BHS urges riders to lobby over coastal paths

The British Horse Society (BHS) is urging riders and carriage drivers to lobby their MPs over access to coastal paths.

Government proposals in the draft Marine Bill, published in April, aim to create a national trail around the country’s coastline, but at present exclude access for horses.

The BHS launched its Coastal Access for Equestrians campaign at Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September).

Horse riders have access to just 22% of the public rights of way in England and carriage drivers 5%.

Mark Weston of the BHS said: “This is the perfect opportunity for the government to provide more off-road access for equestrians and not just for walkers, who already have access to 100% of the public rights of way network.”

www.bhs.org.uk

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