ESSEX BRIDLEWAYS ASSOCIATION
I was delighted to see a letter about our Association in the latest issue of British Horse. The letter was applauding the fact that we have taken the step of employing trained, knowledgeable researchers to help us speed the way towards creating new bridleways, or saving those historic routes which have yet to be defined correctly. Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access added a comment to the effect that the stronger the evidence, the more chance of another equestrian right of way being recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement.
It is fitting that our work is highlighted just now, as traditionally at this time of year the BHS have their Access Week (23rd to 31st May), during which every effort is made to raise awareness of the importance for equestrians to have safe, off road rights of way. I am proud to say that EBA work at full pace all year round, and with the cut off date of 2026 for our historic claims becoming ever closer, I think our efforts will be redoubled if anything.
We know it is important to be able to share our rights of way with other users, and we should remember sensible etiquette whilst out hacking. I know I only mentioned last month, the importance of reporting any accidents to and it seems this is rather topical at the moment, since apparently there was a sharp increase in the number of incidences reported involving dog attack last month. Three ponies in fact were sadly killed by dogs in one incident. It is important to know if dog attacks are a continuing trend.
In a different type of incident altogether, Devon police have issued a warning following the aggressive harassment of a woman whilst out riding. They advise that if you are riding alone, you should ensure that someone knows where you are riding, and an approximate time of your return. Additionally, carrying a mobile phone is advisable, and calls may be made to 101 or 999 where appropriate.
I also find myself harking back to 2010, when I told you of a joint MOD and BHS initiative to encourage riders to wear high viz. This was to ensure MOD helicopter pilots could see riders from a distance, and thus avoid flying too close. It appears that this situation has again risen over in Shropshire, where a helicopter training area is situated. Aircrew are trained to consider horses, and will do all they can to avoid them, but in some cases, because horses and dark coloured clothing tend to blend into the background, they can be impossible to spot until the aircraft is too close for comfort. Photographs in British Horse illustrate just what a difference high viz makes from a pilot’s perspective, so forgive my constant nagging, but please always wear high viz!! We do have a lot of helicopter activity in Essex, and have had reported incidents in the past of horses taking fright at low flying aircraft. If you are an EBA member and rider, I know you will already be doing this, but you can make sure your friends wear high viz too, and do your bit for rider safety!
I like to save the good news for last, and we have recently received great news in the form of a boost to our funds. Our esteemed President, Deirdre Graham, as well as forming Essex Bridleways Association some 35+ years ago, also set up the Essex Bridleways Trust, which was intended to help fund the creation and extension of bridleways, conscious that council budgets have always been under pressure, a fact that is even more pertinent in the 2000’s than it was back in the 1970’s. The Trustees of Essex Bridleways Trust have now decided that the aims and objectives of the two charities are now so closely linked, that the Trust may now be wound up, and its remaining funds transferred to EBA, to help us with our ongoing work. We have always had much to thank Deirdre for, and I am sure the Bridleways Trust legacy will be of long term benefit to Essex Riders.
The BHS themselves have recently launched a new fund, called Paths for Communities, and have contributed an initial payment of £25,000, upon which they hope to build, with the aim of helping fund new multi-user routes around the country.
Let us hope the extra funding created by both these initiatives will be able to be converted into new bridleway miles at sometime in the future, to help further the enjoyment and safety of our happy hackers!
MARY BALCH