By the time you read this, we will be into May; the BHS Ride Out Month will be in full swing, and I already know that spring finally sprung into life with great enthusiasm after our horrendous weather in March and early April. I do hope therefore, you all managed to get your horses fit enough to go out and enjoy some of the early rides, and hopefully join in one of the planned events in this region to help the BHS and the Paths for Communities Fund. I noticed that once more, the National Trust have supported the Ride Out Month by allowing some special rides to take place over their properties; six venues are involved this year, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is a wonderful opportunity for riders, but we would like more – especially in our corner of the country! I know the National Trust have stated their aim to increase access for riders and cyclists on their properties, and I always watch with interest any progress in this direction.
Following on from my notes last month regarding post Brexit agricultural policy for the U.K., the BHS have joined forces with Cycle UK, The Ramblers, Open Spaces Society and British Mountaineering Council in raising a petition to help ensure a new Agriculture Bill includes measures to protect the future of our countryside access. If you haven’t seen this petition already, either via EBA, or other means, please will you go onto the BHS website and make sure you add your signature to this petition? It is of utmost importance that we keep a high profile emphasis on the increasing need for safe access rights. In some ways we are quite unique in this country, in the way that we have access rights via byways and bridleways, but there is no time to sit on our laurels, as there is an ever-increasing need to escape from busy roads in today’s urban environment.
Talking of busy roads, the first results have started to filter through regarding road incidents involving horses since the BHS launched their Dead Slow campaign, and it is heartening to hear that the number of incidents has reduced for the first time since 2010. That said, there is still a huge amount of work to be done to ensure riders can venture out on the roads in safety. 404 incidents were reported during 2017; eight horses died and 74 injured; 94 riders injured and a carriage driver killed. In addition, more than a quarter of riders were subject to road rage or abuse. It seems that the overriding problem is that many drivers still do not understand how to pass horses safely, and 80% of reported incidents occurred because drivers did not allow sufficient room between their vehicle and the horse. The campaign continues apace and alongside other avenues, the safety team are in close liaison with haulage and delivery companies to ensure their drivers are aware of how to react when they meet a horse on the road. I have seen truly terrifying hat-cam clips from riders who have had huge Lorries pass them by really closely and at speed. It horrifies me, and I salute all of you who venture out regularly on the roads with your faithful steeds.
Further research into how riders can protect themselves and make sure they are highly visible has concluded that in addition to highly conspicuous clothing, the addition of lights to both horse and rider means they can be seen sooner, thus allowing drivers more time to slow down. I have already seen some examples of high viz gear including lights – obviously the way forward!.
Here on our own patch in Essex, we are busy as always; I believe we are close to employing our new Projects and Funding Officer, who will play an important role in our line up alongside our busy team! Don’t forget that you can play your part by just keeping your eyes open. If you know of a route which is ridden but not designated as a bridleway; or if a route you used to ride has been blocked or closed, please let your local area rep. know. It is vital that we address any such issues now, while we still can!
MARY BALCH
By the time you read this, we will be into May; the BHS Ride Out Month will be in full swing, and I already know that spring finally sprung into life with great enthusiasm after our horrendous weather in March and early April. I do hope therefore, you all managed to get your horses fit enough to go out and enjoy some of the early rides, and hopefully join in one of the planned events in this region to help the BHS and the Paths for Communities Fund. I noticed that once more, the National Trust have supported the Ride Out Month by allowing some special rides to take place over their properties; six venues are involved this year, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is a wonderful opportunity for riders, but we would like more – especially in our corner of the country! I know the National Trust have stated their aim to increase access for riders and cyclists on their properties, and I always watch with interest any progress in this direction.
Following on from my notes last month regarding post Brexit agricultural policy for the U.K., the BHS have joined forces with Cycle UK, The Ramblers, Open Spaces Society and British Mountaineering Council in raising a petition to help ensure a new Agriculture Bill includes measures to protect the future of our countryside access. If you haven’t seen this petition already, either via EBA, or other means, please will you go onto the BHS website and make sure you add your signature to this petition? It is of utmost importance that we keep a high profile emphasis on the increasing need for safe access rights. In some ways we are quite unique in this country, in the way that we have access rights via byways and bridleways, but there is no time to sit on our laurels, as there is an ever-increasing need to escape from busy roads in today’s urban environment.
Talking of busy roads, the first results have started to filter through regarding road incidents involving horses since the BHS launched their Dead Slow campaign, and it is heartening to hear that the number of incidents has reduced for the first time since 2010. That said, there is still a huge amount of work to be done to ensure riders can venture out on the roads in safety. 404 incidents were reported during 2017; eight horses died and 74 injured; 94 riders injured and a carriage driver killed. In addition, more than a quarter of riders were subject to road rage or abuse. It seems that the overriding problem is that many drivers still do not understand how to pass horses safely, and 80% of reported incidents occurred because drivers did not allow sufficient room between their vehicle and the horse. The campaign continues apace and alongside other avenues, the safety team are in close liaison with haulage and delivery companies to ensure their drivers are aware of how to react when they meet a horse on the road. I have seen truly terrifying hat-cam clips from riders who have had huge Lorries pass them by really closely and at speed. It horrifies me, and I salute all of you who venture out regularly on the roads with your faithful steeds.
Further research into how riders can protect themselves and make sure they are highly visible has concluded that in addition to highly conspicuous clothing, the addition of lights to both horse and rider means they can be seen sooner, thus allowing drivers more time to slow down. I have already seen some examples of high viz gear including lights – obviously the way forward!.
Here on our own patch in Essex, we are busy as always; I believe we are close to employing our new Projects and Funding Officer, who will play an important role in our line up alongside our busy team! Don’t forget that you can play your part by just keeping your eyes open. If you know of a route which is ridden but not designated as a bridleway; or if a route you used to ride has been blocked or closed, please let your local area rep. know. It is vital that we address any such issues now, while we still can!
MARY BALCH