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Get riding for access in Yorkshire Dales
THE British Horse Society is encouraging riders and carriage drivers across the Yorkshire Dales and beyond to hold a ‘Ride for Access’ to raise money for a campaign to open up more countryside for riders.
The Access Fighting Fund is at the centre of Society’s Access Week (16-26 May) when BHS staff, volunteers and members will hold events to raise awareness of equestrian access issues. This year the Society is encouraging horse lovers to organise a ‘Ride for Access’ during the week.
BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare Mark Weston, said: “Organising a Ride For Access is a fun, sociable way of raising funds for the BHS, and getting together with other riders in your area.
“It will be a great opportunity for riders to enjoy some of our current rides while helping to preserve routes for the future.”
The Access Fighting Fund was set up in 2007, after a fight to save a bridleway in Oxfordshire left the BHS with a bill for £30,000 costs.
Mr Weston continues: “Horse riders only have access to 22 percent of the public rights of way network, while carriage drivers only have access to five percent.
“It is therefore imperative that we have the necessary funds to protect these rights of way, especially as these cases more often than not need to be defended either at court or at public inquiry.”
A Ride for Access pack is available from the BHS which contains everything required to organise and publicise a Ride for Access.
“It’s really easy to do,” says BHS Access Executive Hannah Brown. “Apply for a pack then invite your friends and neighbours to come to your ride. Each rider or carriage driver makes a donation to the Access Fighting Fund as their entry fee.
“We suggest £10 per rider, but we’d prefer riders took part and donated what they can afford, to raise awareness as well as money.”
“While Access Week will be used as the focus for these rides, they can be organised at any time during the year to raise funds for the Fighting Fund.”
For further information visit www.bhs.org.uk
