Horse riders invited to have their say

23/11/2007

HORSE riders are being offered the chance to have their say about equestrian facilities at Kielder Water and Forest Park during a special consultation meeting tomorrow.

Riders can comment on the quality of existing facilities and suggest possible new routes and events during the meeting.

The consultation has been organised by the Forestry Commission, which aims to set up a local riders’ group to help create a top horse riding area in the Upper North Tyne.

Forest chiefs will be joined at the forum by representatives from the Kielder Partnership and the British Horse Society.

Keen rider Rebecca Sanderson (22), of Stannersburn, said: “I’ve been riding in the area nearly all my life, so it’s really good to get a chance to make my views known.

“There’s vast scope to make the Upper North Tyne a really top horse riding area. But we need more waymarked bridleways and better promotion.”

Rebecca, who has recently completed an HND course in equine management and is now doing an environmental management degree at Northumbria University, is doing her bit by volunteering to help the Forestry Commission maintain bridle routes, checking on their condition and suggesting improvements.

Ranger Laura Hull, who is co-ordinating the Kielder meeting, added: “This consultation event is about sitting down and listening to the aspirations, ideas and concerns of local horse riders.

“We already have an open access policy on our land and you don’t need a permit to enjoy a forest ride.

“ But we want to do more and we hope this meeting will be a start.”

Waymarked bridle trails in Kielder include the 46-mile Border County Ride and the 12-mile Blakehopeburn Ride.

Riders can also use the Lakeside Way, which will eventually circumnavigate Kielder Water, and nearby routes in Wark and Kershope Forests.

Forest chiefs are considering the possibility of grading routes for difficulty, similar to mountain bike trails, to help riders plan their days out.

The Forestry Commission’s recreation, tourism and communities manager, Alex MacLennan, said: “A few years ago, mountain biking in Kielder was in exactly the same place as horse riding is now.

“There’s no shortage of potential, but we need to work with riders to ensure we expand facilities in the right way. Choice and accessibility are key issues.

“We would like to see a local riders’ group established, so that together we can we take up the reigns and plan ahead.”

The meeting is at 10am at Kielder Castle. Refreshments will be provided.

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