Pub installs hitching post for horse parking

A pub in rural Surrey is trying a new approach to pull in customers by providing horse parking.

The Fox Revived in Horley, near Gatwick, was bought by new owners Jon and Paula Briscoe in September 2009.

Last summer they decided to make it more equine-friendly and have recently installed a hitching rail.

“It’s gone down a treat,” explained Paula. “As the favourite local in our very rural area we consider it our job to serve all sectors of the community — including horses.

“We want riders to be able to drop in for a drink with ease, knowing their horses are safe and well.”

Riders need to bring their own headcollars and ropes for the bark-chipped tie-up area, which has space for three horses.

And it’s proving popular — the landlords estimate riders visit two or three times a week.

“It’s funny to see the customers’ faces as they arrive in the car park and are greeted by horses,” said Paula. “Everyone loves it.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (2 June, 2011)

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