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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Disappointed to find bridlepath blocked

4 replies

Fireinthegrate · 05/08/2017 13:17

So I've had my loan mare for 3 minths now. I decided to try a path that I used to ride regularly before my 3 yr break from horses.

The path goes behind. Couple of houses then you have to cross a ditch on a small wooden bridge. So I decided to ride up there to see what it was like and see if I could get over the bridge (she can be nappy or spooky if she feels like it).

So the first part of the path was lovely and clear. I think the houses it runs behind must mow the grass. I felt guilty as it seemed like riding across someone's pristine lawn!

However, after the houses the path was so ovwrgrown I couldn't get through. I was really disappointed. I didn't want to push on theough because I couldn't be certain where the ditch and bridge were and certainly didn't wat to end up in the ditch! So unfortunately I had to turn back.

However, I got onto another familiar path and had a lovely ride.

So tomorrow I'm hoping to go back there in the car and take a strimmer with me to clear it.

I know I should contact the bridleways office at the council, but they will either not respond or take forever to get the path cleared.

Am I being unreasonable to clear it myself?

I have checked an up to date OS map and the path is still on there, and there is still a bridlepath sign at the beginning.

OP posts:
frostyfingers · 05/08/2017 18:03

How frustrating, I shouldn't think there would be an issue with you clearing it - take the map with you in case someone comes and asks. Let as many people as you can know what you've done so it's used and doesn't keep growing over!

Fireinthegrate · 07/08/2017 20:57

Well I did rmail the bridleways dept, and got a reply today to say that it will be rectified subject to availability of finances and workforce. So could be a long wait I guess 🙁

If I have time next weekend I think I will try and take the strimmer and see what I can do.
I really want to use that path again. I remember having lots of nice rides around there a few years ago.

OP posts:
Fireinthegrate · 14/08/2017 16:42

Just had an email from the council to say they have cleared the bridleway. That was quick. Only just over a week since I emailed them. They even attached a picture of the completed work.

I never did find time to go up there myself to strim it, so glad they have done it now.

Guess where I will be riding to later this week.

OP posts:
ChiefClerkDrumknott · 17/08/2017 13:00

What a great result Smile
I think it's important to bring these issues to the council's notice as it proves the path is being used by riders. There's an issue in my area with one path that wasn't being used due to the farmer putting a large herd of wild, curious horses in the field that were causing problems (I got caught up in them cantering around once and it was dangerous). Because it's not being used the field is now part of a large plot that developers are attempting to build on, right on the side of a lovely green mountain. If the council have records that the bridlepaths are being used then it can help in these sort of cases. Well done!

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