Dear All

 

I would like to welcome all our new members.  This year we have more members than we have ever had before, maybe due to a few issues which have arisen and also the good deal we get from Naylors and Horse-Bits, not to mention our fantastic concessionary routes provided to us by United Utilities.  Anyway, whatever the reason we are very grateful as so far this year we have raised £805 just from memberships.

 

Bridleway News

 

·         Norden Township Funds

We have recently be awarded approximately £2,062 from our Norden Councillors’ Township Funds to use to improve bridleways within the Norden area.  We have already had the steps improved on the Paperhouse River Crossing, new drains have been installed here to hopefully keep them dry.  The remainder of the money is being used to improve the surface on the bridleway which goes from the top of Meadownhead Lane towards Rough Lea Farm at Red Lumb and to improve the drainage on the bridleway which goes from Rough Lea to Ashworth Road which has been constantly wet for the last few years.

·         Buckhurst

The route through Buckhurst Farm is still blocked.  Evidence has been submitted to Lancashire Council by Chris Peat of Forest of Rossendale Bridleways Association but it could take a while to get it opened again.

·         Roods Lane (down by the old Three Owls Bird Sanctuary)

You may remember that last year the council turned up and put a kissing gate at the top of Roods Lane.  This would have prevented any access for horses down the path at the side of the old Bird Sanctuary leading to Woodtop (mile canter).  Luckily someone took it out before the concrete set and we swung into action putting in evidence to claim the path right through to School Lane as a bridleway.

So, what has happened since then, the Council said that the map we provided was not good enough and provided another one, which we then re-submitted, then they went astray.  Copies have been provided and after contacting Councillor Gartside the Rights of Way people wrote to 17 of the 34 evidence forms sent in saying the map wasn’t good enough.  We are currently trying to get everything back and start from scratch to get proper evidence and a proper map together.  We will be looking at this at our March meeting which is an open forum.  This path is under threat because a member of the public complained about horses using it so we need to act quickly. 

 

·         Coronation Power – wind Farm on Rooley Moor

Plans are being submitted to put 17 windmills on Rooley Moor.  Apart from the National Bridleway which runs up the middle of Rooley Moor there are numerous tracks which have been ridden for years which may become inaccessible if a windfarm is built here.  Another big issue is the disruption which will be caused by Rooley Moor Road being the main access route for the wagons and other vehicles and machinery relating to the windfarm.  At the time of writing the consultation exhibitions are in progress so we are planning to discuss this further during the next month and at our March meeting.

·         Bridleways in Ainsworth

Lesley Tierney (some of you will know her from Creature Comforts) has joined the Committee to get some help in trying to get some bridleways opened in the Ainsworth area.  At the moment there are 100’s of horses but no bridleways.  Lesley is working with Irene Pope and have come up with a plan to put to Bury Council.  However, this is something that is going to take a while and they would like anyone in that area who has ridden some of the tracks to fill in evidence forms.  They will be visiting livery yards in the area to try to drum up some help and support.

Dates for Your Diary

We are thinking or organising a trip to Southport probably on Sunday, 6^th April.  For people with no transport we can organise a wagon and the cost will be approximately £60 per horse.  If you wish to come contact one of the committee, it will be organised on a first come first served basis and payment is required up front.

·         31^st March – Open Forum

·         28^th April  - Pasture Management

·         19^th May – to be confirmed

·         30^th June – Alpenhorn  an evening with a bit difference, hopefully outside,

·         28^th July – Endurance Riding

·         18^th August – Quiz

·         29^th September – Open Forum

·         27^th October – Racehorse Rehabilitation

·         24^th November – End of Year Party with a buffet supper and raffle.

All meetings start at 8.00 pm at the Pack Horse.

In addition to these we will be holding some fund raising events, ie. A treasure hunt and maybe a Trec training day.

 

Reviews

 

On Monday, 24^th February Heather Hardy came to speak to us about using horses as an aid to communication.  She spoke to a packed house, it was definitely standing room only.  She explained how they use horses to build confidence, self-awareness and lots of other things.  Take a look at the website www.horseheard.com to find out more.

 

Website

 

Don’t forget the website is there for your use.  If you have anything to sell we have a classified page, if you have a story to tell we would love to hear from you or photographs.  We average between 150/200 hits per month some from the strangest places in the world.  We also have a group on Facebook so join us on there too for regular updates.

 

Membership Benefits

 

Just a reminder that with your membership card you get a 10% discount at Naylors and Horse Bits.  You have access to two fantastic off road routes in Ashworth Reservoir and Greenbooth Reservoir.  If you would like a key to get through you need to bring proof of third party insurance to a meeting and sign the disclaimer form which lists all the rules within the concessionary areas.  Keys cost £10 and when we change them you bring one key back and we will replace it with the new one.  The disclaimer form is attached to this letter as a reminder.

 

Reporting an Incident

 

Did you know that the BHS have a website specifically for reporting incidents concerning horses, the address is www.horseaccidents.org.uk.  You can report any kind of incident or near miss involving anything from a mad dog to a Chinese lantern or a bird scarer to a windmill, not to mention the roads.  It’s worth taking a look at the website anyway as its full of advice on how to keep yourself safe whilst out hacking, either in the countryside or on the roads.

You know you are a horseperson when:

-You cluck to your car when you go up a hill.

 
-Your horse's hair is in better condition than your own.

-You refer to your car as "my portable tack room".

 
-You are excited when your friend tells you that there is a huge sale at the bridle shop, then you are disappointed when you realise they mean the bridal shop.

-You have the vet's number but not your kid's pediatrician on your speed dial.

-Your spouse can track dirt into the house all they want, but God help them if they muddy up the tack room.

 
-Your house is a mess, but the barn is as neat as a pin.

 
-Your nice clothes are the ones without horse hair all over them.

 
- Only horse people would spend hundreds of pounds on a show for a 2 quid rosette.

 

 

 

 

Barbara