More than 300 requests to protect bridleways on the definitive map have been made this year as the British Horse Society (BHS) focuses on securing better access for riders ahead of the 2026 deadline.
Extra bridleways officers will be recruited in 2020 and the BHS is working on its campaigning angles now a new government has been formed.
Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 historical routes for riders and carriage-drivers will be lost if not formally recorded on the definitive map by the cut-off date of 1 January 2026.
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Credit: Hamish Mitchell
Emergency services are encouraging all riders to download the what3words free smart phone app
The restored bridleway.
Credit: British Horse Society
Work included cutting back trees and scrub to form a 4m-wide area and creating a new drainage system to stop
Credit: Laureen Roberts
We talk to Cheshire-based access campaigner Laureen Roberts about why it’s so important to keep riding Britain’s bridleways
‘It was a freak accident but one that was probably waiting to happen’
Credit: Write Image for you Media
Credit: Write Image for you Media
Sara Walker talks to Joy Toomer, a founder member of the Border Bridleways Association, about keeping Britain’s rights of way
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H&H senior news writer
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
