how to go about requesting permission to ride in a farmers field?

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sophiebailey

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There's a big set of fields next to my yard which in short would create an ideal off road hacking route for me and my arthritic old boy (I don't like too much road work and we're surrounded by roads!!)

I see other horses in there all the time but have heard a rumour that the farmer doesn't like people riding in the fields. Not sure if this is true.

Before I ride the route I'd like to get permission so as not to get shouted at. How should I do this? If you would write a letter what should I include in it?

P.S; never ever see the farmer in the fields or about, only know of his name!

Thanks :)
 
When I did it I just went to the farm and found him on the yard - he was really nice (I was terrified!!) and even left me a track round the edges when he replanted the following year bless him !!! Loved my stubble fields, I had four HUGE ones just over the road from where the horse lived, and they were massively helpful when it wasnt light enough to ride on the main road.

Deep breath and go find the farmer - it will be fine !! (and he will probably appreciate that someone has the decency to ask for a change!) then have fun but be careful for holes !
 
i have the same issue, theres a large field that my nearest bridleway runs along one side of, i look longingly as it would make a fab round route to be able to ride around it. I have seen several riders and walkers walk off the designated bridleway- however i dont wanna be like them, i would love to have permission!

i know i need to track down the owner and ask him face to face- but the thought of that fills me with dread- god onlyknows why- whats the worst he'll say?? no!! so god knows why im so worried!! :o

think the bottle of scotch and maybe a tasty home made cake and a big smile may be the best way to go :)
 
Its definetly just worth going to his place and asking face to face, when i moved to wales, the property was on a well used road but there was a route through the back of our fields across a farmers to a quiet lane. We asked him if we could ride this way keeping to the edges of the fields, He said " you can ride where you like on it" We were over the moon & 7 years down the line, im still with this lovely kind farmer!
 
Thanks everyone, seems I need to do some detective work and find out who the farmer is and where his yard is!

I know his surname, but a google search reveals two farmers with that surname in my town. D'oh!
 
That's OK. I needed to get in touch with one recently with a 'common' name - I rng the first one and explained who I was etc. and they were like'oh, it's uncle Bob you want' or whatever, took my no. and within 1/2 hr the correct guy had phoned back and it was all sorted. Easy peasy. Just be yourself!
 
Even if he turns you down it may only be cos if hes in a higher level stewardship agreement re farm payments he could lose £000s as they are not supposed to allow any disturbance incl horseriding on the field verges, or cos hes worried if he gives you permission it will then be a free for all as people will see you riding there and assume they can do the same without asking.

Has to be worth a try if you are currently not using it - you will be no worse of if they say no. I would frame it by suggesting there might be some times of the year he would prefer you not to ride on it, to show you are aware that there are likely to be restrictions and you understand it is his say so what they are - he may well then say no restrictions.
 
I went down the write-a-letter route as I didn't want to put busy farmers whom I didn't know on the spot but I hand-delivered them so if the farmer was there, I did get to speak with them or their missus.

"Dear Mr X,
My name is Y and I keep a horse at (yard/lane name). I wanted to ask if there is any possibility of being able to ride my horse on your field margins between A and B, but thought it best to ask in a letter so as not to put you on the spot.
My horse and I both have full public liability insurance with the BHS for £20million cover, and I would only ride when ground conditions are suitable and at my own risk and I would be happy to meet any extra conditions too.
Yours sincerely,
Y
Phone and email details."
 
Fairynuff said:
I would go and knock on his door. Letters are so impersonal and cant smile! Good luck. :)
Click to expand...

This.

Only time theres ever been a problem with one of our farmers (with persmission, they all hate people just pootling through private land) was because there was a barn blocking the access and there was physically not a route through without bringing down fencing.

We also have fields with huge 'private property' signs up that are fine to go through... the signs were put up as the local army (after being refused access as very large numbers) decided to go through anyway. This on top of quads, landrovers and mbikes trekking through was the final straw. Anyone who has the curtesy to approach the farmer is granted access.
 
Hmm I may do this as well, I am sure if they say no it would be because of stewardship or insurance or something! I am just not sure where to find out who owns the land as there are not obvious farm houses or anything. Would defo provide cake!
 
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