following 'riding of footpaths' thread .. driving on bridleways

[Toffee_monster]

I found the riding on public footpaths thread pretty interesting and would be interested to know if any drivers on here drive their horses on public bridleways ??

The bridleways round us had bollards put in but were made wide enough for carriages, or so i have been told, but am a bit worried about doing so

 

[Fransurrey]

Peoplee have driven on the bridleways in my area, but most are impassable with a decent sized cart. Years ago I did consider a saddle chariot, which I would take on bridleways, due to their small size. Come to think of it, I could get one for my other exmoor. Hmmmm...

 

[stencilface]

A few of the good bridleways near me are used by the local people who drive, but most have narrow gates and/or paths and just wouldn't be suitable

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

There isnt any right (unless granted specifically) for horse and cart/carriage to use bridleways.

They are only permitted automatic rights on public roads, Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATS) and Restricted Byways.

Bridleways are restricted to foot, ridden horses and led horses. There may also be rights to herd farm animals along them. Cyclists can use them but have to give way to people/horses and they cant demand surface improvement to suit them

Having said all that, if the council has decided to make the gap suitable for carriages, it woul suggest that sensibly they support them using it as a safe off road route, as otherwise the gap would have been made narrower to stop illegal motor use. I would chat to the local rights of way people.