Can you handwalk horse down a public footpath?

[harrietSJ]

Just wondering if you are allowed to hand lead a horse down a footpath, not ridden just walking alongside?

(provided are not obstructions in the way of course!)

Some people I have spoken to say you are, others say you aren't? Does this depend on local council?

I thank you all!

 

[EPRider]

NO.

It is illegal to ride, drive,lead or herd a horse on a public footpath.

 

[mandwhy]

Hmm, I do, but the footpaths are access to my field.

 

[tallyho!]

No but I do anyway I'm less offensive than the bags of dogpoo hanging from trees and shrubs.

 

[StormyMoments]

nope but i do anyway... no one seems to care

 

[thecatsmother]

You can (lead or ride) if the landowner gives permission (if not it's trespass against the landowner). But if the public then complain that the path has been made unuseable for pedestrians, by the horses using it (dangerous, overly muddy from hooves etc), then the council can override the landowner's permission and ban horses completely using a traffic regulation order (it then becomes a criminal act if you take a horse along the footpath, rather than the civil offence of trespass)