Equestrian Access Forum lobbies Minister

Members of the Equestrian Access Forum have met with Jonathan Shaw, Minister for the Horse Industry, to press for more equestrian access.

Graham Cory, Chairman of the Equestrian Access Forum and Forum members Caroline Clayden, Catriona Cook and Mark Weston met the minister on 20 February.

The Minister welcomed the setting up of the Equestrian Access Forum seeing it as an effective lobbying group for equestrian access matters. He recognised horse riding as a growing and inclusive sport and an industry that makes a vital contribution to the national economy.

The Minster noted the clear exposition of the case for multi user access to the English coast, the desire for progress of the Discovering Lost Ways Project, the need for strategic route development and creation of multi user paths, undertaking to come back to the Equestrian Access Forum with a detailed response in due course.

Mark Weston said: "This was a very useful meeting. The Minister acknowledged the views we put forward for the need for an increase in off road equestrian access, and undertook to meet with us again to discuss the development of these issues."

February 29th, 2008