Do bridleway gates have to be accessible on horseback?

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Lauraajohnsonn

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Hi all,

just wanted the answer to the above question really. I wrote to NY council about a bridleway which I cannot access because it has normal gates which are inaccessible on horse back. One of the gates enters into a field with 3 horses, which I don’t fancy riding through on my 4 yo. The response from the council was that the gates do not have to be able to be opened on horseback. Which I personally thought was the very nature of bridleways? Anyone who owns a horse knows they don’t want to be getting on and off all the time and having to mount without a block ??‍♀️.

anyone who can shed light would be greatly appreciated!
tia.
 
There's LOTS of information on the BHS website at https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/free-leaflets-and-advice
Particularly check out the leaflet called Blocked and Difficult to Use Bridleways - it has info about livestock and about difficult gates too. There's lots of info about how to get things done - there may well be a local access and bridleways volunteer in your area who will happily help/guide you, but they are volunteers and cannot do it all themselves :)
ETA: to find your local volunteers, go to the bottom of the homepage to where it says 'in your area' and choose your region. Then find your county, and on the county page there'll be a link to Committee.
 
No, by law gates do not have to be opened from horseback.

As for the young horses in the field, I would contact the Rights of Way department and discuss this to see if the owners of the field will put in a pen of some sort. This is an issue that often comes up and some councils are more helpful than others. I know someone whose saddle was damaged by cattle when she was trying to get through a gate, and the council asked the farmer to put in some fencing so the cattle didn't crowd round the gate which he did.

Actually horses are more of a problem than cattle in my mind, and of course owners of fields with horses in aren't all the co-operative normally.

There are issues of liability to people on your land, but it is a difficult issue.
 
Regarding the gates your local authority is obliged to ensure that the gates can be opened from horseback. The gates are the responsibility of the landowner but the local authority can enforce it.
The British Horse Society has a 'Path for the Community Fund' available, which may contribute towards the replacement of the gates with new horse friendly gates so it would be worthwhile contacting the Access Department of the BHS H.Q. or your local BHS Access Officer (The BHS H.Q. can give you their contact details). Before doing anything determine the Bridleway Number and location of the gate so as to make the whole process easier. As regards animals including horses in a field where a public right of way crosses it such as a bridleway - the owner of the field is responsible for any accident that may occur and if they have animals in a field where a Public Right of Way Crosses they need to have carried out a documented Health and Safety Risk Assessment, which should be available at all times, taken any action necessary to avoid an accident and be able to demonstrate that they have public liability and third party insurance in place. If an accident was to occur the the Health and Safety Executive would be compelled to investigate and any expenses involved in this including the report would have to be paid for by the land owner. This can come to many thousands of pounds - a recent incident cost the land owner £15,000 just for the report. My advice would be to go and see the land owner and advise them of their obligations and if that fails then contact your County Councils Rights of Way Department and ask them to take action.
 
This thread has caused me huge amusement (not because I disagree with anything that anyone has written at all!) because the idea of 'horse friendly gates' and livestock related risk assessments are a complete other planet away from my reality riding at home :p:p I love my local riding, frequently have to dismount to deal with an old bedstead acting as a gate gates that need wrestling with in some fashion as well as a huge variety of livestock which I eye up deciding whether it is appropriate or not to take that particular route, alternatively I ride on tracks that the local welsh hill sheep consider treacherous or which require the skill and determination of 19th Century explorers to push through. I don't actually mind any of these issues actually - it's my choice to ride and there are alternatives. I am not sure I want or would entirely support gates that can only be opened or closed from horseback either; is it not ok to have to dismount and re-mount? Most of our local landowners would be frankly astonished by the very idea of 'horse friendly gates' or penning livestock to allow for a bridlepath...the fact that money may be available to support access would probably see them literally keel over in shock. I do know of bridleway groups that improve access and that is great but there are some places where only hope/determination/desperation provides access. I now know why newcomers to this area can find the outriding a bit 'tricky'...
 
poacher82 said:
There's LOTS of information on the BHS website at https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/free-leaflets-and-advice
Particularly check out the leaflet called Blocked and Difficult to Use Bridleways - it has info about livestock and about difficult gates too. There's lots of info about how to get things done - there may well be a local access and bridleways volunteer in your area who will happily help/guide you, but they are volunteers and cannot do it all themselves :)
ETA: to find your local volunteers, go to the bottom of the homepage to where it says 'in your area' and choose your region. Then find your county, and on the county page there'll be a link to Committee.
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Thanks so much!
 
palo1 said:
This thread has caused me huge amusement (not because I disagree with anything that anyone has written at all!) because the idea of 'horse friendly gates' and livestock related risk assessments are a complete other planet away from my reality riding at home :p:p I love my local riding, frequently have to dismount to deal with an old bedstead acting as a gate gates that need wrestling with in some fashion as well as a huge variety of livestock which I eye up deciding whether it is appropriate or not to take that particular route, alternatively I ride on tracks that the local welsh hill sheep consider treacherous or which require the skill and determination of 19th Century explorers to push through. I don't actually mind any of these issues actually - it's my choice to ride and there are alternatives. I am not sure I want or would entirely support gates that can only be opened or closed from horseback either; is it not ok to have to dismount and re-mount? Most of our local landowners would be frankly astonished by the very idea of 'horse friendly gates' or penning livestock to allow for a bridlepath...the fact that money may be available to support access would probably see them literally keel over in shock. I do know of bridleway groups that improve access and that is great but there are some places where only hope/determination/desperation provides access. I now know why newcomers to this area can find the outriding a bit 'tricky'...
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In my area, unfortunately there are not many alternatives. The alternatives are busy roads, and so I want to use the bridleways which should be accessible.
it is also more difficult getting off and on a 17hh youngster without a mounting block. I do not wish to put the pressure onto his back.
 
Lauraajohnsonn said:
In my area, unfortunately there are not many alternatives. The alternatives are busy roads, and so I want to use the bridleways which should be accessible.
it is also more difficult getting off and on a 17hh youngster without a mounting block. I do not wish to put the pressure onto his back.
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Yes, I do understand that; we have a tall horse here too. We can always find somewhere to use as a mounting block thankfully. I find it helpful to know that I can get on and off safely too - for me that is an important element of riding skill/safety but I know a great many people who find it difficult to remount a big horse when they are out hacking. It's just that the picture of horse friendly gates, clear pathways and supporting H&S paperwork made me laugh out loud!! :) :)
 
There is a bridleway close to where I live that ends at a very busy road, the land owner had put two gates in, both were very difficult to open on foot, let alone on horseback. She ignored requests to improve them and I stopped trying to use the bridleway. A friend who rides a 17hh horse couldn't open the gates whilst riding but tried, her horse panicked and she got quite a nasty injury to her face and was lucky not to end up under a car. She sent a pic to the landowner and explained what had happened and lo and behold both gates were replaced and the bridleway can be used.
 
Lauraajohnsonn said:
I wrote to NY council
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Are you in North Yorkshire? If so (depending on where you are) Janet Cochrane is very helpful and proactive, drop her a message and she'll be able to suggest the best way to proceed or tell you who to contact if you're out of her area. She runs Ride Yorkshire (so is very keen on bridleway accessibility!) and helps coordinate improvements to bridleways. Her email is on this page: https://www.bhs.org.uk/bhs-in-your-...west-yorkshire/north-west-yorkshire-committee
 
palo1 I know exactly what you mean about getting on and off etc as I used to live in the Cambrian Hills of Mid-Wales! No gate sin many places just a matter of moving some barbed wire fencing and re-attaching it. However things have changed and Public Rights of Way have become a very valuable resource as has been appreciated during the recent Pandemic. As regards horse friendly gates there are several pieces of legislation relating to Disabled access to the Countryside, Public Access to the Countryside and even Discrimination which makes it reasonable that gates on bridleways can be opened from horse back. As stated earlier there is a BHS Paths for the Community Fund Available which will contribute to the replacement of gates and other improvements of Rights of Way which one can apply to.
 
PeterNatt said:
Regarding the gates your local authority is obliged to ensure that the gates can be opened from horseback. The gates are the responsibility of the landowner but the local authority can enforce it.
The British Horse Society has a 'Path for the Community Fund' available, which may contribute towards the replacement of the gates with new horse friendly gates so it would be worthwhile contacting the Access Department of the BHS H.Q. or your local BHS Access Officer (The BHS H.Q. can give you their contact details). Before doing anything determine the Bridleway Number and location of the gate so as to make the whole process easier. As regards animals including horses in a field where a public right of way crosses it such as a bridleway - the owner of the field is responsible for any accident that may occur and if they have animals in a field where a Public Right of Way Crosses they need to have carried out a documented Health and Safety Risk Assessment, which should be available at all times, taken any action necessary to avoid an accident and be able to demonstrate that they have public liability and third party insurance in place. If an accident was to occur the the Health and Safety Executive would be compelled to investigate and any expenses involved in this including the report would have to be paid for by the land owner. This can come to many thousands of pounds - a recent incident cost the land owner £15,000 just for the report. My advice would be to go and see the land owner and advise them of their obligations and if that fails then contact your County Councils Rights of Way Department and ask them to take action.
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I think I need to print this out and attach it to the gate on the bridle path where the land owner has a big cob turned out that attacks any horse crossing the field. Though people don't tend to try crossing it more than once.
 
palo1 said:
It's just that the picture of horse friendly gates, clear pathways and supporting H&S paperwork made me laugh out loud!! :):)
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Laugh? I nearly wet myself. I have ridden today and got off 4 times for gates on only an hour's ride. I could have stayed mounted for one but unfortunately I am too big for a Shitland which I would have had to been riding to even reach the gate catch.

If a gate opens without having to lift and drag it then it is a bonus. :D Clear pathways I solve by carrying a set of hand nippers and a folding saw in my saddlebag. I just accept I will have to get off and get back on and I think horse riders have to be able to do this or alternatively lead their horse to somewhere suitable. Anyone could have to quickly get off at any moment. You can't plan your life as to whether you can mount your horse. Either lead it somewhere suitable or teach it to stand by a gate/fence/bank . I have a record of banks, walls, fences and anything else suitable in my mind. My horse has learnt to stand almost anywhere that I can somehow scramble back onto him.

I'm not sure I would like perfectly opening gates. I have had a lot of fun over the years trying to get through inhospitable tracks and what could very loosely be described as gates. Life can become too sanitised.
 
paddy555 said:
Laugh? I nearly wet myself. I have ridden today and got off 4 times for gates on only an hour's ride. I could have stayed mounted for one but unfortunately I am too big for a Shitland which I would have had to been riding to even reach the gate catch.

If a gate opens without having to lift and drag it then it is a bonus. :D Clear pathways I solve by carrying a set of hand nippers and a folding saw in my saddlebag. I just accept I will have to get off and get back on and I think horse riders have to be able to do this or alternatively lead their horse to somewhere suitable. Anyone could have to quickly get off at any moment. You can't plan your life as to whether you can mount your horse. Either lead it somewhere suitable or teach it to stand by a gate/fence/bank . I have a record of banks, walls, fences and anything else suitable in my mind. My horse has learnt to stand almost anywhere that I can somehow scramble back onto him.

I'm not sure I would like perfectly opening gates. I have had a lot of fun over the years trying to get through inhospitable tracks and what could very loosely be described as gates. Life can become too sanitised.
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Yes, quite!! I like the way our local area is - everyone is trying their best even if at times it is pretty ludicrous. My friend and I have been eyeing up some vintage bed ends (with knobs on) that have been a crucial part of access to a bridleway for years. They would be worth a fortune if they were being sold in a shop in parts of London but here they are gently rusting whilst doing a vital job of being a gate substitute. There are many other instances of interesting interpretations of the concept of 'gate' or even 'track'...I do get that people need to have access and I don't want, personally, to have the routes overgrown through total lack of use but I do think people need to be able to get on or off their horse if they are hacking out. The other thing I do worry about is that horse friendly gates, unless constantly checked or expertly weighted and hung, are very easily left open. At least if I get off to do a gate I can take the time to absolutely shut it properly - thus not irritating my neighbours. I think the pay-off if one is needed that the landowners understand that perhaps things could better and so tolerance must work both ways. :):)
 
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Widgeon said:
Are you in North Yorkshire? If so (depending on where you are) Janet Cochrane is very helpful and proactive, drop her a message and she'll be able to suggest the best way to proceed or tell you who to contact if you're out of her area. She runs Ride Yorkshire (so is very keen on bridleway accessibility!) and helps coordinate improvements to bridleways. Her email is on this page: https://www.bhs.org.uk/bhs-in-your-...west-yorkshire/north-west-yorkshire-committee
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Thank you so much! I am yes, I’ll contact her now!
 
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paddy555 said:
Laugh? I nearly wet myself. I have ridden today and got off 4 times for gates on only an hour's ride. I could have stayed mounted for one but unfortunately I am too big for a Shitland which I would have had to been riding to even reach the gate catch.

If a gate opens without having to lift and drag it then it is a bonus. :D Clear pathways I solve by carrying a set of hand nippers and a folding saw in my saddlebag. I just accept I will have to get off and get back on and I think horse riders have to be able to do this or alternatively lead their horse to somewhere suitable. Anyone could have to quickly get off at any moment. You can't plan your life as to whether you can mount your horse. Either lead it somewhere suitable or teach it to stand by a gate/fence/bank . I have a record of banks, walls, fences and anything else suitable in my mind. My horse has learnt to stand almost anywhere that I can somehow scramble back onto him.

I'm not sure I would like perfectly opening gates. I have had a lot of fun over the years trying to get through inhospitable tracks and what could very loosely be described as gates. Life can become too sanitised.
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i pay council tax, road tax, income tax and every other type of bloody tax out there. I’d like to think that some of that money could be used to improve bridleways to make them rider friendly. It’s a very small luxury. As stated by a previous user, what about elderly, disabled or very young children who cannot constantly get on and off?
I personally don’t want to put the strain on my young horses back. It’s not that he cannot stand, or I cannot mount, I just do not wish to do that to him.
 
Lauraajohnsonn said:
i pay council tax, road tax, income tax and every other type of bloody tax out there. I’d like to think that some of that money could be used to improve bridleways to make them rider friendly. It’s a very small luxury. As stated by a previous user, what about elderly, disabled or very young children who cannot constantly get on and off?
I personally don’t want to put the strain on my young horses back. It’s not that he cannot stand, or I cannot mount, I just do not wish to do that to him.
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I also pay all those taxes. I would prefer the money to go to more worthy causes. Things like the NHS, possibly nurse's pay which are very far from small luxuries. Useful things that would benefit the wider population rather than just a few horse riders who don't wish to get off their horses if they come to a gate. Having a horse and riding it is already a luxury.
What about the elderly?. Well I am very much on the wrong side of 60 and my OH is over 70 yet we both get on and off when needed. We also are very careful to protect out horse's backs so we use a gate or fence to get back on.

Sorry to say it but I think if riders cannot get off to open a gate and either get back on or lead to a suitable place to remount I wonder if they should be riding. What happens if you fall off your horse? how do you get back on. What if you have to get off for something. Still the problem to get back on. :eek::)
 
I’m so very confused why you have commented at all? I asked for help, and you’ve given me your opinion which is not requested or of any interest to me.
I personally do think that people who are disabled should be allowed to hack and ride. Careful how you word things, there are many a rider who are incredibly capable but cannot easily mount and dismount their horses. I have a friend who has hip problems, meaning she cannot easily dismount. She is 40 and a nurse and so would be perfectly capable to call for help if she should come off, but should be able to enjoy rides on local bridleways. Please do not give me your opinion again, it is not requested or relevant.
 
Yes the gates generally have to be openable. There's a bridleway near me with a very inhospitable land owner who does their level best to stop people using the bridleway, and after multiple complaints he now knows exactly what he can get away with. So while there are 14 gates in an approx 1/2 mile stretch, they all open from horseback (though in practice a few you have to get off for because they are so heavily weighted that the logistics don't work).
 
paddy555 said:
Sorry to say it but I think if riders cannot get off to open a gate and either get back on or lead to a suitable place to remount I wonder if they should be riding. What happens if you fall off your horse? how do you get back on. What if you have to get off for something. Still the problem to get back on. :eek::)
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I do have routes I have stopped doing as I have got more decrepit as the gates are bad and there is also a place I need to lead on a steep hill. I struggle with mounting unless there is something to get on since a stroke affected my leg. I'm not going to stop riding yet though. I always manage one way or another. Nobody knows what may lie ahead for you and what problems your body may spring on you unexpectedly.
 
DabDab said:
Yes the gates generally have to be openable. There's a bridleway near me with a very inhospitable land owner who does their level best to stop people using the bridleway, and after multiple complaints he now knows exactly what he can get away with. So while there are 14 gates in an approx 1/2 mile stretch, they all open from horseback (though in practice a few you have to get off for because they are so heavily weighted that the logistics don't work).
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what is the definition of "openable"? many gates have catches halfway down the gate. Perfectly openable from a 14hh pony, not so easy from 16.2. some of ours are have good catches and can be easily opened yet you have to get off for them as the angle of the gate to the wall doesn't allow you to get close enough to get the horse's head over. I don't think riders can expect to be able to open every gate.

A gate that one rider can open may be difficult for another. My very experienced horse has worked out ways to deal with the most difficult gates yet my youngster is still a way off from doing all of them mounted.

I think if I had 14 gates in half a mile it would just be quicker to lead for that stretch. To me riding is a physical activity and I need to be able to do and cope with whatever the ride throws at me. I can't expect someone to have designed every gate so that I can do them mounted.
 
Friend of mine was very proud of having worked with the local bridleways access people (a voluntary group ) to get every gate on a designated route "openable" by riders - trouble was, she rides a14hh Fell that she does trec on. I have 17.2hh hunters.
I have to get off for every gate on this route as while the catches are easy to use and the gates swing perfectly, they're all below my foot when mounted. While I can get back on, it gets very tedious - this route is very gate-full - think 21 gates in and out of small fields in a 20 min ridden section.
So - while the gates are all technically openable - I never use the route
 
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