attheponies
Well-Known Member
I have received a request from my local dressage group to write to MP's regarding the sell off of Forestry Commission land, in particular (for my area) Thetford Forest (as per letter attached from local dressage liaison officer):
"Is this projected sell-off the death knell for horseriders? We understand that one million acres of Forestry Commission land is to be sold, which is 50% of their land holding. If the publicly owned forests are sold off, as has been announced, access for walkers is guaranteed under the Countryside Act of 2000 and is therefore enshrined in law. Horseriders though are not covered in this way and their right to ride in forests is on a permissive basis only. It can be rescinded at any time.
One big advantage of the Forests is that females can ride out safely, either on their own or with companions and not feel threatened in any way. They do not have to contend with the traffic on increasingly busy roads. A recent survey has shown that 90% of regular horseriders feel that motorists do not take enough care in the presence of horses. 40% said that they dislike riding on roads because of the presence of traffic and 80% of accidents involving horses and riders occur on rural roads.
The Forests also provide a safe place for parents to take children, either horseriding or on bikes and, as well as the sheer enjoyment of it, it is an opportunity with the many special habitats for youngsters to learn about flora and fauna at the same time as enjoying themselves. Most weekends the Forests are used not only for pleasure and competitive horse rides but there are cycling events and usage by many Husky owners who have gravitated to this region.
Also, adjacent to the East Anglian Forests there are many businesses which offer holiday accommodation for horse and rider, as well as livery stables, riding schools, and bike hire, to name just a few. We also need to take into account that East Anglia has one of the highest horse populations in the country. Their contribution to the countrys economy is considerable. Are we a forgotten minority?"
"Is this projected sell-off the death knell for horseriders? We understand that one million acres of Forestry Commission land is to be sold, which is 50% of their land holding. If the publicly owned forests are sold off, as has been announced, access for walkers is guaranteed under the Countryside Act of 2000 and is therefore enshrined in law. Horseriders though are not covered in this way and their right to ride in forests is on a permissive basis only. It can be rescinded at any time.
One big advantage of the Forests is that females can ride out safely, either on their own or with companions and not feel threatened in any way. They do not have to contend with the traffic on increasingly busy roads. A recent survey has shown that 90% of regular horseriders feel that motorists do not take enough care in the presence of horses. 40% said that they dislike riding on roads because of the presence of traffic and 80% of accidents involving horses and riders occur on rural roads.
The Forests also provide a safe place for parents to take children, either horseriding or on bikes and, as well as the sheer enjoyment of it, it is an opportunity with the many special habitats for youngsters to learn about flora and fauna at the same time as enjoying themselves. Most weekends the Forests are used not only for pleasure and competitive horse rides but there are cycling events and usage by many Husky owners who have gravitated to this region.
Also, adjacent to the East Anglian Forests there are many businesses which offer holiday accommodation for horse and rider, as well as livery stables, riding schools, and bike hire, to name just a few. We also need to take into account that East Anglia has one of the highest horse populations in the country. Their contribution to the countrys economy is considerable. Are we a forgotten minority?"