bridleway problems

[westernriderH]

I wanted to go on a hack down the bridleway close to us yesterday, and got quite far, but then I saw a herd of horses (probably wild as they were all unshod and were very wary of me, although they came over to see my horse). Some of them had foals, and if I had gone into the field, would have been very protective, I think one of them was a stallion as well but not sure. Is this legal on a public bridleway, or should they be fenced off? Not sure where I stand, but this is preventing me from hacking out my horses now as I don't want to get into trouble!

 

[westernriderH]

I guess it's a bit of a grey area then?

 

[LCobby]

Livestock, including horses, can be in a field with a bridleway running across it.
Not sure on rules re stallions, check with BHS Access dept.

 

[westernriderH]

Oh. Any ideas on how to get through the field safely then?

 

[scotsmare]

Check with your local council for ownership of the field and then approach the owners - they might not be aware of the bridleway.