Public Footpath

[ERN79]

Can you hack down a public footpath in the countryside?
As in a track across a field, which is signposted as a public footpath.
We part loan a pony for my daughter & we're not sure if this is allowed?
Thanks!

No you can't. You can only ride on bridleways or public byways. Footpaths are for pedestrians only

No. Bridleways are wider and footpaths might have things like stiles that are impassable on horseback.

Also, if you ride down a footpath at the moment, you will poach up the ground and piss off all the walkers.

You can try and find a livery where they have permission to ride out. There is one on a farm local to me where there are all sorts of tracks and headlands available.

No. Only bridle ways or roads. Or where the landowner has given permission

No definitely not on footpaths. Look for public paths marked Bridleways.
Important to respect rules like that as misuse results in loss of rights of way.
If it is often being used for horse riding and has been for many years it might be possible to apply to have it changed to bridleway status. BHS access team can advise.

Thank you all.
There were hoof prints across this field, so other riders do obviously use it, but appreciate the advice. Thank you.

You can ride across it with permission from the landowner, we used to pay for a key to use a footpath as it cut about an hour of roadwork out!

You can find local bridleways here

How do I find land owner? Is it just a case of knocking on nearest farm? 😂

Ask other riders at stables or livery yards.

Do ask other local riders as I know quite a few footpaths where horse are allowed in practice whilst not in law.

Sure if you have permission from the landowner. If not you are committing civil trespass. The chances that you will actually get dragged to court by the landowner are vanishingly small but it’s best not to piss them off.

The landowner can ride on footpaths across his own land, that may be the hoofprints you saw.

We have a footpath along the boundary of one of our fields - if I saw anyone riding there I would be absolutely livid.

They might be able to tell you, or other riders on your yard may know who it is. You could also try posting on local horsey facebook groups.

Lots of landowners are happy for horse riders to use their footpaths, especially if a small fee is involved.