorities.

“Although we may no longer be working towards a looming deadline, we will continue to collaborate with our brilliant network of 400 access volunteers to record routes. We are committed to making sure our off-road network is protected from obstruction, development and neglect. Researching and recording our routes is the very best way to do this.”

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Can horses go on footpaths, plus other facts riders need to know about public rights of way

Bethany Stone — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:30:25 +0000

Hacking out is a mainstay of most equestrian routines. Thankfully, the UK is home to a vast network of public rights of way, but how many of these are horse riding routes? Most riders would prefer to avoid riding on the road, but it’s not always possible. As such, many horses use stretches of road by necessity to reach more scenic riding locations or an off-road public right of way.

Thanks to recent changes in the Highway Code, horse riders are classified as vulnerable road users alongside pedestrians and cyclists, and the hierarchy of road users states that horses and riders are equal to cyclists. However, despite this and a strong level of guidance on how to pass horses safely enshrined in the Code, the British Horse Society (BHS) statistics on road incidents show that a horse and rider is involved in one most days in the UK.

Riders can boost their safety on the roads by wearing plenty of hi viz clothing and investing in hi viz for horses, too. The BHS also strongly recommends use of a camera for horse riding, be it a helmet or body camera, when riding on the roads.

Horse riding routes: the UK’s horse-friendly rights of way

Aside from roads, some – but importantly not all – public rights of way in the UK can be used as horse riding routes. While access rights are different and more extensive in Scotland, here’s where you can ride your horse in the rest of the UK. Before you set off, it’s a good idea to brush up on the Countryside Code if you aren’t already familiar with it.

Library image. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

1. Bridleways

Bridleways are a recorded right of way that pedestrians, cyclists, users of mobility aids, and horse riders can use. They cannot be used by motorised or horse-drawn vehicles. A waymarker with a blue arrow identifies a bridleway.

Priority and etiquette: The Highway Code states that cyclists should give way to horse riders and pedestrians on bridleways. Additionally, they should not pass at high speed. It also states that cyclists should not pass on the left of a horse.

Furthermore, cyclists and horse riders alike have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. Therefore, you should never pass a walker at speed and ensure you announce yourself by calling out. That said, it is also the responsibility of walkers to ensure they do not obstruct or endanger horse riders, according to the Countryside Code.

It’s unlikely you’ll ever come across a motorised vehicle on a bridleway. The only acceptable circumstances in which a vehicle can use a bridleway or footpath is:

to gain legal access to a property
in an emergency

If a bridleway crosses another public highway, such as a road, you may encounter a pegasus crossing, a crossing especially designed for horse riders.

2. Restricted byways

A restricted byway is a public right of way that pedestrians, cyclists, users of mobility aids, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles can use. Motorised vehicles, except mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs are prohibited. A waymarker with a purple arrow identifies a restricted byway

Priority and etiquette: Priority rules are much the same as on a bridleway, with the addition of horse-drawn vehicles. These have the same place in the hierarchy as horse riders.

3. Byways

A byway, or Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) is a public right of way that pedestrians, cyclists, users of mobility aids, horse riders, and horse-drawn and motorised vehicles can use. While they are open to cars, they are mostly used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The fact cars can access byways doesn’t guarantee suitable conditions. A waymarker with a red arrow identifies a restricted byway.

Riders should note that motorbike riders often use public byways for recreational purposes. Make sure you use with caution if your horse is reactive.

Priority and etiquette: Any car on a byway must pass a horse rider, cylist or pedestrian in accordance with the Highway Code – no faster than 10mph and with at least a two-metre gap.

4. Permissive bridleways

Permissive bridleways are not a public right of way, but grant horse riders and sometimes other users access to tracks with the landowner’s permission. Sometimes, they run close to public footpaths as an alternative route for horses. They are clearly marked with signage, but there is no official colour or marker attached to them.

Priority and etiquette: The use of permissive bridleways depends entirely on the permissions specific to the track. These should be clearly stated on signage at access points to the track. Make sure you are familiar with the terms of use and take note if access to the track is seasonal. It’s important to make sure you only act on up-to-date information as access permissions are subject to change.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Can I ride my horse on a footpath?

You should not ride your horse or lead him on a public footpath – yellow arrows mark these paths and only pedestrians and their dogs may use them – unless you have the landowner’s permission. However, you should be aware walkers would not expect a horse to be on a footpath and might therefore question your use.

Is it illegal for a horse to be on a pavement?

While it may be tempting to ride on a pavement in an attempt to put space between your horse and vehicles on the road, only pedestrians are permitted to use pavements. Also, riding on a pavement or grass verge may encourage drivers to pass without slowing down and giving extra space. In addition, designated cycle tracks are also off-limits to horse riders.

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Getting ready takes forever — and 7 other things you’d forgotten about winter riding

Amanda Vlietstra — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:30:53 +0000

As we all know, the British winter weather can be capricious – tipping down with rain one day, blustery snow the next, not to mention some gale force winds, just to spice things up a bit. But there’s something deeply satisfying about braving the elements to take your horse out. And you never know, you might even get a bit of sunshine.

Chances are you’ll experience all or most of the following though…

1. The world has turned to mud

Your usually leafy green bridlepaths now resemble the banks of the river Nile during flood season. All they need is a few wallowing hippos. Your horse is a dead ringer for one anyway by the time you’ve returned to the yard, with legs and belly dripping with the brown stuff.

2. Where can you go for a good blast?

The tracks have been too hard to canter on all summer, now they’re too slippery and slushy – that or they’ve turned to icy rock. You can’t win!

3. Your feet are cold. So cold.

You’re wearing three pairs of welly socks and you still can’t feel your toes. You’re pretty sure this means you’ve got actual frostbite. Eek.

4. You can’t find your gloves

You’re sure you left your favourite pair of winter riding gloves in your coat pocket, but there’s only one in there now. And another in your tack box but – weirdly – it’s the same hand. Why does this always happen? It’s freaky.

5. There are horse-killing pheasants everywhere

Forget cascading red leaves and crisp frosty days, you really know it’s autumn/winter when the roads are covered with squashed pheasant carcasses, or the live versions are exploding out of the hedges or grass just inches in front of you. Your horse is convinced they’re out to get him, and you can understand why, as you slip an extra finger inside your neckstrap.

6. Getting ready takes forever

By the time you and your trusty steed are wrapped up and ready to go, in brushing boots, over-reach boots, exercise sheet, and high-vis on every available surface (and that’s just your horse), it’s pretty much time to untack and head home.

7. What – it’s dark already?

Like, how is 3.30pm an acceptable time for dusk to draw in? You’ve barely finished lunch! But leave it any later, and you’ll be trying to navigate your way home by the light of the moon.

8. But it’s really gorgeous out there!

No, seriously. On a perfect winter’s day, when everything seems brighter and crisper than usual, and it’s you and your horse – maybe some mates as well – making your way across a frosty landscape, you could actually imagine someone taking your photo and using it as a Christmas card.

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Does your horse hate to go behind when hacking? Try these three exercises

Pippa Roome — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:25:01 +0000

Do you struggle to ride your horse behind when hacking with friends? Perhaps your mount is great when he’s leading the way, but becomes hot and buzzy if he’s asked to take a turn in the rear.

Jason Webb, a trainer who specialises in starting young horses and retraining those with problems, says to start training the horse to go behind when hacking in a low energy environment – with just one other horse, in a familiar place.

He suggests three exercises to help with this problem.

1. Alternate positions

“The first thing to do for a little while is to ride in front,” says Jason. “Don’t make a big fuss about it, just allow the horse to be in front and relax.

“Then get the person with you to ride up alongside you. Then I would alternate positions, just checking your horse in behind and coming up to the other side of the other horse and riding along again.

“If your horse gets bothered by this movement, allow him to spend some time in front, before switching again.”

2. Variation within the pace

A problem with your horse going behind when hacking comes down to being able to control your horse’s paces, slowing the horse’s walk and then allowing them to walk on again, says Jason.

“This must be done in an environment that your horse is comfortable with at first and generally I practise this going away from home, with or without company,” he says.

“When I’m on my way home I always find the the most comfortable place for my horse and allow him to be there because a lot of problems with riding in company, and hacking in general, come from holding your horse up when on the way home.

“So on the way out, practise getting your horse to walk slower and then walk out again.”

3. Let the horse choose

You need a companion horse who is happy to stand quietly while another horse walks past in both directions for this exercise.

“Set yourself to go 100m down a track – that’s as far as I want to go because I know when he’s behind my horse gets anxious,” says Jason.

“I start out behind the other horse, then if I feel my horse get anxious, I ask the other person to stop and I’ll allow my horse to go past. When I get in front, I’ll start to ride around in fairly small circles left and right. I’ll do this for a minute maybe, then I’ll ride back past the horse standing patiently waiting for me and position my horse where I want him to be, behind the other horse.

“When I ask him to stand there, he may choose to walk off again to get back in front. If so, all I do is repeat the process of a few circles walking around in front of the other horse and go back. I do this until my horse can stand with a loose rein behind the horse in front.

“The idea of this exercise is that when I’m behind, I don’t hold my horse, I allow him to choose to stay there. If he chooses not to and chooses to go in front, I make it slightly awkward for him by doing some small circles and figures of eight and then I take him back behind and leave him alone again.

“In doing this, I allow my horse to make the decision – if he decides to go in front he has to do these circles and serpentines and it’s quite tight and slightly awkward or he can choose to stay behind where it feels like he’s got space to relax. The horse in front isn’t going anywhere so he will realise maybe this is the best place to be in this situation.”

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MoD and British Horse Society link up to help riders hacking on military land

Lucy Elder — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 18:26:09 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) have launched a new resource to help promote safe off-road riding on military land.

The “Riding on MoD land” page contains information about accessible riding routes, plus safety guidance. The idea is that riders can use it alongside the public safety information on the GOV.UK website for details on where to ride safely, restrictions, and links to check firing times.

“While the primary use of MoD land is to enable military training, we are committed to maintaining publicly accessible areas, some of which provide ideal horse-riding opportunities,” said James Nevitt, senior public access and recreation advisor at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.

“We encourage horse riders to access MoD land when and where it is safe to do so, and we’re excited to be working with the British Horse Society to increase awareness of how to access our estate safely. We hope this guidance is well received and that riders continue to enjoy using MoD land.”

The MoD owns and maintains hundreds of thousands of hectares of land, which are primarily used for military training.

For example, on Salisbury Plain Training Area in Wiltshire, the Imber Range Perimeter Path provides a 50km circular mixed terrain route. It follows the perimeter of the Imber Firing Range Danger Area and has views of the Westbury White Horse.

Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland spans more than 22,000 hectares, parts of which can be accessed for riding, alongside the moorland birds, ravens and even wild goats.

The Epynt Way in Powys has 65km of off-road riding within Sennybridge Training Area, featuring views across to the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains, and the Carmarthenshire Black Mountain.

When military training is not taking place, there are opportunities for riding, cycling, walking, climbing – or even just driving on military roads.

BHS director of access Mark Weston added: “A lot of much needed safe off-road riding is available on the MoD estate across the nations, and it is really important that horse riders know how to access this safely.

The new ‘Riding on MoD Land’ page on our website provides just that advice, at the click of a button. We are pleased to be working with the MoD to produce this valuable information resource.”

Visit: https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding/riding-out-hacking/riding-on-mod-land/

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‘We made it happen’: horse community works together to regain off-road riding

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 19:21:34 +0000

Riders are urged to work with the authorities to regain access to off-road routes, as recent cases show the difference this can make.

Gates obstructing a restricted byway in North Yorkshire have been removed, and a broken bridge in Buckinghamshire has been repaired and reopened, allowing riders access to safe areas again.

The British Horse Society (BHS), with support of the Ramblers, Byways and Bridleways Trust and Open Spaces Society, secured the removal of two pairs of large gates in Stanwick St John.

The route is open to walkers, cyclists, riders and carriage drivers but the gates had been put up without authorisation, “giving the public the clear impression the byway was private”, the BHS said.

A spokesperson for the charity told H&H the BHS had been working with local authorities, calling for the gates’ removal. After the council agreed the byway was obstructed, Yorkshire magistrates ordered the council to secure their removal by 3 July, which has now been done.

BHS director of access Mark Weston told H&H: “The council’s removal of these gates demonstrates that people must not erect gates across the highway unless they are authorised by the council to do so. Not only do such gates block the public’s right of passage, but they are also intimidating and make public paths appear to be privatised.

“The BHS is grateful to the Ramblers, Open Spaces Society, and Byways and Bridleways Trust for their support in bringing these proceedings. Together, it is important we protect the public’s rights to use and enjoy public paths.”

The bridge, over Padbury Brook in Steeple Claydon, Buckinghamshire, had been unusable for months.

Sarah Vousden, who has lived in the area and been riding over the bridge for years, told H&H one of the planks rotted through in December.

“Within three quarters of a mile there’s about 100 horses, and many of us reported it to the council,” she said. “They put up a notice in January saying it would be repaired within 21 days.”

Sarah said the bridleway is important for riders, especially with high levels of HS2 and East West Rail construction traffic in the surrounding area.

“We’ve been forced onto the roads, to put up with heavy traffic, and because of the lorries, the camber is pretty uninviting too,” she said. “We put up with it in winter but thought we really need to take action now.”

A fellow livery suggested action on a WhatsApp group and within a week, the “protest ride” was organised for 1 July. With support from councillor Frank Mahon, eight horses and riders went through the village on the Monday morning, in a “controlled and marshalled” group.

“Funnily enough, by the time of the ride, the council had contractors on site,” Sarah said. “It could be coincidental but I suspect it was because of our action. I’ve since hacked down there and they’ve done a good job. The equestrian community worked together and made it happen.”

A Buckinghamshire Council spokesperson told H&H: “We’re pleased to confirm this bridge has now reopened so we hope this is welcome news for local riders; we very much recognise the importance of equestrian access. Unfortunately, we had had to close this bridge as there was significant decay in the wooden decking, and it had become dangerous to use.

“Repairs were delayed as the site became subject to flooding, but we were able to carry out the works when the land dried out. We thank users of this route for their patience while the bridge was out of action.”

Mr Weston added that keeping horses and riders safe is a “key priority” for the BHS.

“We encourage all equestrians to contact their local authorities and report any problems they’ve encountered,” he said. “By working together, we can ensure our off-road routes can be enjoyed by future generations.”

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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. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

9 ways to train your horse out hacking for success on competition day

Aimi Clark — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:30:09 +0000

With a little imagination, hacking can be fun and a useful tool for preparing your horse to succeed on competition day.

Whether you’re seeking extra marks in the dressage arena or want to become more confident across country, here are nine tips that will help.

1. Practise being accurate

It’s so easy to lose marks for not being accurate in a dressage test, and you must be able to ride an exacting line to a narrow cross-country fence. So while you’re hacking, pick a marker in the hedge — it could be a certain tree or a telegraph pole — and make a transition there.

2. Learn to leg-yield

Leg-yield past spooky objects by turning the horse’s head away from it while still maintaining forward momentum. He’s learning to move away from your leg pressure without over-thinking it.

3. Open and close gates

Don’t shy away from opening and closing gates out hacking. By doing it while mounted, your horse will be learning to turn on the forehand and rein back without realising it.

4. Perfect the free walk

A happy horse is more likely to be marching along out hacking and going forward. This makes it easier to encourage them to stretch down on a long rein compared to in an arena, where they may not be as relaxed.

You can also practise riding medium walk, too, and really feeling the difference.

5. Make banks easy

If you live near woodland, walking up and down natural banks is an ideal way to build a horse’s confidence. It’s surprising how difficult some young or inexperienced horses find going up and down banks, so hacking is the ideal place to learn that skill. Begin with small banks and build up gradually.

6. Become brave about ditches

Popping small ditches out hacking is good fun too, providing you don’t teach the horse bad habits. Find a small, inviting natural ditch to begin with and work up from there. However, we don’t suggest you use drainage ditches on verges, and make sure that the ground on either side is suitable and free from debris.

7. Build the bond you have

Most horses will try to step around a puddle, because sense tells them that the ground is lower there. If you can convince them to step in and walk through happily, not only are they learning that getting their feet wet is fun, but you are building a trusting relationship too.

8. Make water fun

Walking through ford crossings, streams and natural water is a brilliant way to teach your horse to enjoy getting wet. Begin where it is shallow, and always make sure the bottom is safe.

Many leading riders regularly take their horses, including their top rides, into water prior to an event in order to keep them confident.

9. Cope with the unexpected

You never quite know what you’re going to come across while hacking, and the same is true when you’re away competing. So if your horse is used to dealing with variable terrain, damp patches, shadows and anything unusual on a daily basis, it shouldn’t be a problem on competition day.

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How to keep you and your horse safe when around other animals

Martha Terry — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:30:47 +0000

Riding horses through cows might be commonplace on the plains of Montana, but in the UK on most hacking routes riders will not encounter livestock. Being confronted by a field full of cattle while out on a ride may cause alarm, but the majority of the time, livestock – whether sheep, cattle or other horses – on a public right of way present no issues to horses and riders. Pigs are anecdotally known to spook to many horses, but they are unlikely to cause an upset on purpose. Occasionally cattle may behave in a dangerous manner, leaving both you and your horse fearful or under threat. It is possible to appeal to a highway authority to have threatening animals removed, but you need evidence of their dangerous behaviour – rather than your horse simply being scared of a herd of ruminants.

In fact, in most parts of the world, equines co-exist quite happily with other livestock. For example, in Africa, where antelopes, zebras, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and others all graze in the same area. Before the Ice Age in Britain, wild horses grazed with bison, deer, woolly rhinos and wild cattle. However, our modern horses may not be used to the sight of flocks and herds of other species, so this needs addressing before heading through a field with livestock.

Preparing your horse to ride among livestock

The first step is to make sure your horse is well prepared. Your Horsemanship trainer Jason Webb grew up farming sheep and cattle off horseback in Australia, and advocates starting slowly with “what I term reasonable exposure”.

“Turn your horse out in a field where they can see livestock,” he suggests. “Or, if you know you are going to meet them on a hacking route, have a quiet, experienced horse between them and the cows or sheep, or start by leading them from the ground – as long as your groundwork is good!

“Pick your times well. Ask the farmer when he usually feeds the animals, and avoid those times as the livestock will tend to be on the move, and avoid times when the road may be busier, such as school run times.”

On the specific training, “good ridden controls” are a must.

“Make sure you can do a one-rein turn and one-rein stop and that you are able to control your horse’s hind end from the ground if you decide you need to dismount,” he says. “Make sure your horse is desensitised to a whip or stick. If you are moving through a field of livestock, you may need to carry a whip or a stick to move the livestock away. A good test is your horse not reacting when you tap the whip or stick on fencing when you are riding in the arena or on hedgerows or branches when you are out hacking.”

Jason explains that the ideal situation for training would be to work with stock that moves away from a horse or rider.

“I would push that animal around with the help of another horse who’s used to herding,” he says. “A week of this would see your horse really gain confidence as they realise that they can move the stock away from them, rather than the other way round. This is what we do in Australia; the sheep and cattle know the horses mean that they are going to be moved from one paddock to another.”

Riding horses though cows and other animals

An understanding of how livestock behave can help you avoid threatening situations and enable you to respond appropriately. This would also apply to areas with a high frequency of dog walkers. Dogs are more likely than most livestock to chase horses, because they are naturally more predatory than grazing animals such as cows and sheep. A pet dog may think a moving horse is cue for a game of tag, so always slow and halt to avoid a situation escalating. With any luck the owner will bring the dog under control. But knowing how dogs behave and preparing your horse for their reactions will make for a much safer hack.

The best advice is usually to steer clear of other animals, rather than approaching them. If this a regular occurrence, both your horse and the livestock will be familiar and less reactive – it’s the one-off or first-time experiences that cause concern, and need to be managed correctly so that they don’t set a precedent of trauma.

A sense of distress is often a trigger to panicked behaviour among livestock – and your own horse – so always keep calm and purposeful, using your voice confidently. However, don’t try to sneak through the field in case they are suddenly surprised by you. You want the livestock to be aware that you are there, but are not exhibiting any threat towards them.

Look out for any cows with calves or ewes with lambs. The mothers will defend their young with their life, being highly protective and potentially aggressive or agitated, so give them a wide berth so they don’t feel any threat from you.

A potential snag is when the livestock are crowded around a gateway you need to use. Jason says there is no point seeking confrontation if you are concerned.

“I would avoid going through that gate with a nervous horse,” he says. “It might be a better idea to turn around and go back the way you came, or walk along the fence a bit to encourage the stock to move away from the gate.”

Bulls, rams or stallions may be aggressive to protect the females in their group so give them plenty of space.

Bullocks and groups of young horses tend to be curious rather than aggressive, but it can feel quite threatening when they follow you and start getting excitable. Try to avoid attracting their attention and do not get stressed or agitated yourself. Turn to face the livestock, and if necessary move towards them as this is likely to cause them to retreat. Running away will look like a game.

Avoid any field where dogs are working with the animals, for example sheepdogs, as you may be considered a threat to the flock – and your horse might be rounded up in the process!

How to respond if your horse is scared

Despite excellent preparation and thoughtful riding, your horse may still get scared, so you need to know how to deal with a situation.

“When your horse gets adrenalised, you need to be able to control him without blocking him, which could result in him getting more panicked,” says Jason. “Therefore using a one-rein turn into a circle is a great way of maintaining control while allowing your horse to continue to travel forwards.

“If it is difficult to turn or circle in the environment you are in, focus on a point or object in the distance to ride towards. This keeps you riding forward positively and being proactive in the situation.”

With some practical preparation, calm and firm controls from the saddle, and you and your horse will be able to cope with whatever situation arises while out together.

You may also enjoy reading…

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What to do if you meet an out-of-control dog while riding your horse

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Jason Webb’s blog: spook-busting tips, fresh horses in winter and how to convince your horse they won’t be eaten by clippers

Jason shares some great advice on how to manage spooky or clipper-shy horses

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Jason Webb’s blog: how to help your horse deal with their ‘demons’

Jason has been flat out helping all levels of horses and riders and has also started a particularly promising eventer

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How to master recall

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How to exercise your dog and your horse together safely

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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.

What to do if you meet an out-of-control dog while riding your horse

Martha Terry — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:30:11 +0000

Horses and hounds go together – or do they? The BHS reports there have been 706 dog attacks on horses in the past two years, although it is believed the figures could be much higher as many incidents go unreported. These are not rare occurrences, which means all riders need to know what to do if they find themselves dealing with a situation involving out-of-control dogs around horses.

Sophie Rubie was hacking out in Bramshill Forest, Hants, when a large, muscular dog on a choke-chain pulled away from his handler and began jumping up at her mare, barking and snarling.

“My horse was amazing at trying to protect herself and me, she kept spinning round to face the dog, and striking out with her forelegs,” says Sophie. “I was screaming at the owner, but they couldn’t get their dog back. After what seemed like an age but was probably a few minutes, I managed to gallop away down a long sandy track, and the dog gave up chasing. I’m not sure if I did the right thing, but at least we got away unscathed.”

Many riders aren’t so lucky. In the past two years, the BHS reported three horse fatalities due to dog attacks, with 75 horses and 102 humans injured. Many dog attacks do not involve the dog actually biting the horse. Injuries are often caused by the dog chasing the horse, the rider falling off and injuring themselves, or the horse suffering or causing damage while running loose and panicking.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it a criminal offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control, whether on private land or in a public place. This means that the owner should be able to control the dog instantly and recall it, whatever the circumstances. However, just because it is illegal does not mean it never happens, so you need to be prepared.

Dog trainer and behaviourist Helen Masters, who is also a rider, says that most dogs “quickly back off once they have appreciated the sheer size of the horse”.

“However, dogs are by nature predatory, and some are extremely prone to chasing and herding,” she explains. “To these dogs, and those who may not be well trained and have no impulse control, any thing that is going quickly is game on! I would say from experience 90% of incidents happen when a horse is trotting, cantering or galloping. To a pet dog this is a game of tag.”

Out-of-control dogs around horses: what to do

If you spot a dog on its own, without a handler nearby, it may leave your horse well alone. However, even friendly dogs can get excitable, cause your horse to spook, or chase them for fun. Make this less of a likelihood by slowing to a walk, and giving the dog a wide berth so that they do not feel threatened or provoked. Call out that you are passing, in case the owner is near enough to control their dog and simply wasn’t aware of your presence. They are more likely to spot you if you’re wearing one of the best high-vis options for horse riders.

Helen says there are ways that you can prevent what a dog may see as a fun game of chase from escalating.

“Stop, as quickly as possible,” she says. “The horse may not want to stop due to being chased and is going flat-out to get away. In this instance you can either hope that the dog gets worn out, gets too close to a hoof and backs off altogether, or sadly if you have a crop you may need to use it for the safety of all involved. If you can circle there is more chance of being able to slow things down and stop your horse. Either way, it makes for an unpleasant experience.

“If you can stop then just stand still and hope the owner is not too far behind. If the dog continues to be a nuisance, then I would dismount, and the dog would meet me and be backed off my horse by a very assertive forward movement and a back-off command. I would continue to do this until such time as the owner appeared or the dog retreated.

“Should there be no sign of an owner, again dismount, get a hold of the dog (pray it has a collar on) and walk with it back to your lorry or yard. Or if the dog and the horse can stay still, try calling the number on the dog’s collar, which by law all dogs should have on in a public place. Lastly, if no collar, improvise with a stirrup leather as a make-do lead until you can get help or your horse safely back home or to the lorry.”

If the dog shows signs that it may attack – such as barking, growling and jumping up – try to stay calm. The BHS advises:

Distance yourself from the dog by riding away
Protect young or vulnerable riders if possible and safe to do so
Keep the horse’s head away from the dog
Allow your horse to defend itself
Make a note of any identifying details of either the dog or their owner

Helen always wears a riding hat camera on her helmet in case of situations like these.

“If you are thrown, your horse gets bitten or injured as a result, or the dog does, then hopefully you have video evidence of the incident at hand,” she says. “Try as hard as you can to stay calm and rational, and in doing so the likelihood of you all coming out of the situation unscathed is very much higher.”

If your horse has suffered any injury, call the vet immediately. You may need to summon an emergency vet to the incident itself if you cannot safely walk the horse home, for instance if there is severe bleeding, lameness or shock. Even if the injury looks superficial, a dog’s saliva is full of bacteria which may cause infection.

Once the situation has been diffused, and assuming you and your horse are safe, try to get the owner’s contact details in case the incident needs following up. Report any incident to the Police and ask them to refer it to the Dog Legislation Officer – an expert in canine matters – which every police force is recommended to have. You should also report the incident to the BHS, whether or not you are a member, as your information can be used to improve equine safety.

Are you a rider? Here’s how to behave around dogs

“Riders must be equally respectful to dogs and their owners alike,” says Helen. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, owners put their dogs back on a lead and stand still while you pass. You should always thank them for their consideration. Furthermore, if you were foolish enough to trot or canter past at a rate of knots, not only is this extremely rude but outright stupid as you are asking to be chased. There may be times that you do not see a dog initially, but the second you do, slow down, stop and apologise.”

Helen also recommends desensitising your horse to dogs if you can.

“Walk out with a well-trained dog and its handler. Having the dog run alongside while you trot will help your horse get used to dogs,” she says.

Are you a dog walker? Here’s how to behave around horses

Dogs should always be kept on a lead or within sight of their walker, with reliable confidence that the dog can be recalled instantly.

Familiarise your dog to horses in a controlled situation so that you can train them not to react, but to stay calm if they meet horses while out on a walk. Teach your dog to sit and stay, quietly, while the horse passes.

“I would walk the dog on its lead alongside a horse that is being ridden,” says Helen. “Go near fields where horses graze and walk them around outside. If the dog gets excitable and shows interest, correct them and ask them to leave it and redirect. Riding schools may let you bring your dog on site and watch, on a lead, at a distance to help teach your dog manners.”

According to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, if your dog is deemed dangerously out of control, the consequences are severe. The dog may be destroyed, you may be banned from keeping dogs and even be sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. At the lesser end of the scale is a potential £5,000 fine, an order to muzzle your dog and keep him on a lead in public.

How to exercise your dog and your horse together safely

Martha Terry — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:00:57 +0000

It’s one of the great joys in life to head out for a ride with your beloved dog in tow. Alas, it’s the preserve of the lucky few who have access to private land or large off-road areas where their dog can run freely. Riding your horse with a dog off the lead is not simply a matter of trying it out and seeing if it works. You need to put in hours of training, for horse, dog and handler, until you are ready to head out together safely.

Dog trainer and behaviourist Helen Masters, who hacks out with her beautifully trained dogs beside her horse, takes a step-by-step approach.

“Introduce the dog and horse in the yard, so they become used to each other’s presence. Next get someone to walk the dog with you while you hack and – if you are lucky enough to have a school — to stand in the manège with the dog on lead while the horse is worked in all gaits.

“Once the dog seems unfazed, you can then see if it maintains the same demeanour off the lead while the horse is worked in the manège. Mine either go out and mooch around nearby or sit in the middle of the school. If you have access to private land, then the same thesis applies.

“If it is your own dog, you should have put in the time to teach a recall and the dog will invariably follow you anyway. If the dog is not reliable with recall and following you and runs off to hunt or go into bushes to do their own thing, then until the dog is trained to come when called it would not be sensible to try riding out with it.”

Becoming separated from your dog is much more alarming when you are mounted, as you are not as free to track it down.

“Sometimes the dog may spook and bolt, head back to where your lorry is parked or back home if you have your own land to ride around,” says Helen. “Dogs invariably go back to the place they know and feel safe, which will either be back home or the lorry. It is always a good idea to have one of the best GPS trackers for dogs just in case they don’t do either of these things. Tractive is great and you get real time location.

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“Always tell someone where you are going to ride if you are taking the dog and an approximate time of how long you will be.”

Your Horsemanship trainer Jason Webb says it’s essential that your dog is progressively introduced to horses, for both species’ sake.

“Have your dog on the lead or tied up on the yard while your horse is tied up, or walk your dog on a lead next to, or through, their field,” he advises. ‘“Make sure you have good control of your dog before you let him loose around your horse on the yard and the field. I have our dogs loose on the yard and they get in and around the young horses and run around the arena – the horses get used to them really quickly.”

Case study: Inca – “I can trust her implicitly”

Dan Gregory with Inca out on a ride (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Dan Gregory’s nine-year-old German Short-haired Pointer/Weimaraner, Inca, loves nothing more than a “hoolie with the horses”. When Dan was training for three-day events, Inca would do the hill reps in canter alongside his horse Archie.

“She is the type of breed that can go all day and has both the legs and the stamina,” says Dan, a joint-master of the Staff College Drag Hunt. “She loves it so much that as soon as we arrive at the yard, she’s yipping and yapping so I don’t forget to take her, she’s itching to go out.”

But Dan trained her meticulously so that he knew that even once aboard Archie, he had complete control of his dog.

“I wouldn’t do it if you haven’t got a dog you can trust implicitly, because you add another layer of complexity given that your ability to do something, if there’s a situation, is compromised because you are on the back of a horse,” Dan says.

“The basis of her education was gundog training and I was black and white with the obedience. I trained her with the whistle, and taught her to sit on command if I blew one long blast. This is really useful if she’s ahead of me and a situation develops, as I can get her to sit from afar. A good dog training whistle, like an Acme gundog whistle, has the benefit that it carries much further than me whistling.

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“There was an element of progression. Once she knew ‘heel’ off the lead, I would cycle round on a bike, in an area where I could control her easily. When that went well, I took her out for a ride in an area with lots of space, no roads, and taught her to understand about heel to my horse. I should say the horse is ideal because he’s used to going out with hounds.

“We give Inca a lot of free rein now, and let her run, but with a lot of recall too, making her walk to heel and then releasing as a reward.”

Dan adds that the breed is important. He’d advise taking a dog that really loves long, fast outings and has the stamina to keep up and enjoy themselves.

“While pointers are known as ‘horizon dogs’, Weimaraners are quite needy which has worked in our favour. In the early days if she was getting a bit free-roaming, I would hide and she’d want to know where I was.”

Inca walks to heel behind Dan Gregory and Archie (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hopes new product will save the lives of horses and riders on the road

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 20:21:21 +0000

The creators of a new product designed for hacking out say it will “save lives”, of horses and riders.

The VisiWhip is a reflective flag that hangs on the end of a whip, “ensuring riders have protected space and maximum visual impact with other road users”.

A spokesman for the product said: “VisiWhip is an equine safety product, designed to assist horse riders in clearly occupying and protecting the road space that they need, and signal their unequivocal presence to other road users.”

Heather Muir, who designed the flag, said that as a rider, she has seen the dangers equestrians face on the roads. The aim is that the flag protects the rider’s space and has a visual impact on other road users.

Heather told H&H some riders have raised concerns that their horses might react negatively to the flag, and she is working with natural horsemanship experts to produce videos to help people with desensitising horses.

“I ride with mine every day and it’s probably saved my life a couple of times,” she said.

The product is launched in partnership with the Pass Wide & Slow campaign group.

PWAS founder Debbie Smith said: “Pass Wide and Slow are proud that VisiWhip have come to us to launch their new product. Both PWAS and Visiwhip have a common goal of making the roads safer for equestrians.

“PWAS are also very thankful of VisiWhip’s donation; for every Visiwhip sold in the PWAS group, a 10% donation will be donated to aid support for future campaigns.”

The flag comes with a whip or on its own to be fixed to a schooling whip.

‘A moral obligation’: unsafe passing of horses among most annoying driving habits

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:51:53 +0000

Dangerous driving around horses and riders is considered one of Brits’ most annoying road-related habits, a survey has found.

Research involving more than 1,300 drivers aged between 17 and 55+ found that disregarding horses made people more angry than similar behaviour concerning pedestrians and cyclists.

Almost two fifths (36%) of Brits said “not respecting horses and their riders” was one of the worst driving habits motorists can commit; as 13th of 30. Not respecting pedestrians was 16th and cyclists 20th.

Ash Young, founder of CarMats.co.uk, which commissioned the research, told H&H: “The findings from our survey show the genuine concern Brits have for the safety of horses and riders on our roads. They also emphasise the urgent need for greater awareness when it comes to responsibly sharing our roads.

“Respecting the space and safety of riders and their horses is not only a [Highway Code] obligation but a moral one too. So we urge drivers to exercise patience, caution, and empathy when encountering riders and horses on their travels.”

The top three most annoying motoring habits were failing to indicate, driving too closely behind another vehicle and cutting off other drivers. Hogging the middle lane and parking on the pavement and yellow lines, was not deemed as much of a crime as passing horses unsafely.

Exercise sheets for all seasons – andin all styles

Oscar Williams — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:02:22 +0000

The best exercise sheets for horses keep your horse’s back warm and dry during warm-ups, cool-downs, or hacks, especially for clipped horses. Some are waterproof, while others feature hi-viz colours, making them ideal for safety on dull, wintery days. If you’re looking specifically for hi-viz options, we’ve grouped the best hi-viz exercise sheets separately for easy browsing.

Exercise sheets come in various designs: some fit under the saddle, others wrap around it for convenience, and some cover the saddle completely. Many feature a cutaway front for better leg contact and secure with touch-tape fastenings, offering practicality and comfort.

Best exercise sheets for all seasons: H&H’s quick guide

Ideal for chilly mornings: Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet

Exercise sheet with the best coverage: Finer Equine Ride-On Exercise Sheet

Best hi-viz exercise sheet: WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet

Best budget hi-viz exercise sheet for hacking: Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet

Colours: Navy

Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft

RRP: £44.99

H&H Review: 9/10

Reasons to buy

Waterproof and breathable
Fleece lining adds extra warmth
Fits securely without shifting during rides

Reasons to avoid

If you’re being picky – limited colour options

Made from 600D ripstop fabric, this rug has a fleece lining and hook and loop wither fastening. It’s cut away at the girth to ensure you can maintain good leg contact and also features reflective piping and twin reflective strips, a large tail flap and fillet string.

It was tested for H&H by international grade V para rider Tamsin Addison who said: “This rug was the most popular among our team. We really like how well it fitted all the horses. We think it’s great value for money and are struggling to find anything to fault about it.”

Read H&H’s independent Mark Todd Waterproof Exercise Sheet review.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or hopevalleysaddlery.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Finer Equine Ride-On Exercise Sheet

Colours: Navy or hi-viz yellow

Sizes: S–L

RRP: From £145

Reasons to buy

The contoured design covers the saddle and horse in one piece
Waterproof, breathable, and slip-resistant for wet conditions
Faux sheepskin lining adds warmth and comfort

Reasons to avoid

Premium price point may not suit all budgets

A standout choice for riders prioritizing performance, this sheet combines luxury and functionality. Its contoured design doubles as a saddle protector, with a slip-resistant outer for security in wet weather, making it a great investment for winter riding.

In the UK? View the hi-viz version at amazon.co.uk or the regular version at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

WeatherBeeta Thermocell Quarter Sheet

Colours: Navy/white/grey

Sizes: XS–XL

RRP: £54.99

Reasons to buy

Lightweight yet warm design
Excellent wicking properties to keep your horse dry
Easy to attach and remove with touch-tape straps

Reasons to avoid

Not suitable for use in wet conditions, as it lacks waterproofing

This versatile exercise sheet is perfect for colder weather, offering warmth without bulk. Its multi-layer fabric efficiently wicks away moisture while keeping your horse comfortable, making it ideal for cool mornings or light exercise.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk and viovet.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

DefenceX System Cool Control Exercise Sheet

Colours: Navy/red

Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft

RRP: £59.99

Reasons to buy

Moisture-wicking properties work well
The extra insulating layer makes it extra warm
Also very easy to attach and remove

Reasons to avoid

Limited color and size options can make availability tricky during peak demand

This practical sheet excels at keeping your horse comfortable during cooler weather. The clever quilted design wicks away sweat while the added insulation prevents chills, making it a reliable option for hacks or schooling sessions.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

LeMieux Arika Exercise Sheet

Colours: Navy

Sizes: S–XL

RRP: £49.95

Reasons to buy

Waterproof outer with moisture-wicking fleece lining
Allows free leg movement for the rider
Reflective strips for added safety during low light

Reasons to avoid

Not as warm as insulated or padded sheets for extreme cold

This sheet is an excellent choice for light exercise or warm-ups, combining functionality with a thoughtful design. With a waterproof outer layer and a soft microfleece lining, it effectively shields against rain while wicking moisture to prevent chills. Its clever cut wraps neatly around the saddle, leaving the rider’s leg free for unrestricted movement, and the velcro tab attachments make it quick and easy to fit. Reflective strips on the hindquarters add visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Tempest Original Fleece Exercise Sheet

Colours: Newmarket stripe

Sizes: 48–60in

RRP: £24.99

Reasons to buy

Lightweight and breathable
Secure fit with girth loops and fillet string
Affordable and great for everyday use

Reasons to avoid

Limited style options compared to more premium exercise sheets

This exercise sheet offers excellent value for money and is particularly suited for cool but dry weather conditions. Made from lightweight, quick-drying fleece in a classic colour, it wicks moisture effectively to prevent overheating, making it ideal for light exercise or warming up. The sheet features girth loops and a fillet string for secure and easy fitting, with a wrap-around design that ensures it stays in place.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk and gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rhinegold Embroidered Fleece Cutaway Ride-on Rug

Colours: Navy

Sizes: Pony – extra-full

RRP: £24.50

Reasons to buy

Anti-pill fleece is soft, warm, and moisture-wicking
A lightweight design, ideal for cooler weather
Cutaway shape for better rider-leg contact

Reasons to avoid

Limited size and colour options

This ride-on rug is a practical, budget-friendly option for maintaining your horse’s comfort during light exercise or hacking. Made from high-quality anti-pill fleece, it provides warmth and comfort for your horse while wicking away moisture. The rug is designed with a cutaway front to allow free leg movement and features touch-tape fastenings for a secure fit. The metallic rope twin binding and decorative embroidery on the quarters add an elegant finish.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk and ebay.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Premier Equine Stratus Exercise Sheet

Colours: Black, powder blue or orange

Sizes: M–XL

RRP: £68

Reasons to buy:

Durable and warm, with breathable fabric
Lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for cooler weather conditions
Reflective strips for better visibility

Reasons to avoid:

Some riders find the sizing runs a bit large, which might impact fit

Made with a waterproof ripstop outer and a stay-dry lining, this Premier Equine exercise sheet is a budget-friendly choice for riders looking to keep their horses comfortable during cooler weather exercise. It offers warmth without adding extra bulk. The design includes reflective elements to enhance safety, while the cut ensures easy movement and rider contact. Perfect for light schooling or hacking, this exercise sheet is a practical and stylish addition to any riding kit.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Whitaker Rothwell Roll-up Rain Sheet

Colours: Navy

Sizes: S–L

RRP: £39.50

Reasons to buy:

Lightweight and breathable for everyday use
Compact roll-up design with an included storage bag
Reflective strips and stirrup holes allow for safe use during rides in rainy weather

Reason to avoid:

Not insulated, which may not provide enough warmth on colder days

This rain sheet is perfect for on-the-go riders, offering protection in unexpected showers. Its compact design and waterproof fabric make it a practical addition to your kit, particularly for mild, wet conditions. It can also be rolled up and stored compactly in its accompanying bag, making it a great choice for travel and unexpected showers.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Best hi-viz exercise sheets for horses

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver/black

Sizes: XS–XL

RRP: £94.99

Reasons to buy:

Highly reflective material
Showerproof and breathable, offering comfort and protection during damp conditions
Easy to use with secure touch tape closures, making it simple to put on and take off quickly

Reason to avoid:

Not fully waterproof, which limits its effectiveness in heavy rain

The WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet is designed for riders who prioritize safety during early morning or evening rides. It combines a reflective outer layer with a showerproof and breathable fabric, ensuring your horse stays comfortable and visible. The sheet’s wrap-around style allows for easy application, while features like a tail flap add extra coverage for light rain and wind protection. Perfect for everyday use in variable weather, it’s a reliable choice for safer rides.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug

Colours: Yellow

Sizes: Extra-small pony – extra-full

RRP: £45.99

Reasons to buy:

Lightweight and breathable mesh fabric keeps your horse cool and comfortable during warm weather
High-visibility design
Effective at keeping flies and insects at bay with a large tail flap for added coverage.

Reason to avoid:

Not suitable for heavy rain or very cold conditions

The Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug is one of those items you’ll love if you do a lot of summer riding. It’s super light and airy, which means your horse stays cool while you remain visible to drivers –especially with the bright, reflective design that mimics police markings. This rug is perfect if you want something easy to throw on for a quick, safe ride in warm weather.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Equi-Flector Waterproof Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange

Sizes: 48–60in

RRP: £55.99

Reasons to buy:

Bright, high-visibility colours make it easy to see your horse in low light
Waterproof with a cosy fleece lining
Easy to fit around the saddle or rider’s legs due to the flexible continental pattern

Reason to avoid:

Limited size and colour options

This sheet is an excellent choice for riders who need visibility and weather protection. Featuring a vibrant waterproof shell with reflective elements and a warm fleece lining, it is perfect for colder, darker conditions. Its adjustable fit and user-friendly design makes it ideal for winter training or early-morning rides

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Equi-Flector Mesh Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow or orange

Sizes: 48–60in

RRP: £23.99

Reasons to buy:

Lightweight and breathable mesh keeps your horse cool and comfortable, even in warmer weather
Reflective strips on both sides and the tail flap increase visibility, making it ideal for low-light conditions
Secure and easy to fit

Reason to avoid:

Not fully waterproof, so it’s not suitable for heavy rain or very wet conditions.

This sheet is a great pick if you want to keep your horse visible and comfortable during rides in low-light or mild weather. It’s designed to be both practical and safe, with bright, reflective materials that catch the light well. It’s perfect for hacking or road work when you need a bit of extra visibility without overheating your horse.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hy Silva Flash Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver/black

Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft

RRP: £49.99

Reasons to buy:

Highly reflective outer fabric
A waterproof design with a comfortable fit keeps your horse dry without overheating
Lightweight and easy to adjust with touch-tape fastenings

Reason to avoid:

Limited insulation, which may not be warm enough for extremely cold conditions

If you’re looking for a reliable exercise sheet that boosts visibility, the Hy Silva Flash Exercise Sheet is a fantastic option. Its reflective silver fabric is designed to catch light brilliantly, making sure you and your horse are seen on the road. Plus, it’s lightweight and waterproof, making it perfect for mild-weather rides where you want to stay dry and visible without adding bulk.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equisafety Mercury Wraparound Rug

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange

Sizes: XS show pony – extra-full

RRP: £84.99

Reasons to buy:

Highly reflective silver fabric
Lightweight and fully waterproof
Breathable and wicking, designed to prevent overheating

Reason to avoid:

The fabric is not rip-stop, which makes it vulnerable to snags from brambles or sharp branches

The Equisafety Mercury Wraparound Rug is a fantastic choice if you prioritise visibility and protection in all weather conditions. The reflective material lights up brilliantly when hit by headlights or street lights, making it perfect for dark or cloudy rides. It’s also practical for everyday use, thanks to its lightweight, waterproof construction and breathability, which keeps your horse comfortable during exercise.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hy Reflector Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange

Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft

RRP: £41.99

Reasons to buy:

Reflective strips boost visibility
Lightweight and breathable, ideal for mild weather
Easy to secure with touch-tape fastenings around the saddle

Reason to avoid:

Not suitable for heavy rain, as it lacks full waterproofing

This fleece-lined exercise sheet is a practical choice for riders who need enhanced visibility during twilight or early morning rides. It offers a good balance of comfort and safety, being lightweight and easy to fit, making it a reliable option for everyday use in moderate weather. It has reflective piping around the edges and a double reflective strip on both sides and across the tail flap. It’s also cut away to fit snugly around the saddle, shaped around the front to enable the rider’s leg to sit close to the horse’s side and fastened with touch tape around the front of the saddle. It’s also available as a mesh exercise sheet.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Does my horse need an exercise sheet?

Whether your horse needs an exercise sheet depends on the weather, their coat, and the type of work you’re doing. Clipped horses or those ridden in cold, wet, or windy conditions often benefit from the added warmth and protection an exercise sheet provides. High-visibility options are also a must for safety during low-light hacks.

However, hardy horses or those working in mild conditions may not need one. For sensitive or less robust horses, a well-fitted exercise sheet can enhance comfort and performance. Ultimately, it’s about tailoring to your horse’s needs and the environment to keep them comfortable and protected.

How to fit an exercise sheet on a horse?

Fitting an exercise sheet correctly ensures your horse stays comfortable and protected. Begin by placing the sheet over your horse’s hindquarters, ensuring it sits evenly and covers the back and sides without slipping. If the sheet wraps around the saddle, secure it with touch-tape fastenings or straps, making sure it doesn’t bunch or restrict movement.

Check that the sheet allows freedom of movement for your horse’s shoulders and legs, especially if you’re using a cutaway design. Adjust the fillet string or rear fastenings for a snug but not tight fit, ensuring the sheet won’t shift during exercise. A well-fitted sheet stays securely in place and offers optimal protection without causing discomfort.

‘The driver passed three signs and still hit me’: horse in collision with van on country lane

Becky Murray — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:19:49 +0000

The rider of a horse who was involved in a collision with a van on a notorious country lane has said that it was “only a matter of time” until an incident happened.

British Horse Society (BHS) accredited coach Jess Green was riding her client’s horse Aureo on Silverhill Lane, Teversal, Nottinghamshire, on Monday morning (24 July) when she heard a vehicle approaching round a bend. Jess stopped Aureo in a passing place, and when a company-branded van appeared, Aureo’s owner’s husband – who was on foot and wearing high-vis as was Jess – asked the driver to slow down but he “kept coming”.

“The road is 60mph, and thank God he wasn’t going that speed, but he wasn’t going any slower than 30mph,” Jess told H&H.

“Where we were stopped was two cards wide, so he could have given us more space but didn’t. When he passed I think due to the speed and close proximity Aureo panicked slightly, turned his hind quarters, and the van hit him.”

Jess said Aureo fell to the ground, then scrabbled to get back up, but could not at first. After a few moments, he managed to stand.

“The driver stopped and apologised, but that’s not the point. I was in shock and we needed to get Aureo home, so my client’s husband told the driver to drive slowly away,” she said.

“Luckily we were only five minutes from home so we walked Aureo back and got the vet. He has multiple wounds, but luckily they’re superficial so he’s on regular turnout and painkillers. It was such a relief when my client phoned and said Aureo was going to be ok – it wasn’t our fault, but it weighs on you.”

One of Aureo’s injuries. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jess said the incident “didn’t come as a shock”.

“I’ve been riding that road for years, and every local rider has a story to tell you about that lane whether it’s people speeding or near-misses. The road is less than a mile long, and we have to use it to get to the trails. Once we’re there we have miles and miles of off-road hacking,” she said, adding that the incident has been reported to the police and the driver’s employer.

“There is a riding school at the end of the road and kids ride on that road – it makes me shudder to think what could happen. The riding school has a horse warning sign on the road, there’s BHS signs up, but it doesn’t make a difference – the van driver would have passed three different signs and he still hit me.”

Jess has been back on the road with another horse since the incident.

“We came across some lovely people who stopped their car for five seconds, we passed and they went on their way. That’s all it took, five seconds of their time,” she said.

A Nottingham Police spokesman told H&H the force had received reports of “a van hitting the rear of a horse after not leaving enough space while passing the animal”.

“I would like to remind motorists to leave at least the width of a car when passing and to do so slowly – please leave enough room when passing a horse rider to protect both the rider and horse,” said inspector Jon Hewitt, district commander for Ashfield.

Plans for bridleway alongside railway with trains travelling up to 110mph

Becky Murray — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 20:03:52 +0000

Riders have raised safety concerns over a proposed bridleway alongside a railway line that carries trains travelling up to 110mph.

Network Rail proposes to construct a new bridleway starting outside Tackley Station, Oxfordshire, that will run adjacent to the railway to the south, before rejoining an existing bridleway. The plans follow the closure of a level crossing at the station in April 2020.

Rider Jin Langstone, who has formed an action group with other riders and horse owners in the area to oppose the plans, told H&H she believes the bridleway is a “potential major hazard”.

“A lot of the local riders feel the bridleway could be hugely dangerous, because of its length and the likelihood of us meeting a train. The trains are at ground level, up to two to three metres in height for freight trains, and I don’t think all horses will be able to cope with that,” she said.

“I don’t think we can mitigate riding along 1000m next to a railway where there might be trains going past at high speeds.”

Jin added that the bridleway is going to be used by lots of other users, and she has concerns that if a horse was spooked by a train and the rider fell off, a horse could become loose.

“We are still in discussions with Network Rail and we’re asking if they can find an alternative, but that’s not happened yet. We believe there are a number of alternative options and several other footpaths that could be linked in. We’re absolutely fine that we may need to ride along part of the track, but just not that length – it’s not safe,” she said.

The British Horse Society has been working with the group, and BHS head of access Will Steel told H&H the society “recognises the importance of safe off-road riding for all equestrians and is committed to enhancing and maintaining the UK’s access network”.

“As part of this pledge, our access and rights of way team support riders on a local level to ensure bridleways and byways remain safe, secure and passable,” he said.

“In this case, we are working closely with Network Rail, Oxfordshire County Council and equestrians in the area to ensure the best possible solution for everyone involved.”

A Network Rail spokesman told H&H safety is the company’s “number one priority”.

“Our proposal at Tackley level crossing will ensure everyone, whether walking, riding, cycling or using a wheelchair near the railway, is kept safe. After considering a wide range of options, we determined the most suitable is to create a new four-and-a-half-metre wide bridleway, which will be set a minimum of seven metres away from the tracks, separate from the railway,” he said.

“We have carried out a public consultation and met with local residents, including the riding community, to discuss our plans. The consultation has now closed and we will report the findings as soon as possible.”

Riders baffled as council puts up barriers to denyhorsesaccess to woods

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:02:13 +0000

Horse owners who say woods next to their livery yard have been ridden in for about half a century are baffled by the council’s installing barriers to prevent their access.

Clients of Oak Farm in Epping Green, Essex, prefer to use part of Harlow Woods to hack in rather than local roads, which they say are dangerous as drivers fail to slow down to pass horses, and often “shout abuse”.

But in February this year, their access to the wood was blocked.

Harlow Council says it has “concerns about the unauthorised use of the woods”, which are part of a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) for which it is responsible, and that riding in the woods has been banned for many years.

But Edmund Wilson, whose daughter rides at Oak Farm, told H&H his wife’s family has been hacking in the woods since the 1970s, a decade before the SSSI status was awarded.

“Our argument is that the status was awarded in spite of hacking,” he said. “Then in February, a council worker said it’s an SSSI and we’re not allowed in. No consultation or discussion, the barriers went up.

“The barriers are super-restrictive, and stopped us instantly, but also other people, so the only ones now who can access the woods are able-bodied people who can turn sideways.

“We’ve been told we’re in breach of a regulation about recreational use likely to damage species of interest but the SSSI status says the species of interest are broadleaf trees, and ponds and watercourses, rides and glades, and that the ground is acidic and species-poor. We’ve been in there 50 years with no issues; our activity isn’t likely to damage it as a horse isn’t likely to trample a tree.”

Mr Wilson said the riders’ activity is not “en masse”; three to four may go out, a few times a week. He added that Natural England documents on SSSIs say riding should likely carry on, and that specific site surveys would be needed to exclude horses.

“If Natural England had said ‘No horses’, so be it,” he said. “But we believe the councillors have dug their heels in, so there’s a stand-off going on. The council leader said we can have a meeting to discuss it, but the council says it’s got evidence saying we’re not allowed, and we’re asking where it is.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Victoria McGrath, also a livery client at Oak Farm, told H&H a petition calling for riders to be allowed in the woods had been signed by 1,500 people.

“We’ve got children and ponies with no hacking now,” she said. “Although it’s rural here, drivers don’t adhere to the speed limit, we get abuse and shouted at, and it feels like we’ve got nowhere to go.”

When H&H contacted Harlow Council, it sent back the statement: “We are aware of the concerns of horse riders about access to Risden Woods. Equally, we have some concerns about the unauthorised use of the woods, which are part of a site of special scientific interest that we manage and have a responsibility for. The woods have no public right of way in them and no pathways are designated bridleways or by-ways. Horse riding in the woods has been prohibited for many years.

“The council leader and cabinet member for environment recently met with the riders to listen to their concerns and to try and find a way forward. Communication between the council and the riders has continued.

“The woods are currently in unfavourable condition with a recovering status due to the current programme of conservation management. This effort will need to be sustained with adequate safeguards to achieve favourable condition status for the site of special scientific interest feature. Therefore, based on advice from the West Anglia area delivery team at Natural England, we cannot allow access to the woods for the purpose of horse riding.

“We have suggested to the riders an alternative solution. This is that Essex County Council is approached about redesignating as a bridleway the current public right of way that goes around the site of special scientific interest and links to the byway in Epping.”

H&H asked the council for comment on whether the West Anglia team had concerns about riders, and has had no reply.

Mr Wilson said in response to the council’s statement: “We are fully aware of the SSSI status of Risden Wood and have contacted Natural England, who have provided excellent advice and guidance on the best way to move this forward. Indeed, the communications we have received from Natural England seem to be at odds with the communications that [Harlow councillor] Cllr Purse purports to have had. We are also aware that other SSSI sites of a similar status under the jurisdiction of the West Anglia team at Natural England do allow horse riding activities to take place.

“The suggestion made by Councillor Purse is ill-informed in that there is not enough space between the SSSI site and private land to expand the public right of way, however we are of course exploring other avenues to secure safe and off-road hacking for our children.”

Natural England confirmed that since an initial meeting with the council, “no further discussions about horse riding activity within Harlow Woods have taken place”.

The ins and outs of ‘hacking out’

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:02:36 +0000

When equestrians talk about hacking, they’re not usually referring to cyber crime – hacking horses is an important part of many horse riders’ daily and weekly routines.

What does hacking mean when it comes to horses?

“Hacking” is the term used to describe non-competitive horse riding that’s undertaken outside of the arena, usually on the roads or bridleways. Most horse riders who go on a “hack” will do so for pleasure, but hacking is also a great opportunity to undertake training and fitness work. Riders will usually choose to ride on bridleways where possible, but often they’ll have to ride on the road to reach them.

If “hack” is being used to describe a type of horse, rather than an activity, it’s referring to a horse that can enter a particular type of competitive showing class – however, this is less commonly used in general equestrian conversation. The ideal show hack is of Thoroughbred type and should be capable of carrying an average adult. The hack must be a pleasure to ride and have excellent manners.

How to use hack/hacking in a sentence

“Did you go for a hack today?”

“I saw a group of riders out hacking earlier.”

“This would be a lovely place to hack out.”

“I’m riding in the school today, but I’ll be hacking tomorrow.”

“She’s entered her horse in the small hacks” – this example uses the type of show horse, rather than the activity.

Horse hacking vs horse trekking

Hacking and trekking are similar horse riding activities, but are not exactly the same thing.

Almost anybody can go horse or pony trekking – even if they’ve never ridden before – as long as they are suitably mounted in terms of weight. Horses and ponies used for trekking are often trained to follow the one in front of them and are unlikely to deviate from this.

Hacking requires the rider to have a little more control and know at least the basics of how to ride a horse. Horses on hacks will be more independent rather than only follow the horse in front.

Is hacking good for horses?

Hacking is a great way to introduce variety to a horse’s training. It also provides the opportunity for a horse to see more of the world, which will help them get used to different environments. This is particularly important when training young horses or if the horse is likely to go to competitions or events away from their home.

Is hacking horses dangerous?

All types of horse riding carry some form of risk and hacking is no exception. Riders reduce the risk of riding on the road by wearing hi-viz clothing and dressing their horse in hi-viz accessories to ensure other road users – including drivers, cyclists and walkers – are aware of a horse’s presence as early as possible.

Why are horses allowed on the road?

Although horses and horse riders are vulnerable road users, they are legally allowed to ride on the road and have the same right to be there as any other legal road user. Vehicles should pass horses at no more than 10mph and must allow at least two metres of space when doing so.

Horse hacking near me

If you’d like to book a hack in your local area, you could book onto a horse experience day or book a hacking lesson at a local riding school.

What is a ‘happy hacker’?

“Happy hacker” is a term that can be used to describe a horse rider who is usually not focused on competing in a particular discipline, but is taking part for leisure purposes and enjoys hacking as their main activity rather than riding in an arena. It can also be used to describe a horse who is well used to being ridden on the road and in the countryside away from home. The term is often used in horses for sale adverts – happy hackers are sought after horses by many novices and leisure riders.

Off-road hacking could be lost ‘for ever’ after Government U-turn

Lucy Elder — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:11:40 +0000

The Government has U-turned on its decision to scrap the 2026 deadline for historic routes to be included on the definitive map, putting swathes of off-road riding at risk of being lost for ever.

In 2022, the British Horse Society (BHS) welcomed the news that the 1 January 2026 deadline had been abolished. But the Government has now backtracked on this, while extending the deadline by five years.

The BHS has condemned the decision and has said that it puts “horse riders at increasing risk on England’s roads”.

“The British Horse Society (BHS) is extremely disappointed to learn that the UK Government has broken its commitment to abolishing the 2026 deadline for saving vital off-road routes,” said a BHS spokesman.

“This decision will mean such routes across England will be lost for ever, resulting in even more restrictions when it comes to accessing the countryside.

“For horse riders, who currently have access to just 22% of the rights of way network, this decision will be particularly damaging. In 2022 alone, 68 horses were killed on Britain’s roads and 139 riders injured, therefore the protection of safe off-road routes is critical to make sure equestrians remain safe.”

A Defra spokesman confirmed to H&H that the Government will retain the cut-off date for registering historic rights of way, which the department said will provide certainty for users, landowners and local authorities. But he added that the secretary of state has decided to use existing powers in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) to extend the deadline to 1 January 2031.

“We are committed to increasing access to nature and our environmental improvement plan sets out our ambition for every household to be within a 15-minute walk of a green space or water,” said the spokesman.

“We are now moving forward with plans to reform existing bureaucratic processes and make it easier and faster to update the legal record of rights of way.”

BHS director of access Mark Weston slammed the decision.

“Recent years have illustrated just how vital more off-road access is for the safety, health and wellbeing of horse riders, as well as walkers and cyclists,” he said.

“These bridleways and byways should be protected for future generations to enjoy and treasure. Unfortunately, this U-turn from the Government could cause the opposite effect and will put access to safe riding routes at great risk.

“Through our Project 2026 campaign, we have worked closely with our volunteers, members and supporters to save 2,800 bridleways and byways. Without their crucial work, these historic rights of way could have been wiped off the definitive map. But there are plenty more routes that are still in danger.”

He added that the BHS will continue to work “with our brilliant network of over 400 volunteers” to research and record these routes.

“However, it must be recognised that there is already a backlog of applications waiting to be processed and the necessary steps need to be put in place quickly to make it possible for paths to be researched, applied for, and processed within this tight deadline,” he said.

“The outcome of this announcement means that many of our favourite off-road routes will be gone for ever.”

‘Fit for purpose, justified and fair for riders’: woodland riding permits under review

Becky Murray — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:21:55 +0000

Forestry England is asking equestrians for their views on riding permits as part of a review to ensure protocols are “fit for purpose”.

H&H reported last year that conversations were taking place between the British Horse Society (BHS) and Forestry England around riding permits (news, 10 February 2022). At the time BHS director of access Mark Weston told H&H that the society “opposed” permits in respect of publicly owned land where access for other users is free – and said there should not be any “discrimination” against equestrians.

Forestry England has now launched a review of riding permits, and as part of this is seeking equestrians’ views in a survey, which will be used to support the organisation’s decision-making.

“In some forests, where Forestry England needs an enhanced relationship with riders to help manage sensitive environments, they use a permit system to allow horse riding,” said a spokesman for the agency.

“We are reviewing these permit systems to ensure our protocols are fit for purpose, justified, and fair for riders. We are inviting riders, equestrian organisations and their members to share their views to feed into this review.”

Take the Forestry England survey

Forestry England head of recreation and visitor experience Bridgette Hall said the agency “supports” equestrian access and recognises how important it is for riders to have safe off-road riding.

“Forests we manage have 1,670 miles of public bridleways and byways well used and enjoyed by many riders. On top of that, where we can, we also provide additional access on our forestry roads, on permissive bridleways and to link to other popular routes,” she said.

“We use permits in a limited way for equestrian access in woodlands with sensitive environments, busy or compact sites, or those prone to significant poaching to help manage access, rather than stop it altogether. We are delighted to have support from the BHS for our permit review, as they will help us gather as many views from riders as we can.”

Mark Weston said the BHS appreciates the value of the nation’s forest to riders and carriage drivers, and the work that Forestry England does to maintain access.

“However, on behalf of BHS members, all riders, and carriage drivers, we are committed to making sure equestrians have improved access and any permits are kept to the absolute minimum, and only when those permits are also being used to regulate use by walkers and cyclists,” he said.

“We encourage all riders to give their views to this important survey so that we can have maximum access to forests with limited permits.”

Help your horse stand out with these hi viz essentials

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:54:04 +0000

When you’re riding or leading out on the road, hi viz for horses is just as important as hi viz for riders. It’s so important for equestrians to wear hi-vis to make sure you and your horse are visible to other road users, as without specialist hi viz clothing you can be left invisible in a variety of conditions. Every extra second that you can give another road user to realise your presence and slow down, makes you that bit safer – it’s all about reducing the risk and hi viz for horses will help do just that.

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing what hi viz to put on your horse. Hi viz exercise sheets are popular, but you can also use breastplates, boots, leg wraps, saddle pads, fly veils and bridle attachments.

Best hi viz for horses

Hi viz exercise sheets
Hi viz boots and leg wraps
Hi viz breastplates and bridle attachments
Hi viz saddle pads
Other hi viz accessories

Best hi viz exercise sheets for horses

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver/black | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £94.99 |

This reflective exercise sheet from Weatherbeeta is a showerproof, breathable and sits around the saddle. It has touch-tape closures at the wither and around the chest allow for easy put on and take off, and is complete with tail flap and tail cord.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Equi-Flector Waterproof Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange | Sizes: 48–60in | RRP: £55.99 |

Ideal for cold weather exercising, this waterproof exercise sheet is lined with warm fleece. It fits around the saddle or over the riders legs, and features reflective strips, tail flap, girth guides, touch close fastening and fillet string.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: Extra-small pony – extra-full | RRP: £45.99 |

A great option for the summer – or anytime of year if you have a particularly hair horse – this lightweight mesh rug from Equisafety is designed to keep your horse cool, while the bright colours also help to reflect the sun’s rays. It has two adjustable attachment clips as well as Velcro girth attachments and a fillet string.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Harrison Howard Focal Max Super Hi Vis Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver | Sizes: M or L | RRP: £29.99 |

This waterproof and breathable exercise sheet has a silky lining to prevent rubbing and attaches to the girth straps. The silver material offers great visibility when lit.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Equi-Flector Mesh Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow or orange | Sizes: 48–60in | RRP: £23.99 |

This lightweight, breathable exercise sheet from Shires is another good option for the warmer weather. It features reflective strips either side at the rear and on the tail flap, and it fits around the saddle, secured with a touch-close fastening at the wither and via girth guides, retaining straps and fillet string.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hy Silva Flash Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver/black | Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft | RRP: £49.99 |

This waterproof exercise sheet creates a dazzling white glow when subjected to light, creating optimum visibility. With front touch tape fastenings to secure around your saddle, it is cut away to allow your leg to sit close to the horse and has a fillet string to secure the back.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equisafety Mercury Wraparound Rug

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange | Sizes: XS show pony – extra-full | RRP: £84.99 |

Using technically advanced reflective, soft-touch fabric, this Equisafety rug is lightweight, breathable and 100% waterproof with taped seams. The fabric is not rip-stop so is susceptible to brambles, barbed wire or tree branches, but it is highly reflective. It has an adjustable, removable neck band, tail guard, leg straps and girth vent.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hy Reflector Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange | Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft | RRP: £41.99 |

This fleece-lined exercise sheet is complete with a tail flap to ensure excellent visibility from behind. It has reflective piping around the edges and a double reflective strip on both sides and across the tail flap. It is cut away to fit snugly around the saddle, shaped around the front to enable the rider’s leg to sit close to the horse’s side and fastened with touch tape around the front of the saddle. Also available as a mesh exercise sheet.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Harrison Howard Focal Max Exercise Sheet

Colours: Fluorescent green, navy, black, blue, red, pink or purple | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £14.99 |

Available in a wide range of colours – some offering more visibility than others – with highly reflective strips on each side, this exercise sheet has a fleece stay-put lining. It attached to the girth straps with touch-tape fastenings and has a fillet string at the back.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Whitaker Sydney Reflective Exercise Sheet

Colours: Black | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £45 |

Described as ideal for cold and dark conditions, this waterproof and fleece-lined exercise sheet from Whitaker has a reflective panel along back, full reflective tail cover and removable chest strap in full reflective print. It features Velcro fastenings across the withers and girth straps to keep the rug in place.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Best hi viz boots and leg wraps for horses

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Shires Equi-Flector Wraps

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £11.99 for a pair |

These leg wraps with reflective strips are fleece lined and held in place with adjustable touch tape fastenings. They can also be worn on a rider’s arm.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hy Silva Flash Reflective Leg Band

Colours: Reflective silver | Sizes: Pony or cob/horse | RRP: £10.50 for a pair |

Fully adjustable with twin touch-tape closures, these leg bands from Hy fit neatly over your horse’s boots or directly onto the leg. The mesh lining increases airflow, while the silver reflective material provides a white glow when subjected to lights for maximum visibility.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

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Shires Equi-Flector Overreach Boots

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £15.99 for a pair |

Made of shock-absorbing neoprene, these boots are both reflective and protective. They have reflective prints and are secured with double-sided touch close fastenings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Multi-coloured Leg Wraps

Colours: Pink/orange, pink/yellow, yellow/green or yellow/orange | Sizes: Pony or horse | RRP: £18.99 for a pair |

These multi-coloured waterproof leg boots are lightly quilted and can be worn over brushing boots or on the leg. They feature two extra-wide adjustable Velcro straps.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

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Mark Todd Pro Technik Reflective Overreach Boots

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: S–XL | RRP: £29.99 |

These sturdy boots from Mark Todd are soft inside, designed to be non-turn and feature easy touch-tape fastenings. Matching brushing boots and fetlock boots available.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

Hi viz breastplates and bridle attachments

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Shires Equi-Flector Bridle Bands

Colours: Pink, yellow or orange | Sizes: One size | RRP: £10.99 for a pair |

These bright bands with reflective strips can be used on straps, reins and browbands.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Masta Hi Viz Bridle Covers

Colours: Orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £16.49 for a set |

This set includes two large and two small covers that are quick and easy to fit with touch-tape fastenings. They can be used on the reins, noseband, browband or cheekpieces and have reflective strips for added visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

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Equisafety Reflective Neck Band

Colours: Pink, orange, yellow or blue/white | Sizes: One size | RRP: £21.99 |

Neck bands give offer extra visibility to horses with a high head carriage that could obscure their rider’s hi-viz jacket. It fits horses from 14hh – 17.2hh, is wipe clean and fully adjustable with touch tape fastenings under the chest.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Ruggles Hi-viz Adjustable Breastplate

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £12.50 |

Made from a bright yellow waterproof fabric with reflective panels, this breastplate has an adjustable neck strap and a girth loop.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

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Salute Equestrian Click & Connect Hi-viz Neck Strap Ultimate Set

Colours: Orange or reflective silver | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £99.95 |

While not the largest area of hi-vis, if you ride with a neck strap, why not make it a hi-vis one? This neck strap connects to the saddle or breastplate to avoid risk of your horse catching his leg in a loose strap.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Best hi viz saddle pads

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Weatherbeeta Reflective Prime All Purpose Saddle Pad

Colours: Silver/pink or silver/yellow | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £59.99 |

This Weatherbeeta saddle pad is made of a durable cotton fabric with a wicking lining that helps to keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable. It is is highly reflective and features a breathable mesh spine for extra airflow and high-wither design to allow for extra clearance.

A non-reflective version of this Weatherbeeta saddle pad scored 10/10 and awarded H&H Approved status when reviewed as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full WeatherBeeta Prime saddle pad review.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com

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Shires Equi-Flector Saddle Pad

Colours: Orange/silver, pink/silver or yellow/silver | Sizes: 15–16.5in or 17–18in | RRP: £46.99 |

Made from reflective fabric with high visibility trims, this saddle pad has a wicking lining that reduces the risk of rubbing and increase comfort. It is machine washable, has a contoured shape for good clearance, girth guides and guards, and touch close retaining straps.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com

Other hi viz accessories for horses

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Shires Equi-Flector Fly Veil

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £10.50 |

Designed to fit neatly under a bridle, the stretch ears of this fly veil have fleece padding around the ear hole seams for comfort.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com

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Shires Equi-Flector Tail Strap

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £5.50 |

For added rear visibility on the road, this reflective tail strap is held in place with a rubberised elastic strap and touch close fastenings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Hy Reflector Tail Guard

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.50 |

With a fleece underside to keep the dock protected, this tail guard features silver reflective tape and reflective Hy detailing. It is secured with two touch-tape fastenings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Hy Tail Band

Colours: Pink, orange, yellow or silver | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.99 |

This simple, easy-to-fit tail band provides visibility from behind.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Be seen with these hi viz jackets and rider accessories

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 13:02:06 +0000

High visibility or “hi viz” for horse riders is absolutely essential for any equestrian that leaves the confines of the arena. When you’re riding on the road, it’s so important to make sure you’re visible to other road users as without specialist hi viz clothing you can be left invisible in a variety of conditions.

Every extra second that you can give another road user to spot you and slow down, makes you that bit safer – it’s all about reducing the risk. Even when you’re not on the road, hi viz can still help others – such as dog walkers and cyclists – realise your presence sooner. You can choose between hi viz jackets, waistcoats, headbands, hat silks or gloves – in reality, the brighter you can make yourself, the better.

There are a lot of basic hi viz options, such as hi viz waistcoats, but even many of the hi viz waistcoats with horse-related prints on aren’t necessarily designed to be the most functional in the saddle. Many equestrian brands, however, have taken on the challenge of designing functional, technical and stylish hi viz for horse riders, and such jackets have useful additions, such as pockets – so are usually worth the extra money.

When choosing between all the different hi viz options, think about whether you want a warm jacket to wear as an additional layer, or if you would prefer a lighter tabard that you can wear over the top come rain or shine. You might even want both – one for summer and one for winter. For your hi viz jacket to be as effective as possible, you need to keep it clean – so a machine washable jacket is a real bonus.

As well as donning some hi viz items yourself, there are also many options of hi viz for horses – for example, a hi viz exercise sheet, breastplate, boots or leg wraps – and a combination of the two is recommended.

Related: Check out this selection of the best hi viz for horses and the best hi viz dog coats

Do horse riders have to wear hi viz?

There is no law in the UK that requires horse riders to wear hi viz clothing – or put it on their horse – but yes, horse riders still need to wear hi-viz. It’s in the best interests of all riders that they do – both on and off road – as it gives others advanced warning of their presence. The same applies if you’re leading a horse.

Best hi viz jackets and waistcoats for horse riders

Jump down for the best hi viz rider accessories

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Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Multicoloured Mesh Hi-vis Waistcoat

Colours: Pink/orange, pink/yellow or yellow/orange | Sizes: S–XXL | RRP: £39.99 |

Designed in two colours to stand out against many changing colours of seasons and day light, this mesh waistcoat is fully adjustable at the back so that it can be worn with summer or winter clothing and has two large zipped pockets.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com

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Shires Equi-Flector Safety Vest

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: 3XS–XL | RRP: £11.99 |

Easy to wear, this vest gives you visibility when riding on the road or in low light. It features an inside pocket, reflective strips, zip fastening and a printed back.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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WeatherBeeta Reflective Waistcoat

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: Child S – adult XL | RRP: £32.99 |

This zipped waistcoat has two zipped hand pockets and elasticated sides to fit any body shape. The touch-tape tab closures provide easy adjustability, while the stylish reflective tape design offers added visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com

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Equisafety Multicoloured Fitted Gilet

Colours: Pink/yellow, orange/pink or yellow/orange | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £69.99 |

This tailored hi-vis gilet is ideal for those who ride out. It has a durable water repellent finish and is filled with a synthetic down made from recycled plastic bottles, which maintains its insulating power even when damp. It has two large zipped pockets and a two-way zip.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

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Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Mercury Lightweight Jacket

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £119.99 |

This lightweight jacket retro-reflects light directly to the original light source to enhance the visibility of the wearer, while also including hi vis coloured elements. It also has back vents and underarm zips for enhanced breathability.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

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WeatherBeeta Reflective Harness

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: From £20.50 |

This lightweight harness is easily folded for hand carry or storing away. It features a zipped pocket at front to fit your phone and other valuables, as well as a reflective tape design on front and back, plus side waist Velcro tabs for easy adjustability. Also available in children’s sizes.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Hy Silva Flash Two-tone Reflective Gilet

Colours: Reflective silver/pink | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £50.99 |

The incredibly reflective outer shell creates a dazzling white glow when a light is shone at it, while the splash of pink adds a bit of fun and extra visibility. Made using an ultra-light, wind resistant material, this gilet from Hy is breathable and protects you from elements, plus the stretch panels down both sides allows movement and encourages moisture and excess heat to disperse.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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WeatherBeeta Reflective Heavy Padded Waterproof Jacket

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £81.99 |

This 100% waterproof and breathable reflective hi-vis jacket from Weatherbeeta has a fully lined, quilted inner with polyester padding for extra warmth. It also features a two-way zip and storm flap, with hand zip pockets and fleece-lined inner collar. The back hem has snaps vents that make this jacket ideal for riding, along with Velcro tab closures on cuffs a for snug fit and inner knit cuffs with thumbholes for extra coverage. Also available in child sizes.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Brook Hi Viz Waistcoat

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: S–5XL | RRP: £6.99 |

This simple hi viz jacket is available in two colours and a wide range of colours. It also has a “horses slow down” slogan to advise drivers printed on the back.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Hi viz accessories for horse riders

Looking for accessories to put on your horse? Check out this selection of the best hi viz for horses

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Equisafety Reflective LED Hat Band

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £29.99 |

This hat band has the advantage of flashing LED lights. They can easily be switched on and off, and the battery is rechargeable via USB.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Equi-Flector Hat Cover

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £14.99 |

This brightly coloured hat cover also has reflective stars to increase visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Equi-Flector Hat Band

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.50 |

This hat band has a rubberised strap and elastic insert to help keep it in place.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or naylors.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shires Equi-Flector Riding Gloves

Colours: Orange or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £19.99 |

These gloves have a fleecy inner lining, silicone-printed grippy palms, reflective strips and elasticated adjustable wrists.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or naylors.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Harry Hall Lockton Riding Gloves

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: S–XXL | RRP: £18.59 |

Providing both visibility and grip, these gloves are made with a material that reflects only direct light, which is furthered by reflective strips. The gloves feature a soft, PU rubberised palm fabric and added ring finger and thumb reinforcement.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hy Silva Flash Reflective Hat Band

Colours: Reflective silver | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.99 |

This elasticated hat band fits neatly around any riding hat to easily increase your visibility. The silver reflective material provides a bright white glow when subjected to lights.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Government to consult on off-road riding after threat of legal action

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:20:16 +0000

The Government and Natural England have committed to consult equestrians and cyclists on off-road riding after the threat of legal action on their failure to do so.

H&H reported that the British Horse Society (BHS) and Cycling UK had criticised plans to exclude riders and cyclists from a new national trail. Plans for the 197-mile Coast to Coast Wainwright Trail would have made it inaccessible for horses and bicycles as it would have included footpaths, which neither can use.

“This would have created dead-end sections along the route for anyone on a horse or bike, effectively preventing people from riding its length,” the BHS and Cycling UK said in a statement, adding that they had “united in their condemnation” of the proposals.

“Natural England and Defra failed to consult with Cycling UK and the BHS during the initial consultation phase of the new national trail. This is despite both organisations being prescribed outdoor user groups which should be consulted on changes to rights of way.”

The organisations wrote to previous Defra secretary Ranil Jawawardena MP asking the Government to reconsult, which it has now committed to.

“They believe a ‘braided’ route, which would divert horse riders and cyclists from the main walking route where suitable, can be achieved for minimal cost, and await clarification from Defra and Natural England about timescales and processes for the new consultation,” the statement said. “This has been possible on other popular national trails such as the North Downs Way’s riders’ route launched in 2018 with the support of Cycling UK and the BHS.”

BHS director of access Mark Weston said: “As vulnerable road users, horse riders face considerable dangers on our roads and the need for safer off-road riding opportunities has never been greater. The British Horse Society and Cycling UK look forward to working with Defra and Natural England to make the trail useable for horse riders and cyclists in its entirety.”

Cycling UK head of campaigns Duncan Dollimore added that both organisations are “relieved” the Government has recognised their concerns.

“The Wainwright path is a fantastic attraction for the north of England, and as a national trail its benefit will be felt by all the rural communities it passes through,” he said. “Making it accessible to cycling and horse riding enthusiasts will mean it’s open to more visitors.

“If you ride a bike or a horse, you can use only 22% of England’s rights of way network or ride two out of 16 of our national trails. We need to do more to increase access, not limit it. The benefits are real for rural hospitality businesses, which will see increased trade from a more diverse group of visitors.”

H&H has contacted Defra for comment.

‘Thankfully you can’t hear my language’: fly-tipper caught red-handed by riders

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 19:51:58 +0000

A fly-tipper who was confronted by a group of riders as he attempted to dump bags of waste into a ditch has been hit with a £738 fine.

The riders caught the man’s actions on hat camera as they rode home in Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, on 15 July. The footage was sent to Buckinghamshire Council, which took action.

Eve Atkins, who was the lead rider of the three on her young cob George, was the first to see what the man was doing. Her mother Pauline Curtis, in the rear on Spike, was wearing the camera.

“Thankfully, my mum was far enough away that you can’t hear my language!” Eve told H&H.

“You always meet drivers and dog-walkers and you have to be tolerant; I always say to liveries to be polite, smile and don’t swear – but that’s exactly what I did. I may have called him a few names and told him to put it back in his vehicle.”

Paul BOND (46 yrs) of Harrow Road, #LeightonBuzzard caught by riders dumping food waste in sacks at Partridge Hill, Great Brickhill, Bucks 15Jul'22 – fined £738 total 12Oct'22 after he cleared the waste away
All thanks to the riders for their brave actions ?#SCRAPflytipping pic.twitter.com/BCbdETEgHuPaul BOND (46 yrs) of Harrow Road, #LeightonBuzzard caught by riders dumping food waste in sacks at Partridge Hill, Great Brickhill, Bucks 15Jul'22 – fined £738 total 12Oct'22 after he cleared the waste away
All thanks to the riders for their brave actions ?#SCRAPflytipping pic.twitter.com/BCbdETEgHu— BucksFlyTipping (@BucksFlyTipping) October 17, 2022— BucksFlyTipping (@BucksFlyTipping) October 17, 2022

The footage shows the man retrieving his bags of rubbish and loading them back into his van.

“He was very meek, and apologised,” Eve said. “But it was a very odd place to stop; on a blind bend – I thought he’d broken down when I first saw him.”

Eve called the police to report the incident and was directed to the council. On 12 October, the man was fined.

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “I wish to thank the horse riders who witnessed and recorded this fly-tipping incident. They were rightly upset to see someone dumping waste in a country lane and came to us with video evidence which led to a successful prosecution.

“We certainly don’t expect anyone to confront fly-tippers, but we would ask witnesses to provide the vehicle registration to us so we can investigate any incidents. People can report fly-tipping in Buckinghamshire to us online by visiting FixMyStreet.”

He added that rubbish dumped on private land should be reported to the landowner, whose responsibility it is.

Eve said the process had been fast, and that she hopes the fine might put other potential fly-tippers off.

“I don’t think anyone who saw him would have let him continue doing it,” she added. “Especially someone who has to pick up litter all over the farm.”

Government accused of ‘tunnel vision’ by ‘excluding’ riders and cyclists from new national trail

Lucy Elder — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:10:19 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) has criticised Government plans to exclude riders and cyclists from a new national trail.

The BHS and Cycling UK have united in their condemnation of the proposals, which would effectively make the 197-mile off-road route inaccessible for horses and bikes.

The organisations have written to Defra secretary of state Ranil Jawawardena, calling on the Government to reconsider the proposals.

“As vulnerable road users, horse riders face considerable dangers on our roads and the need for safer off-road riding opportunities has never been greater,” said BHS director of access Mark Weston.

“For very little extra investment and a small proportion of time spent consulting with us and Cycling UK, we could make a real difference to horse riders and cyclists who want to continue to be safe, as well as enjoy the countryside.

“Supporting this route to be multi-use could also make a valuable contribution to the north’s rural economy, helping to achieve the government’s stated objective of levelling up. It’s still not too late and we hope Defra will take the opportunity to discuss the benefits of this approach with us.”

In August, Defra announced that £5.6m would be allocated to improve the Wainwright Coast to Coast route, before it becomes a national trail in 2025. George Eustice was Defra secretary at the time.

The route stretches from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Bay in North York Moors National Park on a combination of footpaths and bridleways.

But the proposed upgrade would not make the whole trail accessible to riders and cyclists – there would be no continuous route that either group could use. The organisations state that this goes against the 2019 Glover Report recommendations, which advise how to make national landscapes more open to everyone.

They claim that they “should have been consulted, but were not contacted by Natural England” before the proposals were launched.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, described the move as “tunnel vision”.

“The Wainwright path is a fantastic attraction for the north of England, and it’s great news the Government wants it to be a national trail,” he said.

“There’s so much to celebrate about the new trail’s aims to increase opportunities for people to experience the outdoors, but what is frustrating is the tunnel vision automatically excluding specific groups like people cycling or horse riding, that is also contrary to government policy on outdoor access.

“If you ride a bike or a horse, you can use only 22% of England’s rights of way network or ride two out of 16 of our national trails. We need to do more to increase access, not limit it. The benefits are real for rural hospitality businesses, which will see increased trade from a more diverse group of visitors.”

A statement from both organisations said that had they been consulted, they would have put forward plans that could have allowed a multi-user trail to be created.

“The British Horse Society and Cycling UK are now hoping Defra and Natural England will take the opportunity to consult and work towards the goal of creating a multi-user trail, avoiding further legal action,” the statement added.

A Defra spokesman told H&H that it and Natural England have received a letter in relation to a potential judicial review of the previous secretary of state’s decision to approve the Coast to Coast Path as a national trail, which it will respond to in due course.

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543 fly-tipping cases on bridleways and footpaths every day in a year

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:45:51 +0000

Bridleways and footpaths have been suffering the worst fly-tipping for 13 years, with 543 incidents every day on average.

There were 1.1 million recorded cases of fly-tipping in the UK last year, the most since 2008/9, and footpaths and bridleways were the worst hit, with 10% more incidents than the previous 12 months.

Dumped items include tyres, up by a quarter on the previous year, and vehicle parts, up by 15%. There was also nearly a 50% increase in the amount of oils or fuels and chemical drums fly-tipped.

Campaigners are warning of the impact on natural landscapes, and on people such as riders who use the routes. Anyone who spots dumped waste is urged to report it to their council, which can be done via the Government website, or FixMyStreet.

Susie Burrage, ambassador and board member of the Global Recycling Foundation, says: “Many villages, towns and cities have seen junk piled up high in remote spots, as people clear out their homes to make space for offices. Huge amounts of taxpayers’ money is now being spent on litter collection, which could be going to vital public services.

“Litter is pollution and people underestimate the negative impact it has. Many people wrongly believe their individual actions will not harm the environment. For example, cigarette butts (which take 10 years to decompose) leach toxic substances into soil and water. Just one cigarette butt can contaminate 200 litres of water.

“I believe fines have helped to change individual behaviour, but we must challenge and change consumer behaviour. People must be educated in the best ways of preserving our natural resources and given easy access to well-organised and efficient recycling systems.”

Trainee solicitor Hannah Poole, of criminal defence firm Olliers, said fly-tipping is different to littering as it is defined as the illegal deposit of waste on land, removing it from where it was originally produced, with the deliberate aim to dispose of it unlawfully.

“Any individual who produces waste has a duty of care to ensure that it’s disposed of properly,” she said. “This applies to both householders and businesses. If convicted, the penalties individuals may face include a fine and/or a prison sentence of up to five years.

“There is no requirement for people to report fly-tipping, but to encourage the public to report it, it needs to be easy and individuals need to know it is worth reporting. To report fly-tipping or illegal waste dumping, individuals should contact the local council – and we need more people to do just that.”

‘The ambulance arrived within minutes’: riders located thanks to What3Words

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 16:11:03 +0000

The role What3words can play has been emphasised after two injured riders were located thanks to the app.

Dot Cuy and Rachel Moyes were both riding alone when they fell, on 30 April and 27 June respectively.

“I ended up speaking with a woman in Aberdeen, who had no knowledge of the area,” Nigel said. “Describing my location on Ducks Hill road near the car park entrance was far too vague, which is when a lightbulb went off; I had downloaded What3words for emergencies.

“I gave her my What3words address and the ambulance arrived within minutes.”

Dot was taken to hospital, where it was found she had torn ligaments, dislocated a toe, and fractured her foot.

Dot is now recommending the app to as many people as possible.

“I downloaded it in hospital,” she said. “I’d heard about it and thought it was a good idea, but since the accident I completely understand the importance of having it. I’ve also shared it on Facebook so I like to think I’ve done my bit in raising awareness of how important it is.”

Rachel fell from a friend’s horse, Ben, whom she was riding in an arena with no one else there.

“I landed on my back, and hit a rock,” she said. “I couldn’t move, I was stuck and in excruciating pain.

“I rang the ambulance, but the phone handler wasn’t from the area. I found the name of the road on Google Maps, but even that didn’t narrow down her search enough. Just as I was giving up, she asked me if I had the What3words app.

“I gave the call handler the What3words address and she said, ‘I know exactly where you are, the ambulance will be with you soon.’ Help arrived 20 minutes later, and I was taken to hospital. I was so relieved that they found me quickly, I don’t want to think how much worse the pain would have been if I had to wait any longer.”

“I was so relieved I had it; you never think that stuff like this can happen but it’s really important to have the app just in case, especially if you like to go out on adventures on your own,” she said.

Cheers! Company creates list of horse-friendly pubs for riders

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 19:51:08 +0000

Go for a ride, or have a drink in the pub — or both?

One pub operator has tried to make it as easy as possible for riders to combine hacking with a refreshment stop, creating a list of horse-friendly venues.

Brakspear, which runs more than 100 pubs in England, has a list on its website and also an app, which riders can use to find nearby venues that welcome horses.

“In these eco-conscious times we wanted to remind people that some of our pubs can cater for those arriving on horseback,” said Brakspear marketing manager Emma Sweet.

“A lot of our pubs were originally built as coach and horse inns, so it’s a great way to incorporate a pub’s history with its modern offering. Riding is a great way to get some fresh air and arrive in style.”

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Many of the pubs also nearby off-road routes, some of which are bridleways, which can be identified on the app.

“Our landlords have been welcoming horses to their pubs for years,” Emma said. “With so many of the pubs in the countryside, they’re ideal for horse riders. We’re lucky to have some great riding trails in the areas surrounding some of the pubs, so stopping for a drink and a bite to eat with your horse is easy.”

A Brakspear spokesman told H&H all the horse-friendly pubs have safe places to tie up, and are able to provide water for the horses.

One of these is the Blackwood Arms, in Littleworth Common. Landlord Sean Arnett said: “We’ve welcomed horses ever since we took over the pub 11 years ago, and I’m sure the Blackwood was welcoming them long before that. We have a [rail] opposite our front door which is perfect for tethering horses to, and we make sure that both horse and rider are well looked after!”

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor H&H Approved

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:52:11 +0000

creditUnknown

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor

The Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor is a small device that attaches to your riding hat – or other sports helmet – behind the ear. It works in conjunction with an app that stores your emergency contacts and, in the event of a fall, can send them an alert.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The sensor arrived in a small box that contained the sensor (which is available in black or pink), a charging lead, attaching sticker, instruction sheet and two decorative stickers. The sensor needs charging for two hours before you can use it. This was easy enough as it connects to a standard USB charger. When I plugged it in I did expect a little light to appear to say it was on, so at first I wasn’t sure it was charging. Then after fiddling about with it I realised it made a jingle noise once it was plugged in and charging, which was helpful.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Once charged, I set about attaching it to my hat. This was probably the easiest part of the setup process. All I had to do was use the double-sided sticker provided to position and secure it. I have a leather-look helmet and was worried it might damage the covering, but I’ve removed it to check and you’d never have known it was there.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The app can be downloaded for free onto any iOS or Android device and this was simple. Setting it up was a little more complicated and there weren’t detailed instructions in English. I filled in my details – I had to add my emergency contacts manually, as although the app picked up my contact list I seemed to be unable to select them – and then connected to the sensor via Bluetooth.

When you add an emergency contact, it sends them a text but doesn’t say who it’s from. I hadn’t pre-warned my colleague, Sophie Cheeseman, I was adding her, so at first she thought the text was spam, so I’d advise giving your contacts a heads-up before you start. Contacts can download the app, too, but this isn‘t essential and we tested using the text feature.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The app allows you to simulate a fall, so that you and your contacts can see what to expect. It took me quite a few tries to successfully run the simulation, but I think this was user error as I’ve ran multiple since to show friends at the yard with less problems. This time the message did explain who it was from and that I was running a simulation. When you fall, the app will give you 30 seconds to say you’re OK and cancel the alert before sending a message to your contacts. If in that time you’re getting yourself up and catching your horse, you can notify them after but it allows you to prevent the worry if you’re quick. If you don’t have mobile signal where you ride, there is also a feature that alerts your contacts if you haven’t logged your return by your expected return time.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The sensor is small but quite noticeable. I forgot it was there, but everyone I rode out with noticed it and asked what it was. Once it’s attached, you can’t take it off without replacing the sticker and only one is provided. This means you couldn’t take it off for competing or to charge the device if you attached it directly to your hat so I would recommend attaching it to a hi-vis hat band (I used this one from Equisafety) rather than your hat. I leave my hat at the yard, so this saves me bringing the whole thing home when I want to charge it – I can just bring the band – but it also means that I can lend the Tocsen to friends and take it off for competing.

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor attached directly to hat (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor attached to hat band (Image credit: creditUnknown)

To use the device when you’re riding, all you need to do is turn on your Bluetooth and connect to the device. I also run the Equilab app while I’m hacking, so I was worried about the two draining my battery, but it doesn’t use as much battery as I anticipated. So far the Tocsen’s battery has lasted really well – it claims to last three months with average use, although I’ve found it’s run down a little quicker so I may use it more than average.

I haven’t fallen off while using the sensor, but the simulation has given me reassurance that it will work. I did, however, also drop the Tocsen on the floor at home once I’d finished setting it up and it activated immediately, began to alarm and sent Sophie an alert, which was really good to see.

Screenshot of message received by emergency contact (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The text message includes a link, which allowed Sophie to see my exact location – she was relieved to see I was at home – and gave her the option to Google Map to me or call me, which was a really smooth transition. I was pleased with the map as if I fell off in the woods and had one of my fellow liveries as my emergency contact, they would know exactly where to find me – and if it was a local friend, they would be able to use Google Maps very easily.

Following the link shows your emergency contact where your alert has been sent from (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Although I had a few teething problems setting it up and using the app, I can really see how the Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor would be handy to have – plus most importantly it was easy for my emergency contact to use. I mostly hack, live alone and am often one of the last to leave the yard in the evening during the summer. If I didn’t return from a hack it’s quite possible that no one would notice for a good while, so for someone like me it could be a life-saver. Equally, if you have a child hacking out it can give you peace of mind.

It retails at £79.99, which is a lot for a small device, but when you consider what it could do it’s harder to put a price on it. Plus, it’s good to note that the app is free – and you do not need to pay a subscription for it to work. It looks like it will last a long time and although it was easy enough to remove, I think it’s unlikely to fall off. Plus, now that I’ve found a way to detach it from my hat by using the hat band, the value has really increased for me.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* A great bit of kit if you regularly hack alone.

Who tested this device?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who she regularly hacks alone in woodland for hours at a time.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Hundreds of miles of ‘quiet lanes’ developed to benefit riders, cyclists and walkers

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:17:21 +0000

More than 250 miles of “quiet lanes” have been established in Suffolk, for the benefit of riders, cyclists and walkers.

Thanks to Suffolk County Council funding, and work from country, district and parish councils, as well as an army of volunteers, more than 350 roads in the county have been designated as quiet lanes. This is a national initiative that means although drivers are still allowed to use each road, signs “clearly showing the hierarchy of right of way” alert them to the fact they are likely to see vulnerable road users.

The law states that the speed of vehicles using such routes must be low enough to allow activities such as riding, cycling and walking to be enjoyed safely by people of all ages and abilities.

Parish councils play a major role in identifying suitable routes; they must apply for the designation and obtain the signs. Other counties are also establishing quiet lanes but in Suffolk it has been particularly successful.

Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council deputy cabinet member for Transport Strategy, said: “This is a wonderful sustainable initiative aimed at opening up more of our countryside for leisure and recreation activities and active travel.

“The lockdowns over the past two years have shown the value of these areas that exist on many of our doorsteps, both for our physical and mental health. Now they have been officially designated, we hope it will encourage more residents to make use of the countryside around them and explore other ways of travelling other than in the car.”

Quiet Lanes Suffolk was formed from a small group of volunteers who were interested in the scheme but realised the initial funding, in 2014, had run out, and the project had stalled owing to the cost.

The group worked for a year, developing a community-led model and recruiting more volunteers to carry out much of the legwork, which would cut the cost. They presented the model to the East Suffolk Coastal District Greenprint Forum and gained “overwhelming support for the proposal as part of their active travel goal”, and some £40,000 funding.

In 2020, council officers made a successful application to the Suffolk 2020 Fund, a one-year fund of £3m to be used for Suffolk County Council’s policy priorities.

“Quiet lanes would encourage and enhance active and sustainable travel, as well as contribute to the county’s drive to become carbon neutral by 2030, and so it fitted the criteria perfectly,” a council spokesman said.

After trials and contacting parish councils across the county, the volunteers supported the applications, creating online resources and a live digital map.

Now, more than 400km of the routes exist, many connecting with each other, or with bridleways.

“Anecdotally, people have said they feel safer using the quiet lanes, and more people are spending time using them for recreational purposes,” the spokesman said.

Guidance on applying for quiet lanes is available online.

Concerns route-use evidence does not include equestrians

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 13 May 2022 10:26:01 +0000

CONCERNS have been raised that local authorities may be using sources that cannot record equestrian activity to determine who is using rights of way.

Carriage-driver Fiona Powell contacted H&H as her local rural county council’s proposed “cycling and walking strategy” document contained only one mention of equestrian use. But the council also referenced the Strava global heat map in its evidence of usage.

Strava, a popular activity-tracking app, allows runners, walkers and cyclists to track, record and analyse their activity, but there is no option to record equestrian use.

“This means that those horse riders and carriage drivers who do record their outings must choose a non-equestrian sport such as cycling or running or use other apps, so distorting the publicly available heat map of usage or omitting their activities completely,” Fiona told H&H. “Worryingly, other councils also use the Strava heat map. It is appealing, easy to use and looks convincing; how likely is it that planners and policy-makers know or care that all equestrian usage is excluded?”

Fiona said she has access to byways and restricted byways on which to drive.

“You read all the awful things that happen to riders on the road, and I know a bit about the active travel requirements from the Government; local authorities are supposed to be making more routes available for it,” she said. “I imagine many people involved in policymaking don’t know anyone who rides or carriage-drives; in this 44-page council strategy, it only says “and equestrian use” once.

“The Strava heat map is brilliant and you can see all these routes being used but because you can’t record equestrian activity, people who do use it record as cycling or running. That means councils can say there’s no evidence of equestrian use and we get overlooked.

“The [British Horse Society] BHS, The Trails Trust and many other groups are doing great work campaigning. If we want to be included in plans for safe off-road multi-user routes for future generations of horse riders and drivers, we need to get together, raise awareness and make ourselves heard now.”

A BHS spokesman told H&H sourcing data of use by walkers, cyclists and riders should be carried out over “an appropriate amount of time, during periods where the users are likely to use it, as equestrians often use routes at less busy times”.

“If this is done in an open and transparent way it can avoid the findings being inaccurate, which can potentially influence their decision-making process,” he said.

“Although apps such as Strava indicate popular routes used by cyclists and walkers, this will not include all users, and excludes equestrian use as well as individuals who do not record their journeys. This should therefore not be relied upon to gain data on user activity on equestrian routes or places equestrians can access.”

An East Suffolk Council spokesman told H&H work on the strategy is ongoing and “a positive approach to equestrian activities is being taken”.

“The draft strategy identifies infrastructure opportunities and should not be read as prescriptive, as detailed designs will be undertaken at a later stage with further consideration given to equestrian activities,” he said.

“The consultation response to the draft strategy was very high and we are reviewing all comments and amending the strategy accordingly, in collaboration with our steering group. We are also in contact with a national equestrian association.

“Consideration will be given, and the strategy amended, to take account of comments before a final document is published.”

Strava was unavailable for comment.

Have your say on vehicle use of off-road tracks: riders urged to take part in consultation

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 18:04:55 +0000

Equestrians have been urged to have a say in a Government consultation on whether off-road vehicles should be allowed to continue using unsurfaced countryside tracks.

Defra’s online consultation asks whether recreational vehicles should still be allowed to access off-tarmac routes used for riding and carriage driving.

H&H reported in 2017 that a survey carried out by British Horse Society-affiliated bridleways group Peak Horsepower suggested that 4×4 vehicles and motorbikes were causing problems for riders across the country.

Three-quarters of respondents said their off-road routes are also used by motor vehicles, and 90% of these said these create problems, such as ground damage and frightening horses.

Peak Horsepower has since been calling for a change in the law, to ensure the 3,000 miles of routes that are currently unclassified, and so can be used by anyone, become restricted byways, which would ban motor vehicles.

Have your say online

Peak Horsepower chair Charlotte Gilbert added: “We and other organisations have been pressing for a long time for a review of the legislation governing the use of unsealed countryside tracks by 4x4s and motor bikes where such use causes damage and prevents access to other classes of legitimate user. We are very pleased indeed that the Government has at last decided to ask the public whether there should be new legislation on off-roading.

“We urge all equestrians to take part in the consultation and to answer questions 14 to 17 in the online questionnaire’.

‘We don’t want the world’: council’s horsebox ban means lack of safe places to ride

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:01:16 +0000

Riders say a council ban on parking horseboxes in a public car park is illogical, and leaves them without safe places to ride.

The car park near Sizewell Beach, Suffolk, has been used for “donkey’s years”, one rider said, by equestrians to access an extensive network of bridleways nearby. But recent enforcement in parking regulations means only vehicles 5.5m long or less are allowed to use it.

The rider, who asked not to be named, told H&H the grass car park can get busy in summer, so of course “you’re sensible about when you go there”.

She has been in contact with East Suffolk Council, which sets parking rules, since before Christmas.

“We’ve been back and forwards, and I got an answer saying no, they don’t want horses in the car park as they’re dangerous and the general public is scared of them,” the rider said.

“They said horses would be scared of people revving their engines in the car park and would bolt, and that there’s no need for us to park there as there’s nowhere for us to ride from there.

“I’ve sent evidence of what other councils are doing; £20 annual parking permits, riders proving they’ve got public liability insurance, paying for two spaces if you take them up, but it’s all been ignored.”

The rider said she has suggested compromises, pointing out that horseboxes may still legally be parked on the road outside the car park, which she says is more dangerous, and that horseboxes are still allowed to use other council-owned car parks, which she says makes its given reasons illogical.

“It’s a bit of a weird one,” she said. “I asked if it was worth me coming up with solutions, maybe a couple of designated spaces in a separate area, but no.

“We’ve got a lot of riders now having to go a lot further to find somewhere they can ride, and have lost the opportunity to get out on the bridleways so many of us can’t access otherwise.

“We just want to have a conversation and come up with some solutions. I think they think we’re going to go away but we’re not going to. We’re not asking for the world.”

An East Suffolk Council spokesman told H&H: “It has always been our position that parking larger heavier vehicles on much of the surface at the Sizewell Beach car park is unsuitable, especially in wetter weather.

“Larger vehicles, including horseboxes, have never been legally permitted to park at Sizewell Beach car park. Although this was not enforced prior to the commencement of our wider civil parking enforcement responsibilities, we have not issued penalty charge notices to horsebox drivers, but have instead advised them of the rules and asked that they move somewhere more appropriate.

“We are not preventing horse riders from using the bridleways around Sizewell beach, nor from parking a rigid vehicle up to 5.5m in length, and without a trailer, in this car park.”

‘Fantastic news’: hopes to save more off-road riding as 2026 deadline scrapped

Lucy Elder — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:52:08 +0000

The 2026 deadline for all bridleways to be marked on the definitive map has been scrapped, following “extensive lobbying”.

Historcial routes for walkers, riders and carriage drivers were at risk of being lost for ever, unless they were marked on the map by 1 January 2026.

But this deadline has now been repealed, taking with it the time pressure access groups faced to protect rights of way. Landowners will also continue to have the “right to apply” to divert or close rights of way in certain circumstances.

The British Horse Society (BHS) has welcomed the news.

“This is fantastic news for our equestrian community who already have very little off-road access available to them, meaning they have no choice but to travel on the road,” said BHS director of access Mark Weston.

“We were delighted to see the Welsh government abolish their cut-off date last year for Wales, and this is brilliant news that England will now be following in the same way.”

A BHS statement added: “The BHS has lobbied extensively for a significant extension to the cut-off date to ensure that the health, well-being and economic benefits of many unrecorded routes are protected.”

The charity thanked its volunteers, who have been “working frantically to save as many routes as possible before the deadline”, adding that the removal of the cut-off date means “more time to research and save unrecorded routes”.

“Project 2026, enabled with financial assistance from Sport England through British Equestrian, has been a great success with over 2,100 DMMO [definitive map modification order] applications submitted to over 50 authorities,” the BHS statement said.

“The society now looks forward to continuing this much-needed work so that these historical routes are recorded to ensure more safe off-road routes are available to equestrians.”

A Defra spokesman told H&H: “As we have recognised in our 25-year environment plan, public access is key to connecting people with the environment to improve health and wellbeing.

“The Government has decided to take forward a streamlined package of measures in order to help enhance the way that rights of way are recorded and managed.”

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