Access Issues The Equestrian Perspective Helene Mauchlen National

Access Issues The Equestrian Perspective Helene Mauchlen National Manager BHS Scotland

DEAD SLOW Safer Drivers Safer Riders

Land Manager Attitudes • That Landowners respect our legal rights • That they wont meet obstructions • The purpose and effect of Drumlean • Or off-putting signs • Permission is not necessary

Main Issues Signage Obstructions Permission Confrontation Weather Cumulative Use Multi-use Other Users Is it rideable Irresponsible Riders Dung Locked Gates Dogs Cyclists Traffic Drones Paper Bags Dustbins Might as well go and eat worms

Horse Riders Prams and Push Chairs Disabled / Buggies Cyclists Walkers

Are Horse Riders an issue to themselves? Yes • You cant ride in my field but I want to ride in yours • How many horse riders are on paths maintenance groups? • Dung and dismounting • Expectation and risk assessing What are we doing about it? • Education and Campaigns • Multi use • Wake up and smell the coffee • Look at our amazing access volunteers!

Modal Shift • Active Travel Budgets • Emphasise Walking and Cycling • Sharing Paths and Tracks • Functional Journeys • Climate Emergency

Encounters from the other side or good sharing? • Dogs • Mountain Bikes Education and Partnerships

Conclusions • • Education is on-going and very important We often lack resources (human and ££) We value our partnerships like SORA We occasionally encounter irresponsible rider behaviour NAFs and LAFS and Access Officers make all the difference It all comes down to people and attitudes Horse riders need to develop a culture of self help