BHS Scotland is the only equestrian organisation involved in access in Scotland. We are committed to educating riders, land owners and managers on responsible riding and helping all equestrians have access to safe off-road riding.

We do this by having an invaluable network of access volunteers throughout Scotland who work with riders and other access organisations to ensure that horse riders are considered along with cyclists and walkers when off-road routes are being planned.

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IMPORTANT DATE
30 Jan - Equestrian Access Education Evening, LOTHIAN - click here for more details

BHS NEEDS YOUR HELP TO IMPROVE EQUESTRIAN ACCESS IN SCOTLAND

The British Horse Society Scotland is calling on everyone interested in off road riding in Scotland to help with a survey about locked gates and other obstructions to responsible access.

BHS Scotland Chairman of Access Vyv Wood-Gee said “We are very fortunate in Scotland that the land reform (Scotland) Act confirms a right of responsible access to most land.  But we have lots of riders frustrated by stiles, kissing gates, padlocked gates and other obstructions which stop them riding where they have a legal right to do so.  It’s not only riders who are affected, but riders don’t have the choice of climbing a locked gate or fence.”

BHS presented papers to the Scottish National Access forum on the subject of locked gates and other obstructions, which was welcomed by many people involved and interested in public access.  A few questioned the extent of the problem and how many problems really exist.

Persuading people to take our concerns seriously now depends on us qualifying how many obstructions to equestrian access exist in Scotland and where they are.

Wherever you live, ride or walk in Scotland, we need your help.  The survey will only take a few minutes to complete but is crucial to helping BHS in its critical role of enabling riders to enjoy off-road riding in Scotland.

Click here to take part.

BHS Scotland supports Scotlands Great Trails - click here for more details.

SNH are promoting the use of long distance trails across Scotland for all users including horse riders. So, click above and make the most of the fabulous trails we have on our doorstep in Scotland. 

What we've been doing for you

Supporting equestrian access in Scotland means we get involved in many different types of query.  Here is a sample of some recent things we've dealt with over the last few months:

An Evening Access Talk at Gannochy Saddle Club, Perth - presentation (without photos due to size)
Thanks to GSC for a great evening; well attended by very responsible access takers, information covered common access problems, how to deal with an access issue, dung guidance and success stories. We gave out a wealth of free advice and information, lots of posters, leaflets and access guidance.

If you would like us to come to your riding school, livery yard or local stables to give a similar presentation the please contact a.jaggard@bhs.org.uk

Access Issues: in every case we have been working with local Access Officers:
Satisfactorily dealt with:

• Dung in Auchnacraig woods – mailshot sent to 60 members to improve dung

• Riding routes around Grantown on Spey – horse access improved
• Sustrans Oban to Fort William Path - horse access improved
• Ducks Walk Dunbartonshire – newt grids - horse access improved

Issues we're still working on:

• Poets Glen at Currie: horse access blocked by private land owner over an old established ROW

• Westport Beach Macrahanish: Council survey on going
• Keir and Cawdor Estates: letter sent, no further communication
• Wester Gatherleys, Dunning: neighbourhood lock out for hroses
• Unsuitable bridge in Balloch Country Park: advice given by PFAP
• St Abbs lock out: neighbourhood lock out
• Blackridge Farm Salsburgh: gates padlocked local access officer involved

Wind farm consultations: working with local riders:
Standard responses submitted in relation to proposals at:         

• Collier Quarry, Mossmorran, Fife

• Harestanes extension Dumfries and Galloway
• Allt Duine in Cairngorms National park, Kingussie
• Edintore Morayshire
• Dalnessie Lairg and Blackadder turbine, Berwickshire

Responses where BHS is making objections:

• Blacklaw Wind Farm Extension Lanarkshire: of serious concern to BHSS with a community of horse riders about to lose some of their last safe off road riding.

• Broadmeadows Wind farm on the Minch Moor at Selkirk – Again controversial, this is a very historic and well used route in the Borders and BHS thinks a few of the turbines are too close to the drove road.

Other access matters

• "Discover Off Road Riding – A practical guide". This super book by Kate Godfrey and Shonagh Steven was launched at the RHS is currently selling well across the UK; a boost for equestrian access in Scotland.

• SOSCT: new website nearing completion.
• National Access Forum – has been looking at the subjects of dog control, ground nesting birds and electric fencing.
• SNH are moving forward work on long distance routes in Scotland, and the plan is to market a Scottish multiuse network for multi day usage. BHS has nominated Vyv Wood Gee for the board which will keep horses well to the fore.
• Central Scotland Forest Trust Research in Falkirk and West Lothian. The BHS is a major partner in this project that will hopefully open up safe off road routes in one of the busiest areas of the central belt- an area where there are a surprising number of horses kept. Gratitude to Lothian and Central regions of BHS who each contributed £333 as did BHS Scotland allowing BHS to put forward £1000 of the funding. The project is currently going on and we look forward to the findings.

• Disease Access Forum: The Scottish Government, Animal Health Agency, Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government are undertaking a GB-wide Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) exercise on 9 & 10 Nov, Operation Silver Birch. BHSS represents Scottish equestrianism on this forum.
• Pegasus crossing in Clackmannanshire: new pegasus crossing opened, allowing safer equestrian access to off-road riding routes