Byways and Bridleways Trust "Journey for Access"
2006
The Byways and Bridleways Trust (BBT) Journey for Access
aims to raise the profile of equestrian access and the terrible
conditions that riders have to endure.
Walkers have gained the Right to Roam and have 100% of the
rights of way network. Unfortunately riders only have access
to 20% of the network and carriage drivers only 3%. With riders
and drivers being the most vulnerable on the roads the Journey
for Access team hope to turn this around.
Six years ago when the CROW Act gave walkers the right to
roam, the government said that they would reinstate the original
bridleway network under a project called Discovering Lost
Ways. To date nothing has happened and in another 20 years
time all ancient bridleways, which are not correctly recorded,
will be extinguished.
Catriona Cook, team member of the Journey for Access and
British Horse Society Volunteer, said of the initiative: “We
also wish to celebrate the good parts of the network. I have
had 2 primary cancers and am sure I sailed through the treatment
because I found riding in the countryside very therapeutic.
“We hope to raise funds for the BBT Journey for Access
fund (access to bridleways) and Cancer Backup (access to information
on cancers).”
The team consists of Catriona Cook, Elizabeth Kirk (78 with
replacement hip and knee joints) who with limited mobility
can only enjoy the countryside from the back of a horse and
Janet Miller (72 and only fit person on the team) all ably
assisted by various friends and relations.
The team are using New Forest ponies because of their stamina,
sure footedness, sense and high miles per gallon.
Get yourself sponsored and Join the Journey for Access.
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