BMW’s refusal to replace an ancient bridleway has resulted in a double blow for horse riders: a lost bridleway and a bill of £30,000 for their charity, The British Horse Society.

Judge Brian Loosley yesterday (Monday, 15 October) allowed BMW to stop up a bridleway and short section of unclassified highway that stands in the way of a proposed redevelopment of their Cowley plant in Oxford. He ordered the BHS, the horse charity which had strenuously fought the closure, to pay costs of £30,000.

The Roman way had provided access to Shotover Country Park and Brasenose Woods for people who live in the south-east of Oxford, and also provided an off-road link between another bridleway to the south and a restricted byway to the north. While BMW will provide an alternative route for pedestrians and cyclists, no route will be provided for horse riders to replace the historic route which is being closed. BMW had undertaken to pay all of the County Council’s costs arising out of the application but is apparently happy to see costs being awarded against two charities, The British Horse Society and the Ramblers Association.

The British Horse Society regards BMW's action as an attack on horse riders. The BHS's Chief Executive Graham Cory said: "It is surprising that a company of the size and reputation of BMW is prepared, not just to dismiss the interests of riders by extinguishing a bridleway which was commercially inconvenient to the company’s shareholders, but also to see the BHS, which had sought to protect the interests of horse riders, being heavily penalised for so doing."

Mark Weston, the Society’s Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, said: “If The British Horse Society does not stand up and fight for equestrian rights of way, who will? We will be using the decision in this case to highlight the costs involved in fighting to preserve access opportunities for the future generations of riders and to launch a fund to enable the Society to fight future cases.”
For further information, please contact: Oliver Wilson, Director of Communications, The British Horse Society, 01926 707738, o.wilson@bhs.org.uk

CLICK HERE to read BHS Chief Executive, Graham Cory's letter to BMW

The Welfare department are calling for volunteers to organise Ragwort pulling parties to remove the deadly weed where it is growing on and near to grazing land. Ragfork have very kindly donated 100 Ragforks, available to the first 100 people to request one for their own pulling party. As an added incentive Robinsons Country Leisure are providing fantastic prizes for the three teams showing the best effort or most initiative. With a first prize of £150 of Robinsons vouchers, a second prize of £100 and a third prize of £50 to share amongst the teams. To enter teams are asked to email or send in a brief report by 1 May 2007, including a before, after and team photograph. The Welfare department can provide campaign posters and flyers to advertise your event. They can also supply BHS advisory literature on Ragwort, and Defra Codes of Practice on disposing of Ragwort, and preventing it’s spread. The BHS strongly recommend wearing gloves at all times when handling Ragwort, and protecting your skin from contact with the weed. Please ensure that you have permission from the owner of the land.

For more information and advice on Ragwort, or to request a Ragfork for your event, please contact: Rachel Molloy, BHS Welfare Department on 01926 707807 or r.molloy@bhs.org.uk

The Conference boasted key speakers, including Professor Derek Knottenbelt, Jane Holderness-Roddam and Dr Teresa Hollands, who presented informative talks in their areas of expertise. Derek Knottenbelt, who spoke compassionately about the options for euthanasia in horses, said: “Euthanasia is one of the most difficult tasks that face a veterinary surgeon. Circumstances vary widely from an eventer trapped in a difficult situation in full public view to the old family pony that has come to the end of his life. However, it is always a hard decision for everyone involved.”

Delegates made full use of the opportunities to have their questions answered by the experts. Delegates also received a handbook and summaries of the speakers' talks to take away for future reference. Dr Teresa Hollands, responsible for Dodson and Horrell’s research programme, talked about the importance of a balanced diet. She said: “Horse’s diets are manipulated too much by humans and the basic digestive physiology of the horse is often ignored. One of the faster growing welfare concerns is the increase in obesity in horses from an early age, a similar trend to that which we see in humans.”

Sheelagh Johnson, a rider from Kent who attended the Conference, said: "It was a great day, and if the BHS organises another one I will definitely go. All the speakers had interesting and new things to say. I learned so much.” Rachel Molloy, Acting BHS Senior Executive of Welfare, said: “The Conference was a resounding success and we have received fantastic feedback from the attendees. I would like to thank all of the speakers for their enlightening presentations, and for giving up their valuable time to share their expertise.”

The partnership between The Home of Rest for Horses and The British Horse Society has developed over the past five years illustrating how sectors of the industry can work together for the same cause. The BHS is also grateful to Your Horse magazine for its support and all the companies that so generously donated gifts for the prize draw. The BHS responds to hundreds of welfare concerns, many of which occur as a result of ignorance and neglect rather than intentional cruelty. BHS Welfare aims to prevent cases of neglect by educating horse owners and carers through educational conferences, advisory literature, and a network of welfare representatives throughout the UK.

For more information, please contact the BHS Welfare Department on 01926 707807 or email r.molloy@bhs.org.uk

New eye-catching Ragwort Awareness posters have recently been produced for distribution, kindly sponsored by HorseWorld, a registered equine charity, and AgResourse, the pasture management specialists. The BHS also distributes their free leaflet Advice on The Dangers of Ragwort, as well as Defra Codes of Practice and Defra Guidance on the disposal options for Common Ragwort. Please contact the BHS Welfare Department if you require any information or advice. Jerry Watkins, Welfare Manager of HorseWorld, said: "We are delighted to join forces with the BHS to raise awareness of the dangers of Ragwort. Every year it causes slow and painful deaths for horses, ponies and donkeys because people are unaware of the dangers of allowing Ragwort to grow on their land. “This unnecessary suffering is simple to prevent and it is everyone's responsibility, whether or not they own animals, to make sure that the environment is safe for our equine friends."

For more information and ticket details, please contact the BHS Welfare Department on 01926 707807 or email R.Molloy@bhs.org.uk

A cyclist who was prosecuted for obstructing the highway, while cycling in accordance with the National Standard for cycle training, has been found guilty by a District Judge in Telford Magistrates Court and fined £100 with £200 costs.
Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) member Daniel Cadden was cycling fast downhill on a single-lane approach to a roundabout. He was stopped by police who believed his position in the centre of the lane was forcing cars to cross the solid white line in the middle of the road illegally to overtake him. Rather than stop the cars that had broken the law, the officers decided to charge Daniel Cadden with obstructing the highway.
Cyclecraft, the book published by The Stationery Office on skilled riding techniques, says: "The primary riding position (the centre of one's lane) should be your normal riding position when you can keep up with traffic, or when you need to prevent following drivers from passing you dangerously."
Horse riders are urged to write to their local MP in support of cyclists legal right to ride on the carriageway to highlight the problems that all non-motorised users face when lawfully using the highway.
For more information please contact Hannah Brown, BHS Access Executive, on 01926 707813 or h.brown@bhs.org.uk

By recycling old and unused mobile phones you can raise money for The British Horse Society - it is the easy way to recycle and raise money for a good cause.
Emma Day, BHS Senior Executive of Membership, said: "As part of a fundraising effort, the BHS has teamed up with Corporate Mobile Recycling (CMR) to launch a national mobile phone recycling campaign, aimed at horse lovers throughout the UK. "You can help to raise money for The British Horse Society by recycling your unwanted or redundant mobile phone. On average, each reusable mobile will be worth £7 to the BHS so we are naturally keen to collect as many as we can!"
Not only will you be helping to improve the environment, you will be enabling the BHS to carry out more work for every horse and rider by improving standards, welfare, safety and access across the UK. If you are a company, group or club and wish to recycle more than ten mobiles then please contact CMR directly and they will arrange a third party courier to collect the handsets and process them on behalf of the BHS.

For envelopes or further details about the campaign, please contact Corporate Mobile Recycling on 0800 298 9069 or bhs@cmrecycling.co.uk or visit the website on www.cmrecycling.co.uk/bhs

The British Horse Society, with Exmoor National Park Authority, the Quantock Hills AONB Service and Equinetourism.co.uk, launched the publication as part of the BHS’s Access Week, which runs from 22 to 29 May. Debbie said at the launch: “This is a great BHS initiative. There is a real need for more off-road riding and this is a major step forward. I myself sometimes struggle to hack my horses. The roads are just too dangerous." Local Pony Clubs and riding schools participated in the event, which saw an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new publication and a ride of one of the published routes.

The new publication now comes in a more rider-friendly format, and includes an A5 sized pack of pullout laminated cards, which are both water-proof and horse-proof. The publication is supported by Ordnance Survey based mapping and comprehensive route details. Aimed at local riders and holidaymakers alike, the pack contains information on how to plan the perfect equine break in the area. Stephanie Wheeler, BHS Regional Access Bridleways Officer for the South West, said: "The routes were devised by a number of local riders including Julie Holton (BHS Access Bridleways Officer Devon), who did the bulk of the legwork and co-ordination. “From reports I have received over the years, I know that the first Exmoor on Horseback book, produced some ten years ago, has helped to promote Exmoor as the desirable riding destination it is.” Stephanie continued: “The present huge growth in Equestrian Tourism means the new pack should provide a further boost to the local economy of Exmoor National Park, and be a valuable addition to the National Bridleway Network."

Henry Whittaker, BHS Senior Executive Access, said: “We are very pleased with how the launch went. The response was very encouraging and the publication was received with great enthusiasm.”

www.equinetourism.co.uk is a website based in the South West providing comprehensive equine tourism information UK and worldwide.

Robert Downes, sustainable tourism officer at Exmoor National Park Authority, said: “The new rides provide riders with the opportunity to experience the full splendour and variety of the area’s finest landscapes, whilst providing a mix of challenging terrains for riders and horses of all abilities.”

Exmoor & the Quantock Hills on Horseback can be purchased for £4.95 at the BHS Book Shop on 01926 707755 or www.britishhorse.com

BHS Instructors greeted the BHS Convention ‘Equine Ethology Horse Behaviour and Handling Skills’ with an open mind and enthusiasm.
Sue Webb, Instructor at Hartlebury Equestrian Centre, Worcestershire, said: “A truly excellent convention. I will be using the techniques that I have witnessed today on my horses and also encouraging my student to do so. Well done to the BHS.”

Dave Stuart and Charlotte Dennis introduced the concept of Horsemanship through understanding horse behaviour and looked at resolving basic behavioural problems using psychology and understanding. Dave is one of the UK’s leading Equine Ethologists, having been involved since the 1980s. He is rated Chief Instructor in the UK and Australia. His expertise and ease with horses is best shown when working with troubled and challenging horses. Dave said: “We got a great response from the crowd. It was obvious from the questions the Instructors were asking us that they know a lot about horses. The BHS deserves to be congratulated on providing such good training.”

Charlotte has spent six months working with Pat Parelli and also time with David and Karen O’Connor combining Natural Horsemanship methods with eventing to achieve outstanding results. Margaret Linington-Payne, Director of Standards at the BHS, said: “This convention is one we hope will inspire debate and discussion which will lead to improved relationships with the horse world.” Patrick Print FBHS, Chairman of the BHS, said: “This was a very different convention to the ones we normally organise and I think that it is very important that we encourage our Instructors to broaden their horizons and to embrace the different aspects of horsemanship.”

Please see the Equinetourism.co.uk Equine Ethology editorial section for more information

As crowds gathered around the horse simulator, developed by Equitech Software, spectators were given the opportunity to ride the mechanical bay horse. David Watson, of Hampshire, a vet for 50 years and a long-standing BHS member, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found it to be a realistic piece of machinery."

Also taking place at the BHS stand was the book launch of Celebrity Jumping Exercises, compiled by Caroline Orme. The book is a compilation of riding tips and theories from top riders including William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell MBE and Mary King who was also at the launch to promote the book. The book, which received outstanding reviews in Horse and Rider, was greeted enthusiastically by the crowds at Badminton. Caroline Orme, who signed more than 100 copies of her book at the launch, said: "So far Celebrity Jumping Exercises has been received very well and I would like to thank everybody who contributed."

Celebrity Jumping Exercises can be purchased at www.britishhorse.com

Jan Gigli, BHS Senior Executive Merchandising, said: "We were very happy with our success at Badminton, lots of people showed interest in the BHS and the Book Shop. It is good to see that people appreciate all the good work we do as a charity."

For more information please contact Vanessa Depre, BHS Communications Department, on 01926 707737 or v.depre@bhs.org.uk

UCAS (Universities' and Colleges' Admission Service) is to recognise The British Horse Society's examinations for the purpose of awarding points for admissions.

The leading equestrian charity's BHS Stage 3 (Horse Knowledge and Care, and Riding) and the Preliminary Teacher's Certificate - which are recognised worldwide as part of the most prestigious equestrian qualifications - will count towards winning a place at university or college. These are the first vocational qualifications to achieve recognition for the UCAS points.

Margaret Linington-Payne, Director of Standards at the BHS, said: "It is a fantastic achievement for our qualifications to be recognised by UCAS and will reward students who have put commitment and energy into equestrianism. UCAS has agreed that 35 points per qualification can count towards the total number of points you require for a place at your chosen university or college. Thus 105 points will be available for those who are particularly interested in pursuing a Higher Education (HE) route in equine related subjects."

UCAS has worked co-operatively with the BHS for some time on this project and has said it is happy to be able to offer this helpful option to prospective HE students.The new rules come into effect from September 1, 2008. However, candidates can use the tariff points when applying for courses from September 2007 onwards.

For further information, please contact: Oliver Wilson, Director of Communications, The British Horse Society, 01926 707738 email o.wilson@bhs.org.uk or Sam Whale, Training Department, 01926 707820 email training.admin@bhs.org.uk .

More than 200 Volunteers registered to attend on one of the three days [28-30 March], receiving information on the Society's Vision, Mission, current work and future intentions. The new Volunteers' Handbook was also launched at the Conference.

All attendees were given the opportunity to meet staff at the BHS Head Office, and to talk to the various departments about their work. The volunteers enjoyed presentations by the Chief Executive Graham Cory, Director of Finance Gill Evans, Director of Standards Margaret Linington-Payne, Director of Access, Safety and Welfare Mark Weston and Membership Senior Executive Emma Day. A particular highlight was the motivational speaker Peter Fletcher, Director of Philanthropy at University Hospital Birmingham Charities, whose address was widely viewed as inspirational.
On Wednesday 29 March, there was a "Media Option", where Volunteer Press Officers were given training from David Davis, a former Times journalist and Chief Executive of PMA Training, and Alison Bridge, Editor of Horse and Rider magazine, on building relations with the press and getting stories published. Website training took place on Thursday 30 March for the regional Webmasters of the BHS. Website training was given by Adrian MacLeod, of PMA Training, and Neil Roberts, the Producer of the Daily Mirror's website.

Stephanie Wheeler, Regional Access and Bridleways Officer for the South West, said: "Every aspect of the day was excellent: it surpassed my expectations. The Society's long term Vision and its new Corporate Plan were particularly interesting. The car load of Volunteers with whom I travelled were all agreed on the value of the day, and how much more confident we now feel in the Society."
Margaret Bennett, one of the Society's President's Ambassadors, said: "I am sure I will not be alone in saying that we were made to feel very welcome, with everyone making themselves available to have a chat or answer questions. I shall be going out with renewed vigour, and of course my membership forms."
Tony Bradley, Regional Welfare Officer for the West Midlands, said: "It was a very enlightening experience for me. I now have a fuller understanding of how the BHS works and what I can do to help the Society progress."
Yve Wallace, of the BHS Bedfordshire Committee, said: "The Conference was excellent. I have not yet started a BHS website but after this training I feel I have the tools to do so."
Mary Lennon from Greater Manchester said: "This was an excellent introduction to the staff at BHS and I was able to witness first hand how hard they work."
All attendees were given the opportunity to meet staff at the BHS Head Office, and to talk to the various departments about their work.
Ellie Layton, Administrator in the Approvals and Examinations Department said: "I have really enjoyed the last three days. It was good to meet so many volunteers and see that they are all human * and to show to them that we are human, too!"

Patrick Print FBHS, Chairman of the BHS, said: "It has long been a dream of mine to get BHS Volunteers together to increase their understanding of the Society, so they can see what a great cause they are working for."
Graham Cory, BHS Chief Executive, said: "Ours is a volunteer-rich Society and it is right that we should make a significant and continuous investment in their support and development."