Riders demonstrate for more bridleways

A group of riders are to lead a demonstration on horseback, demanding more off-road riding routes all around the UK.

Busy roads

Across the UK bridleways make up just 22 percent of rights of way, which meansriders are often forced to use busy roads.

Riders in Wokingham have decided to take action, as only 10 percent of multi-user routes in their borough can be used by horses.

Riding in the area is being further threatened by plans for 13,000 new houses, which will create additional traffic.

Survey

According to a survey conducted by theWokingham Bridleway Group in2014, without an increase in off-road routes, 86 percent of riders in the area will consider moving their horses out of the borough.

The survey also found 50 percent of equestrian businesses anticipate closure without more bridleways.

Riders overlooked

“There are policies to include new rights of way forcyclists and walkers when new housing developments are created but horse riders are being overlooked,” said Nicola Greenwood, BHS bridleway and access officer for Wokingham.

“The British HorseSociety estimates that3,000 accidentsinvolving horses happen each year on UK roads.To ensure a future for leisure horse riding and equestrian businesses throughout the UK it is essential that more off-road multi-user routes are made available to them.”

Peaceful march

Wokingham Bridleway Group is calling for the government to increase the number of routes available to horse riders to 30 percent by 2030, across the UK.

Nicola is leading the march through Wokingham town centre on Wednesday 27 May at 10.30am. The group has also launched a petition, which needs 100,000 signatures for it to be debated in parliament.