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Cheshire County Council
Equestrian Strategy
Cheshire County Council
Engineering Service
Backford Hall
Chester
CH1 6AQ
Cheshire Equestrian Strategy
Contents
Page
1 Introduction 2
2 Policy and National Initiatives 3
3 Existing Conditions 4
4 Aims & Objectives 8
5 Contacts 11
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THE DRAFT EQUESTRIAN STRATEGY FOR CHESHIRE
1 Introduction
1.1 This strategy is the third in a series of three strategies addressing the concerns
and issues of the three main groups of vulnerable road users: walkers/pedestrians,
cyclists and equestrians. Although it addresses the main concerns and issues of the
equestrian it does acknowledge the importance of holistically addressing the concerns
of all vulnerable road users. It is important to recognise that any new facilities
developed as bridleways are open to use by walkers and cyclists so would also benefit
these groups as well.
1.2 Equestrian activity is a growing leisure pursuit. More than 2.4 million people
ride regularly and it is estimated that there are some 15,000 people involved in
carriage driving across the Country. Many more people ride occasionally at a weekend
or as a holiday activity. Businesses serving the needs of riders are also one of the
growing areas within the rural economy. In a survey by Horse and Hound (May 2003),
Cheshire was ranked as the 11th “horsiest” County in Britain, had the greatest number
of equine vets in the Country and had the seventh highest number of Farriers in the
Country. This survey suggests that the estimate of the number of horses in the
County, 30, 000, can only be considered as conservative.
1.3 Equestrian activity contributes significantly to the rural economy. Estimates
provided by a survey carried out by the North Cheshire Riders show that it costs
around £3000 per year to stable a horse in terms of feed, bedding etc. This represents
a contribution of around £90 million per annum to the rural economy based upon the
conservative estimate of 30,000 horses in Cheshire. Surveys of the economic
contribution of walkers, cyclists and horse riders using the Pennine Way in 1997 for
the Countryside Agency showed that horse riders contributed an additional £1m per
year to the local economies because of the Pennine Trail. Tourism and recreational
use of the countryside by horse riders have a significant part to play in developing and
maintaining a thriving rural economy. This strategy can contribute to that development.
1.4 Many of the County Council's services have an impact on horse riders and
carriage drivers. As a highway authority the County Council is responsible for the
provision of a safe and efficient road network and for the management of the public
rights of way network. It is also responsible, as the surveying authority, for maintaining
an accurate legal record of the bridleway and byway network. In producing this
equestrian strategy the County Council acknowledges the need to take a balanced
approach to the provision and maintenance of the highway and public rights of way
networks.
1.5 Many of the problems encountered by equestrians when using the road
network are common to all other vulnerable road users such as safety, crossing of
heavily trafficked roads or high speed roads. Therefore the principles adopted within
this strategy can assist other vulnerable road users as well as benefiting the horse
rider and carriage driver.
1.6 This Strategy sets out the broad principles for providing for the equestrian. It is
the intention to include details of any specific improvements to off-road routes within
the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. In this way, the improvements for different types
of Rights of Way and user can be seen in context with all other proposals.
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2 Policy and National Initiatives
2.1 There are a number of Government policies and national and regional initiatives
that influence the provision for the equestrian. Set out below are a number of the more
significant initiatives.
Transport Act 2000
2.2 The Transport Act recognises the need for an inclusive approach to rural traffic
management through initiatives such as the Countryside Agency's Quiet Lanes project
and puts legislation in place for this initiative to be introduced in any local authority
area.
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
2.3 The requirement which the Act places on local authorities to produce a Rights
of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) should assist in the development of a more
integrated network of routes for riders across Cheshire and improved information and
maintenance.
Our Countryside: The Future (Rural White Paper 2000)
2.4 The Rural White Paper recognises the need to help all sections of the
community to enjoy the countryside through leisure activities such as horse riding.
Transport in Tomorrow’s Countryside
2.5 The Countryside Agency sets out its vision for the future for transport in the
countryside in its report - Transport in Tomorrow’s Countryside. The report sets out
ten principles for transport. One of the ten principles is to ensure “people should feel
safe and secure when travelling in the rural area”. This principle applies to all forms of
transport; walking, cycling, public transport and horse riders, as well as car drivers.
The Countryside Agency has worked with local communities to develop the “quiet
lanes” initiative to improve safety. National trials in Norfolk and Kent that involved
public consultation as part of the scheme development has increased the ease with
which footpaths, bridleways and roads with low traffic levels can be used by non-
motorised users.
Countryside Agency’s Lost Ways Project
2.6 The Countryside Agency are promoting a project to research and rediscover
lost ways in terms of historic rights of way that are missing from local authority
“definitive maps of rights of way”. The Countryside Agency has established an ‘archive
research unit’ to gather the necessary documentary evidence relating to lost ways,
and has identified two local authorities to form ‘lead areas’; Wiltshire and Cheshire.
The objective is to ensure the user rights recorded on local authority definitive maps
reflect those in force prior to 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.
Any rights that existed prior to 1949 and are not recorded will expire after 2026. It is
believed that many footpaths should be reclassified as bridleways, as they were used
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by horse riders prior to 1949. The project is designed to establish where this was the
case through the research of a variety of historic documentation.
National Bridle Route Network
2.7 The British Horse Society (BHS) is working to create a national bridle route
network for horse riders to mirror the National Cycle Network for cyclists. Over time
this will build into a comprehensive network of community circuits linked together by
linear routes.
National Cycle Network
2.8 Much work has been done across the Country to develop a national cycle
network. The principle adopted by Sustrans for the off-road sections of the network is
one of up-grading the routes for a variety of different users, where possible. In
Cheshire, money has been spent on up-grading the Wirral Way for cyclists, walkers
and horse riders. Other examples across Cheshire, where this has either happened or
is programmed to occur, are the Wheelock Rail Trail, the Biddulph Valley Way and the
Middlewood Way.
Rural Recovery Plan
2.9 Since the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic, efforts have been made to promote
farm diversification and sustainable tourism. Horse riding and carriage driving tourism
have a contribution to make to the rural recovery programme. Horse riding contributes
significantly towards the rural economy.
Quiet Lanes and Greenways
2.10 The Countryside Agency is promoting both “quiet lanes” and greenways to
promote improved road safety for the non motorised user. Within Cheshire there is a
pilot project to introduce “quiet lanes” into the Macclesfield Forest area. A borough-
wide draft Greenways Strategy has been developed for Vale Royal to identify a
coherent approach to the provision of Greenways, to enhance the mainly off-road
routes for walkers, cyclist and horse riders. Once these two schemes are implemented
they would contribute significantly to providing a wider network for the horse rider and
carriage driver.
3 Existing Conditions
3.1 Based on national figures, it is estimated that there are at least 30,000 horse
riders and about 200 carriage drivers across the County. This is a conservative
estimate, since there are locations, such as the metropolitan areas, where there are
fewer horse riders than average. In rural counties such as Cheshire, it is likely that
there is a higher than average number of riders. It is recognised that this is a very
simplistic measure of the number of horses; there is no formal census of horses and
no accurate figures are available. However, it does demonstrate that there are a
significant number of horses that could potentially use the roads of Cheshire.
3.2 The Mid-Cheshire Bridleway Association (MCBA) co-ordinated a survey of
riders from the winter of 2001 to April 2002. A variety of methods was used to
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distribute the survey questionnaire, from distributing the questionnaire with the news
letter to placing them in riding or livery stables. The survey was carried out to find out
about horse riding activities in Cheshire. This survey built upon an earlier survey
carried out by the MCBA and neighbouring bridleway associations in 2001, and was
undertaken to highlight the issues for horse riders, particularly the fragmented nature
of the bridleway network. No similar survey has been undertaken by the local group of
the British (Carriage) Driving Society. However, telephone discussions were held with
both the local Commissioner for the British Driving Society and the Executive
Secretary of the Society.
3.3 The 2002 survey report was based upon 401 valid completed questionnaires.
Such a survey gives a useful insight into how riders use the road system and
bridleways when participating in the leisure activity of horse riding. The results of this
survey are summarised in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.8 below.
Results of the Bridleway Survey
3.4 The MCBA survey suggests that horse riders in Cheshire keep their horses well
exercised with nine out of ten respondents riding more than once a week in the
summer, while six out of ten riders exercise their horses more than once a week in the
winter. Some 96% of riders ride out from where they stable their horse, despite the
fact that three-quarters of those responding to the survey have regular use of a trailer.
Only three people in ten use their trailer or horsebox at least once a week to transport
their horse.
3.5 Three-quarters of respondents spent between one and one and a half hours
riding when they went out. The rest spent more than an hour and a half each time
they went out. Just over 30% of riders spent this time entirely on the road network and
did not use bridleways or ’off-road’ routes. This is not surprising when over 30% of
riders either do not have a bridleway near where they stable their horse or the nearest
bridleways are over three miles away. The majority of riders (93%) travel along B, C or
unclassified roads although 70% of riders had to cross A class roads (either single
carriageway or dual carriageway roads).
3.6 The respondents were asked to identify three hazards of most concern from a
standard list of eight hazards for both ‘on-road’ and ‘off-road’ routes. The hazard of
most concern to riders on the road was perceived as the speed of traffic. Some 94%
of respondents listed this hazard. The next hazard of most concern was the attitude of
drivers with 61% of riders expressing this as a concern. The third hazard of most
concern was slippery road surfaces and this was mentioned by just over half of the
respondents. The consultation exercise revealed that the prominence of this hazard
varied depending upon where in the County the riders came from. In comparison
hidden drainage gullies and cracked covers etc were relatively low down on the list of
hazards of concern to riders, with less than 10% of respondents mentioning each of
these hazards.
3.7 The concerns of riders along the ‘off-road’ routes and bridleways were more
geared to access and maintenance. Riders were most concerned about “overgrown
undergrowth” (e.g. nettles, grass) and low trees. Some 68% of respondents indicated
that this was one of the three hazards of most concern to them. Blockages,
obstructions and poor drainage were the next hazards of most concern. Some 53% of
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respondents identified blockages as a major area of concern and 56% of respondents
identified poor drainage as a major issue. The lack of physical barriers at the ends of
paths was not a concern to many riders; it was mentioned by only 7% of riders.
Missing bridges (on bridleways) were only of concern to 10% of riders while ploughing
and crops along the bridleway were of concern to 9% of riders. However, about half of
riders considered that litter was a problem in the form of broken glass and cans
because it could cause injuries to their horses.
3.8 Less than 1 in every 10 riders had been involved in a road traffic accident with
a motor vehicle in the last five years. This is a good safety record (in comparison to
vehicle accidents) and perhaps reflects the fact that 80% of riders wear high visibility
clothing whilst out riding. However, 60% of horse riders consider they have been
involved in a “near miss” in the last five years. In addition 7 in every 10 riders have
suffered either physical or verbal intimidation from drivers whilst out riding.
Crash Statistics involving Equestrians from 1990 to 2004 in Cheshire
3.9 The good safety record found in the MCBA survey is reflected in the police
accident statistics for the ten year period 1990 to 1999, when there were some 28
personal injury crashes across Cheshire involving horses and their riders, or horses
and carriages. There were 16 personal injury crashes involving a rider and horse (or
carriage) from 1999 to 2004 and a further 3 crashes involving just horses and vehicles
on the carriageway. In terms of accidents per year this is showing a slight worsening
of the annual rate compared to the pervious 10 years, (although the period is only half
as long and this needs to be taken into account).
3.10 The most common cause of accidents involving a horse is overtaking, with just
under half of all crashes involving horses attributed to overtaking. The majority of the
accidents were on B, C or unclassified roads and this reflects the fact that riders prefer
riding on these types of road.
3.11 Just over 50% of the causalities in the 10 year period were under 24 years of
age, with slightly more in the 10 to 15 year old category than the 16 to 24 year old
category. This would suggest that there is a need to promote road safety among the
younger, and perhaps less experienced, age group of horse riders.
The Road Network and Equestrian Activity Across Cheshire
3.12 The map below shows the location on the road network of the main roads used
by riders as prepared by the Bridleway Associations. The survey is by no means
comprehensive. However, it does give an idea of the extent of the road network used
by riders across Cheshire. In addition the location of the livery stables, riding stables,
tack shops, feed stores and private stabling for horses is shown.
3.13 No information was available about the activity of carriage drivers in Cheshire.
However, the majority of roads that are suitable for horse riding are likely to be
suitable for carriage driving as well.
3.14 The map shows the location of over 120 livery yards, over 15 riding stables
across Cheshire and at least two large scale equestrian centres in east Cheshire.
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Locations of promoted and off - road horse riding routes and facilities
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Congleton
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1:250000
5 0 5 10 15 Miles
Off - road routes Motorways
On - road routes 'A' class roads
# Stables and livery yards
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3.15 Crossing of busy roads was not within the list of eight hazards consulted upon
by MCBA. However, the provision of safe crossing facilities of busy roads was
identified by at least one consultee during the consultation process as being a major
difficulty in establishing long distance bridleways.
3.16 During consultation on the strategy a common theme that came through was
the need to provide vehicle driver education and to promote road safety skills among
the younger age group (below 24) of horse riders. This highlights the need for
consistent training to the highest standards and the benefits of the BHS horse riding
proficiency tests, particularly the ‘Riding and Road Safety’ test.
4 Aim & Objectives
The County Council's aim is to:
Enable equestrian activity to take place safely across Cheshire on the road and
bridleway network through the promotion of regional, county and local bridle route
networks within the framework of the development of a Rights of Way Improvement
Plan.
To do this we will:
1 Promote, within the framework of the Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan,
a series of predominately ‘off road’ circular and linear routes of both local and regional
importance.
2 Give full consideration to the needs of equestrians when developing new
highway maintenance policies and strategies, (and reviewing existing ones) where
possible within the limitations of operational and financial constraints (eg: grass cutting
policies along sections of road verge that link two bridleways).
3 Give full consideration to the needs of equestrians when designing new
highways and improving existing highways.
4 Introduce signing along equestrian routes in accordance with current signing
legislation to increase road safety.
5 Provide equestrian crossing facilities (eg: a Pegasus, or improved visibility of
the crossing point) where appropriate and justified.
6 Assist planning authorities to develop policies for new or modified
developments related to equestrian businesses so that they provide suitable routes,
predominantly off-road for riders and/or carriage drivers. Such facilities must be
provided by the developer along with any signing or crossing facilities of roads, as
considered necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the highway network.
7 Work with partners (eg: Bridleway Groups) to raise awareness of equestrian
issues and endeavour to support national campaigns for road safety training related to
horse riding and carriage driving, and also promote respect between all types of road
users.
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8. Develop effective consultation mechanisms with local rider and carriage driving
group and the Local Access Forum, to implement and monitor the strategy.
9. Identify funding opportunities to support the effective implementation of the
Strategy.
MONITORING & EVALUATION
Objective Success Indicator Measuring Success
1. Promote, within the Bridleway ROWIP Action
framework of the Rights improvement plan Plan.
of Way Improvement included within the
Plan (ROWIP), a series ROWIP Action Plan.
of predominately off-road
circular and linear routes Development of Leaflets describing
of both local and regional circular and linear routes circular and linear
importance. for equestrians. equestrian routes
within Cheshire.
2. Give full consideration Modify policy and Quality procedures
to the needs of quality procedures to modified to incorporate
equestrians when widen consultation needs of equestrians,
developing new procedures within the PROW and bridleway
maintenance policies and Engineering Service to associations.
strategies, and reviewing include Public Rights of
existing ones, where Way and Bridleway Policies and
possible within the Groups as appropriate. strategies
limitations of operational acknowledge needs of
and financial constraints. equestrians.
3. Give full consideration Relevant bridleway Planning
to the needs of groups are formally documentation.
equestrians when consulted at planning
designing new highways stage. Results of
and improving existing consultations showing
highways. the comments of
Equestrian groups.
4. Introduce signing Review signing Signing of regional
along equestrian routes requirements of ROWIP. bridleways both
in accordance with advisory and warning
current signing legislation signs.
to increase road safety.
5. Provide equestrian Assessment Introduction of new
crossing facilities (e.g. techniques for crossings for horses
Pegasus) where determining appropriate and their riders.
appropriate and justified. crossing types for
equestrians.
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Objective Success Indicator Measuring Success
6. Assist planning New equestrian Planning approvals
authorities to develop facilities incorporating to include condition to
policies for new or more off-road equestrian provide off-road routes
modified developments routes and permissive for equestrians where
related to equestrian routes off road. appropriate.
businesses so that they
provide suitable routes,
predominantly off-road
for riders and/or carriage
drivers.
7. Work with partners Dissemination of the Minutes of meetings
(e.g. Bridleway Groups Strategy within the
etc) to raise awareness relevant local authority
of equestrian issues and departments across
endeavour to support Cheshire.
national campaigns for Recommendations to Letter &
road safety training the national driving test recommendations
related to horse riding centre.
and carriage driving, and Identifying Letter to road safety
also promote respect equestrians as 'other officers
between all types of road road users' in school
users. based road safety
initiatives. Increase numbers
Promote tested
riding/carriage driving
testing.
8. Develop effective Attendance at PROW Minutes of meetings
consultation mechanisms Forums and Local and correspondence
with local riders groups Access Forum as with Bridleway Groups.
and carriage driving necessary.
groups and the Local
Access Forum to
implement and monitor
the strategy.
9. Identify funding Funds raised for the Approvals for
opportunities to support provision of equestrian funding applications for
the effective facilities. equestrian facilities
implementation of the and improvements, or
Strategy widening use to include
equestrians of off-road
facilities funded from
sources external to
County Council
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5 Contacts
Objective Service Responsible Contact Details
1&9 Rural & Recreation Jane Krause
Tel 01606 541820
PROW & Countryside Management Dave Kitching
Tel 01606 541805
2 Engineering Service
Kevin Carrol
Tel 01244 603652
3, 5, 6 & 9 Engineering Service John Gray
Area Engineers Congleton & Macclesfield
Tel 01244 603572
Arthur Shapcott
Crewe and Nantwich & Vale Royal
Tel 01244 603770
Charles Lloyd
Chester and Ellesmere Port &
Neston
Accident Investigation and Tel 01244 603578
Prevention
Neil Edgar
Tel 01244 603619
Engineering (Road Safety -
Accident investigation and
Prevention
4, 7 & 8 Rural & Recreation Jane Krause
Tel 01606 541820
Dave Kitching
Tel 01606 541805
Engineering (Road Safety– John Rickets
Education, Training and Publicity) Tel 01244 603666
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