At last riders are beginning to feel their need for access is being recognised by the lead organisation.Please support those who are working so hard for the benefit of all pleasure riders by making the response to this petition so huge that it cannot be ignored.

Many thanks

Your Working Group

The  Downing St.  e-petition http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Equestrianaccess/ was launched recently.  We need to get a really huge number of signatures to persuade the Government that there is real demand for more bridleways and restricted byways, and to encourage the Government to include access for equestrians in the new coastal access legislation they are planning (at the moment they plan only to provide new coastal access on foot). 

We hope you will sign up to it and forward it to all your friends, families and riding companions.  Please also include this in any newsletter or website you may be involved with.

FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE CONTROL VOLUNTARY RESTRAINT Download the notice HERE

IN CASE OF FIRE

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND USEFUL INFORMATION.

IT COULD SAVE LIVES

The thought of a fire at the stables is frightening – please take time to read the following advice from the Hampshire Fire Service and consider putting the ideas into practice.  Sometimes the unthinkable happens but at least we would know we had done everything possible to save our horses.

Hampshire Fire & Rescue – Specialist Animal Rescue

HOW CAN YOU HELP US TO HELP YOU?

• Display your house/farm sign clearly at the entrance. This will help emergency vehicles locate you quickly
• Find out where your nearest fire hydrant is and keep it clear. Hydrants in the country often become obscured by undergrowth. Water supplies are essential to protect your home and business
• Have you got extra water supplies such as tanks and ponds? Are they readily accessible if a fire occurs?
• Can fire engines reach all parts of your property? Fire appliances can be tall and heavy. Can your cattle grids support lorries? Have you cut back trees along tracks to allow access?
• Have you identified fire hazards and taken steps to reduce the risk of a fire occurring? Taking time to look at what could start a fire and reducing the likelihood of a fire occurring will be time well spent.
• If your animals are in a field, display a sign with the post code and emergency numbers.

ANIMAL EVACUATION PLAN
Thousands of animals perish every year in fires. Animals in distress pose a huge risk to emergency responders and owners alike. Most livestock see their pen or stable as their safe haven and are reluctant to leave during a fire. Experience shows that many when released, will make every effort to return. A fire in a stable can cause fatal injuries in just 4 minutes.

Have an animal evacuation plan and practice it

• Have a method for alerting family or staff to a fire
• Ensure animals can be released quickly
• Pre-plan a safe and secure refuge for them to be taken
• Make sure all gates open towards the refuge to allow a clear path to safety

LOW FLYING AIRCRAFT

Have you got problems with low flying aircraft frightening your horses or other livestock?

Do you feel that the military should be more considerate and train over uninhabited moorland or sea?

Would you like to report incidents of low flying aircraft over your property or Public Rights of Way?

According to the military website there is no low flying in the southern part of the UK and it is not on their published timetable.  It appears that the reason for this is because all the pilots flying over the south are trainees!!

To register your protest and log any incidents visit www.stoplowflying.co.uk