Essex Bridleways Association Spring 2022 Update

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Essex Bridleways Association

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Update Spring 2022

Published by Essex Bridleways Association Charity number: 801530

www.essexbridleways.co.uk

Inside this issue...

• 2022 Rides schedule • Highway Code guidance in practice • Emergency First Aid for riders • Horse holidays with EBA


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AGM, November 2021 Tribute to Deirdre Graham Projects and Funding Officer’s report ELMS, and a reply Rides Schedule, 2022 First Aid Course for Riders Development Officer BHS Annual Awards 2020/21 British Horses and Ponies, Part 2 Famous Horses – Crossword Highway Code update Membership Benefits Contact list

The Cowell family; Elisa (left), Beatrice and their mother, Caroline.

Helen Mathias Call: 07958 962024 facebook.com/ eyecontactphoto

EBA is a member of:

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The Chair A note from

• Affiliate member of BHS • Open Spaces Society • Hundred Parishes Society • National Federation of Bridleway Associations EBA also has regular contact with Hatfield Forest Riders Association and Epping Forest Riders Association.

BREAKING NEWS - A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION By Katie Jerram-Hunnable, EBA Patron

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n 2000, The Countryside Act established a twenty-five year window to complete the recording of historic rights of way, ending on 1st January 2026. This arbitrary deadline has now been lifted, in line with the Welsh Government’s lead in 2021 to repeal the cut-off date. Will Steel, Project 2026 Manager at BHS was delighted at the news and said: “The BHS has lobbied extensively for a significant extension to the cut-off date to ensure that the health, well-being and economic benefits of many unrecorded routes are protected. We would like to extend a huge word of thanks to you, your EAG members and all our volunteers who have been working frantically to save as many routes as possible before the deadline. He went on to say: “This does not mean the end of Project 2026; on the contrary it has highlighted the value of the work we are all doing in extending the equestrian network and providing extensive and safe off-road riding and we intend to continue our efforts for the foreseeable future.” I can only echo these sentiments. The EBA is a small organisation, working in just one English county. The achievements made in our forty or so years campaigning for better bridleways is testament to the hard work of our volunteers and officers to increase the bridleway network in Essex over that time. Let’s enjoy this moment of triumph but never give up on the aim of working towards greater countryside access in the years ahead. Enjoy your riding this summer and support the EBA in whatever way you can.

Katie

© Helen Mathias/EyeContact Photography

Contents

ON THE COVER

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nother year to look forward to and I am confident that this will be better than the last two!

I start with the sad news that our founder and president Deirdre Graham passed away on 3rd February. We remember Deirdre as a tenacious determined lady who put equestrian access in Essex at the top of the agenda. EBA was a huge part of her life, the campaign she started is needed now more than ever, and we vow to maintain her legacy into the future. We will be running our ride at Ashfields this year as a memorial ride to Deirdre. We view this as a fitting tribute; a day to reflect on her work and the contribution she made to our organisation over the past forty years. Our ride organisers have been busy pulling together the schedule for this year’s rides. Our biggest challenge is finding venues with suitable parking. This year three of our rides are charging us for a riding licence. We have had to incorporate this into our costs and are increasing the entry fee accordingly. I hope you will understand that we didn't take this decision lightly. We know these rides

are popular so we particularly wanted to include them. All Charities have had challenges over the past two years and I have to thank our members for their continued support and loyalty. In recognition, we will be opening rides to members for a two-week advance booking period before opening up to non members. This will give members ample time to book and have priority on a time slot of their choice. EBA is certainly a busy organisation. The rides we run are a small part, so much more goes on behind the scenes. You will read on to find out about what we have been up to recently but we want to do more to support this work so I am appealing for volunteers. We would love to have new Trustees and Area reps on board. If you are passionate about access, want to make a difference and have a few hours to spare each month please contact me. You will be supported in your new role, learn loads, meet lots of interesting people and be part of an amazing team, what’s to lose! Sadly for us Sue Dobson has made the decision to resign from her job as Bridleways Development Officer. Sue has worked tirelessly for the past

By Julia Wilson, EBA Chair

9 years building relations with ECC, BHS, Highways and other outdoor organisations. She has made such a difference and has a list of achievements too long to quote. In fact such is her experience and expertise, organisations are coming to her for advice and information! Sue has offered to continue until we find a replacement. She will be a hard act to follow, however it is imperative we maintain the pressure and communication on the projects she is involved in. We have taken steps to fill Sue’s vacancy and hope to bring some good news soon. Looking forward, I hope to see you all out and about this year, enjoying your horses and having a good time. Take care!

Julia

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EBA 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING B

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usiness as Usual was the theme this year. We had a summary of the year’s activities from our Chairperson, with a report from the Treasurer. Christine Rust, our newly appointed Projects and Funding Officer had made an informative display board to show us what she has been doing since starting in the role. Vice Chair, Jan Arthur encouraged us to write to our MP on the ELMS issue. Those present enjoyed all the familiar features of our Annual meeting with a heaving Raffle Table, delicious spread of home-made cakes and refreshments and a thought-provoking talk from our Guest Speaker. Wendy Hutchinson explained the science behind Iridology and gave examples of several case studies where diagnosis and follow-up treatment from herbalists, equine physio and acupuncture have all seen improvements in an individual horse’s health. The left eye indicates inherited weaknesses from the dam,

Volunteer of the Year

Our new Projects Officer, Christine Rust, with Mandy French, Braintree Rep

and the right eye from the sire, we were told. There was time for questions afterwards when it was clear that Wendy’s approach had generated a good deal of interest from the audience. A generous selection of Raffle Prizes donated by EBA members and the following companies: (In alphabetical order) for which we thank them.

Animall at Crown Corner: Battlesbridge Horse and Country: Broman’s Sport Horses: Gladwells Pet and Country Store: Dengie Horse Feeds: Ingatestone Saddlery Centre; Matchy Brow Bands; W&H Marriage & Sons; Liz Jones. Vouchers from The Tack Room, Great Canfield. Dian Van Eyck Equine Shiatsu.

done, l l e W er! Spenc

Spencer Dobson was surprised and delighted to be chosen as the 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Spencer has helped out at the rides this year and on many previous years, and is always willing to lend a hand. His cheerful disposition is heartwarming.

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EBA Area Rep Coordinator opportunity The Area Representatives are a very valued part of the EBA Team. To improve communications between them and the Committee we are creating a new post of Area Rep Coordinator. Initially you would be required to: • Keep track of what the Reps are doing and report back to the Trustees on a regular basis • Attend our monthly Committee meetings at Galleywood or via Zoom

Raffle table with Alison Power and Denise Dillon

• Support new Reps and assist in their ongoing training • Other tasks can be discussed to suit the person appointed

Interested? Please contact Jan Arthur on 07813905022 to discuss the role or email me j.arthur0985@btinternet.com


Remembering W

e were very saddened to hear that Deirdre Graham, the founder or our organisation, passed away on 3rd February this year.

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County Hall 2001 - Deirdre Graham left.

Deirdre will be fondly remembered by many of the Association’s longstanding members. Our chair, Julia Wilson recalls; “Deirdre was a tenacious determined lady who put equestrians in Essex before anything else. EBA was a huge part of her life and even in later years she took an avid interest in everything we do.” We regret her passing and acknowledge our gratitude for all that she has done for the EBA over many decades.

Here is an extract from Sally Crone’s interview with Deirdre early in 2019. (Published in Update, Spring 2019) I visited Deirdre at her home where she has lived in for some 60 years in the village of Horndon on the Hill. Her friend Jenny Mann, EBA Rep

for Thurrock, also joined us for tea and a chat. She was delighted to hear about our recent successes and equally delighted to hear that the membership now exceeds 700, a sure indication that the EBA continues to go from strength to strength from its small beginnings in Thurrock. Deidre is now 96 years old but retains her passion and zeal for the EBA’s principles of safe off-road riding for the horse owners and riders of Essex. Deirdre’s early life was overseas in Argentina but the family returned to England when she was a child, and lived in Windsor overlooking Windsor Castle and the Park.

Deirdre Deirdre says “watching the Royals exercising horses in Windsor Great Park ignited my interest in horses as noone else in the family rode, my siblings being more interested in art and music. My fun on horseback was riding on Blackheath, charging up and down the craters and

a pony which I kept in the field opposite my home. There were no bridleways in or out of the village but there was the Thurrock Riding Club (Jackie Firmin), the Pony Club (John Stevenson) and the Foxhound Riding School, so “The Thurrock Riding Rights

Deirdre was a tenacious determined lady who put equestrians in Essex before anything else. ravines on the Heath (created by quarrying and the aftermath of wartime bombing.” Her story continues: “I later trained as an Architect, married and moved to Horndon on the Hill with my husband, a Town Planner, who was heavily involved in the creation of Basildon New Town. Once we were settled in Horndon on the Hill, I bought

Committee,” a small group was formed. Together the group assessed the bridleway provision – “abysmal!” - and mounted a publicity campaign, raising money by organising rides, and writing to local authorities and government departments. Everyone was very willing to help once they learned of TRRC’s existence. Gradually, the Group became more focussed, set up a group in

each District and meetings were held in Castle Point.” Elizabeth Kirk, a founder of the Byways & Bridleways Trust, whose husband Peter was Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden area, was also key in the early days and was able to promote the cause at national level. What would you say was your biggest achievement during your time with EBA? “The creation of the Mardyke Bridleway from Bulphan across the fens towards Purfleet. This Bridleway runs along the Mardyke River, through the Valley and adjacent to the ancient Mardyke woods. The creation followed a Public Inquiry with fierce opposition. The scheme cost Thurrock Council more than £350,000. We wanted to get the route right to the coast but the Council simply did not have the money and I think it has been built upon now”.

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Badgers, Bodgers & Budgets By Chris Rust, Projects and Funding Officer

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uring my first eight months in post I have got to know the Trustees, met several area representatives (the eyes and ears of our organisation) come across local riders out and about and seen more of you at our AGM in November (See photo on p4 of this edition of Update). Every meeting provides me with new information and insights into how EBA works. The work of the Footpath volunteers who work alongside the Essex County Highways Public Rights of Way Team to clear paths and dry them out when wet, has inspired me. Let’s hope we can assist them on the ground with shared projects in the future (See Update, Spring 2020 when the EBA carried out work at Murthering Lane). All this and the opportunity to see more of our lovely Essex countryside. You can see I am enjoying the role! Here is a

snapshot of some of my work to date: Badger alert. At Chappel, not far from the viaduct and across fields there are two historic routes that formed part of a claim made by Chris Tout, our Historic Research Officer, in 2015. During the Covid 19 lockdowns the shorter of the routes has

become overgrown and work needs to be done to clear scrub and overgrowth before it can be ridden or walked. Badgers are present which means we have to tread carefully as they are a species protected by law. The Highways Team has recently carried out an inspection and an initial clearance will need to be done and the status of badgers checked (probably by Natural England) before we can commence any further works. Something new I learned – did you know Badgers have everyday setts and separate maternity setts? Bodgers at work! At Ramsden Heath local riders reported to their P3 Footpath volunteer that they were unable to access Bridleway 10 from the Mill Lane end. This was owing to a water leak in Mill Lane which was causing flooding at the start

of the bridleway, blocked ditches and obstructions including an earth bank and very dangerous submerged objects placed in the ground by well-meaning individuals attempting to divert the water into the ditches. I walked the route with a member of the Public Rights of Way Team and a plan was agreed to clear the obstructions and ditches and put in some drainage. The water leak was reported and fixed. I am pleased to say this work has now been completed, and the path is rideable and walkable again. Well-meaning people with good intentions often make our job harder. Attempting to block access for vehicles or “improving” the surface with old carpet, brick rubble, earth banks or large boulders isn’t always helpful. We all know about the seasonal problem of wet paths especially on

our Essex clay soil which can quickly churn up, and in some cases make it impassible. Liz Hollingsworth, Area Rep for Epping, showed me examples of such routes in Upshire recently. Unfortunately these are green lanes on buffer lands and City of London does not wish to surface them. Discussion is ongoing about alternatives for bypassing boggy areas. If you encounter a problem with a bridleway or restricted byway, don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself. The best thing to do in the first instance is to use the on-line reporting tool on the Essex County Council website or, in parts of Epping Forest that come under City of London, to contact the number for Forest Paths on the City of London website and report it. The website is very easy to use and the Highways team

Before improvement. Poached ground and obstruction hazard by earth bank with submerged wood and stone.

AFTER: bridlepath cleared of the obstruction, drained, ditches dug out with new lockable bollards in situ . Photo taken looking towards Mill Lane from further down the track.

quick to respond. Here is the link for the ECC On line reporting tool:https://www.essexhighways. org/tell-us/public-rights-ofway-issues/obstruction-ornuisance Lastly as public funds reduce, we need to be more resourceful with our own funds, which are derived from the support of our members, and from the annual programme of rides/events held during the year. We also need to search for other funding. Bridleway 66, Lippitts Hill end (alongside West Essex Golf Club) nr Chingford (Epping Forest area) has been damaged by constant hooves and footfall to such an extent that walkers are standing on and breaking the fences alongside the Golf Course in order to negotiate the two very deep and boggy areas. The path is sliding sideways and usually needs draining, building up and surfacing in the boggy places. I have agreed a partnership package with the Public Rights of Way Lead Officer at EEC (subject to costings) including a contribution from Essex Bridleways Association funds. This will bring the work forward on the maintenance list and enable completion within the current calendar year. I am hoping to be able to establish more partnership working in the future and explore additional funding opportunities. Until we meet next, I wish you all happy and safe riding. You know where to find me if you need me!

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In the last Update, (Autumn 2021), we urged readers to contact their MP about making access permanent in relation to the Environment Land Management Scheme (ELMS). The EBA sent a letter to Lord Benyon, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs; his reply can be viewed opposite. Whilst many of the points are addressed, the main plea for the need for new access to be made permanent is not. However, don’t be discouraged; you will find new angles to get your point across by studying his letter. We hope you had more positive responses from your local MP? Do let us know and do keep writing, this is an ongoing campaign.

Essex Bridleways PO Box 12014 Chelmsford CM11 9UD

Association

Concerning the En

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21 8th December 20

vironmental and

t Scheme Land Managemen

ive sed in Essex we str forty years ago. Ba Dear Lord Benyon, benefit of the charity established the red for iste y reg wa a of is hts ys Association of equestrian rig mental health. The Essex Bridlewa velop the network both physical and ve, improve and de ting and enhancing mo t pro ge, to protect, preser lar at Land Managemen nity and public Environment and horse-riding commu eme (FIPL) sch velopments in the de es’ t ap en dsc rec n Lan cer ted watched with con ‘Farming in Protec detrimental in the As such we have t the funding of the agreements: both it is proposed tha permissive access m ter rt sho Scheme whereby for ts of direct paymen . , envisions the return mbers of the public permissive access riders and other me rse ,000 kilometres of ho for m ter g lon that emes financed 58 es sch ess us sin vio bu pre st any h pa rade step. In the appeared, along wit ry 2026 This will be a retrog of these routes dis ar under the Janua could also disappe sed in 2010, many tes cea ds rou fun ive en act d wh t an bu existing m. Indeed, some depended on the ways. ised sufficiently. ing historic bridle im m and not public cla for te da f ey were short ter cut-of Th d to provide ys: ate wa cre of re er s we numb munities), few link were flawed in a tes com The quality al rou ils. loc ve Tra by issi l rm na for Natio asked The pe -led (for instance en access lands or nd op to ma de ns t ctio no ne re They we l circuits, con ctions, recreationa tural community conne the level of use. . The success of Na did as ely wid ied d no lasting legacy of routes var ent access. of public money an an use rm or pe po of in ry ed live the past result phasised the de This model has in eme (2012-14) em le enjoy the Communities Sch tes that help peop England’s Paths for ht-out access rou ug tho and multi user off ally es gic lan ate str iet t qu en of an promote perm ent. A network There is a need to t with the environm ersify. motes engagemen lp landowners div he d an ess my no countryside and pro eco rural t Bill includes acc the n rpi de un ’. The Environmen road routes would as a ‘public good diversity and bio ed e fin rag de is cou ess en tpaths Agricultural Act, acc the mental ays, along with foo In addition, in the they help improve dleways and byw routes. For people, d engagement’. Bri can aid local en It gre e. d rcis an exe ng gh nti under ‘beauty an ou e pla thr ture through hedg physical wellbeing na ling for ab ity en ctiv as ll ne we con de as using the countrysi beauty of health of people nities. people to enjoy the nect local commu con d an vel tra esses and enables t natural sin ’slow’ en bu an al rm loc pe of on nt ng ildi opme rural economy, bu rtunities for devel ring the po the du op of d es rt sse vid po ne pro sup wit s in all All thi mand e variety of ways, yside recreation de wid ntr a in cou de blic ysi pu ntr in the cou t upsurge pe that the recen biodiversity. We ho l on deaf ears. access for walkers, fal t no l wil ic em m future enabling es recent pand build for a long ter ways. This match to dle s bri r aim , ou up on gro tes r rou cessful access in his recent vision of multi use nts pro me The EBA, as a suc the com gh ’s ou ver thr ent the disabled hope that Julian Glo to inform governm cyclists, riders and back better’. We , are made use of promise to ‘build g ‘access fair to all’ kin ma on the government’s ) 19 dscapes Review (20 for all. de Independent Lan countryside access e of our countrysi ation of responsible permanent featur options in the cre to tes be made a rou ess acc for is s the EBA’s plea ow. For all these reason d are gone tomorr t appear today an and not ones tha Yours sincerely, Janet Arthur Association Essex Bridleways Vice Chairperson

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EBA2022RIDESSCHEDULE

To enter any of our rides please visit our website:

www.essexbridleways.co.uk Rides open for entries about a month before the ride date.

Date

Ride

Starting From

Details

Sunday 10th April

Middlewick

Middlewick Farm Livery Yard Southminster Marshes CM0 7JQ

Ride on farm tracks and grassy headlands. Remote roads with little traffic. Very flat terrain with opportunities for long uninterrupted canters. The ride is limited to 50 riders if restricted to hard standing for vehicle parking.

Friday - Monday 6th-9th May

Members’ Holiday at Little Lodge

Little Lodge, Santon Downham, nr Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0TX

EBA's 2022 Thetford Forest Holiday – our members-only holiday at Little Lodge in the heart of Thetford Forest. Come and enjoy hacks around the forest with friends or meet new friends.

Sunday 22nd May

Highwood

Writtle Park Estate CM1 3QF

A varied route which takes in the wide grass tracks of Howletts Hall and Fingrith Hall. Option of 9 or 13 mile routes

Hatfield Forest

Elgins Car Park, Takeley CM22 6NE

A chance to ride in this wonderful ancient forest on wide grassy clearings and tracks between the trees. 10 or 7 mile routes. The short route is all contained within the forest (no roads).

Saturday 18th June

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EQUI NE Please INFLUEN Z c websi heck the E A te for BA t u pdat e s o n h e la t e s t t h e I n f lu e nza o Equine utbrea k

MEMBERS ONLY – National Trust parking is limited

Sunday 17th July

Ashfields, Deirdre Graham Memorial Ride

Carriage and Polo Club, Great Canfield CM6 1JU

This ride begins at this very smart Ashfields Club with excellent facilities. You will ride on private headland tracks, local bridleways and minor roads. A choice of 8 or 11 mile routes.

Sunday 14th August

Spains Hall, (Finchingfield)

Dairyley Farm, Finchingfield CM7 4NL

A popular ride with hardly any road work. 7 or 11 miles.

Sunday 11th September

Little Easton Ride

The Stag Inn, Little Easton CM6 2JE

Starting and ending from the field behind the Stag pub in Little Easton CM6 2JE we ride across open fields and touch the surfaced Flitch Way on this lovely hack in the Essex countryside. 10 miles (2.5hrs) with no short option.

Sunday 9th October

Danbury

Brocks Farm, Twitty Fee CM3 4PG

Always our most popular ride. A variety of hilly tracks through the woods, country lanes, surfaced bridleways and field edges.

Saturday 3rd December

Epping Forest Christmas Ride

Bury Road, Chingford Plains E4 7QH

This is our Christmas ride on surfaced tracks around Epping Forest. Members only. Optional fancy dress with mulled wine and mince pies

Keene Hall, Galleywood, Chelmsford CM2 8PT

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 7:00 for 7:30 Open to members and non-members. Join us for a convivial evening, meet the committee, get an update on how we are doing and have your say. There will be a guest speaker, details of which will be announced nearer the time.

Other dates for your diary Thursday 10th November

EBA Annual Meeting

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Emergency First Aid course for Equestrians Training provided by Medi-K who specialise in first-aid courses for outdoor activities.

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he all-day course was a packed 7 hours of information, hands-on training and assessment. Twelve EBA members took part and spent a very worthwhile day learning how to be prepared for almost any eventuality around horses and the accidents that may happen on the yard or in open country. Our Trainer, Sam Hillcox was perfect for the job – on the go the entire time, demonstrating, assessing, encouraging and guiding us through the day’s activities.

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How was the course? Lots of fun, action-packed and very practical was the general consensus. At every opportunity we practised the basic protocol of dealing with a casualty who needs emergency first aid. We then reversed roles and did it all again. It’s a process of learning by doing, repeating the actions until they become instinctive. This thorough

By Jane Skinner, Editor grounding will see you beyond the initial moment of panic or freezing with fright into a calm place where you are confident of the steps to take and can execute them in an orderly sequence. Here's an example of what we learned: You are out riding with your friend in the countryside. Let’s call her Sally. Suddenly, Sally’s horse spooks badly and she is thrown to the ground, face down and apparently, immobile. What are you going to do? First of all, dismount and tie the horses up, if possible. If not, let them graze nearby. The horses are not your concern here! Approach Sally calmly and call out her name. Ask her to open her eyes. Speak loudly into each ear in turn, then shake her gently by the shoulders, saying who you are – a first aider, your name and asking her if she can hear you. If you get a response you know there is some consciousness but whether conscious or not, the priority is to

check her breathing, clear the airway and get her into the recovery position which means turning her onto her side with the head facing downwards slightly. We had lots of practice of this first stage, including how to deal with people much heavier than you are – using their legs as a lever to help you turn them over. The latest First Aid techniques ensure the spine remains straight throughout the manoeuvre which surprised some of us who had done courses in the past with a different technique. Sally is wearing her riding helmet, which may impede your ability to open her airway. We had practice in removing the helmet – being careful not to raise the head unduly. Now is the moment to phone for help. Leave Sally where she is for the moment, pop an extra layer over her to keep her warm and walk to where you can get a signal. In and around Essex, you are unlikely to have a problem but

Back row (Left to right): Ruth Hatchett (obscured) Sarah Hodgson, Julia Wilson, Jane Skinner, Caroline Cowell, Alison Power. Front row: Sally Crone, Louise Fuller, Mandy French, Christine Rust, Sandra Deeran, Jan Arthur. Trainer: Sam Hillcox

it’s always best to be prepared. Calling emergency services out doors was one topic that brought us bang up to date with the latest advice. Did you know that you could be blocking reception with your own body if you have your back to the wind? So turn to face into the wind. If there is still no reception, walk around to find one, move towards higher ground. Your ‘phone will probably allow you to press the emergency button to use another network. The most important advice however, is to ensure you preregister your ‘phone with 999 before setting out. You can do this by sending the word TEXT to 999. It’s a simple procedure and will save you valuable time in an emergency. Your message should be short and sweet. Ask for an ambulance (or coastguard service if the accident happens on or near a beach). Describe in simple terms what happened. Say what you have done for Sally and describe where you are. Telling them your location. Google Maps or Ordnance Survey are recommended. WhatThreeWords takes up a great deal of memory on your ‘phone. If you are using an App to record you ride, you may be able to forward the tracked image of your route. If you are hacking locally, you will know the local roads and landmarks. Your message might sound something like this:

Emergency services, please. Ambulance. My friend was thrown from her horse about 6 minutes ago and landed face down. I was riding with her. I am an Emergency First Aider and have put her into the recovery position, I’ve checked her airway

29th January, 2002 at Galleywood Heritage Centre

is clear. She is breathing normally but not fully conscious yet. We are on the bridleway behind The Green Man Public house in High Wych. We are about half a mile from the road, in the Sawbridgeworth direction. The next road is a dead end about a mile ahead. How soon do you think you can get here? The acid test for passing the course is mastering the CPR technique. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation is a well-known technique where manual pressure is applied to get the heart started again, followed by two inward breaths through the mouth to inflate the lungs. The cycle needs

to be repeated in sequence until the emergency services arrive. Most of us have had some experience of this aspect of the training and were familiar with the Annie torso used for training. What surprised us however was how quickly each of the 30 chest compressions on the sternum had to be delivered. We all took this part of the training especially seriously. The exercises we practised included dealing with an epileptic seizure, accidental knife wounds, bandaging wounds (as equestrians, we were pretty good at this skill) and cases of shock – how to identify and what to do with the casualty. We even had a session with a defibrillator. These machines are essential if the casualty has had heart failure (not a stroke - that is caused by a blood clot) as only an electric shock will revive the person sufficiently. The training can be applied to everyday life. One scenario had us confronted with an older person who has gashed her leg badly. There is a good deal of blood flowing from a deep cut in her shin and she is beginning to show signs of shock. What are the steps you will take? Now we have had the benefit of hands-on training, the digital course manual is there for reference, complete with video clips to talk us through the specifics. I have been reviewing the course this evening through its digital counterpart and feel reassured that what I have learned recently is readily available on my phone.. The training is valid for three years. I will definitely be signing up for the renewal when the time comes!

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BHS Annual Awards Ceremony 2020/21

Thank you Sue By Sue Dobson, Bridleways Development Officer

By Sally Crone, EBA Trustee

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s many people will already know, I have decided to ‘hang up my boots’ as far as EBA is concerned so this is the last piece I will write for Update.

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Composing this article has started me thinking back to what has been achieved for EBA over the past eight years. Initially there were two of us, each with half the county to deal with, but Kim Waterhouse chose to work on other projects so I took on the whole of Essex. Looking back, there have been some notable successes. The most significant has been a joint effort with Jan Arthur. Together, our dogged determination to get a step change in attitude from Essex Highways created total turnaround of policy following our meeting with Cllr Kevin Bentley, the Portfolio holder for Highways at that time. In practice, this has meant a far better dialogue between Essex Highways and both EBA and BHS when new developments have been master-planned. Most recently new bridleways have been secured within the South Woodham Ferrers site (which will mean the bridleways at Bicknacre can be accessed via the old railway line at Cold Norton with only roadwork on quiet roads) and at Sandon where we have secured a new Pegasus crossing on the busy Maldon Road and a new

bridleway heading northwards linking the existing bridleway which goes under the A12 and thereon to the network in Little Baddow. There are others too where our input has meant access for horse riders has been secured, but this gives you an idea of what can be achieved. One of my main roles is to monitor and respond to the Local Plans that each authority is required to draw up, and this has meant many hours of poring over documents and attending public inquiries to get our message across. I have become a familiar face at such meetings! As the work has progressed, I have noticed that the Plans have been amended to take account of the comments we have made, which is very good news. These are the ‘rulebooks’ under which new developments are decided, so they are very important documents, and vital that we are accommodated in them. There have been plenty of down sides and frustrating moments too – one of the most recent is the breathtaking lack of foresight by Essex Highways in their design of the new Chelmsford bypass. We were very pleased to see a new bridleway bridge to be included in the plans which would reconnect bridleways severed by the original A130 at Chatham Green. However, in their wisdom, the planners

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decided to make a path leading from this bridge linking the old Great Leighs village as a walkway/cycleway. Horses excluded! Following our input this has now been changed to a new bridleway link. Would this have been done if we hadn’t been on the case? Probably not! I think the biggest challenge to whoever takes over from me is to change the mindset of the planners at Essex Highways to get through to them that horse riders actually exist and need to be catered for. I don’t believe they are anti-horse, just that they don’t have horse riders on their radar. I have really enjoyed the last eight years or so and have met some wonderful people and, apart from the obvious frustrations of dealing with bureaucracy there have been plenty of laughs along the way. I have also learned an incredible amount which is invaluable for other work projects. I think they call it “transferable skills.” I will certainly keep in touch with EBA and I wish them all the best for the future. It is an amazing organisation and I look forward to seeing it flourish.

was delighted to be invited along to participate in this very special day for our BHS Award Winners, Lesley Gillman and the Cowell sisters, Beatrice and Eliza. The event was held at Newbury Racecourse in November and covered Awards for 2020 and 2021 as the 2020 Ceremony had been postponed owing to COVID. Presentations were made by Martin Clunes OBE and HRH the Princess Royal was in attendance. Lesley Gillman, our long term Committee Member was the much deserved winner of the 2020 Access Award. Our Committee nominated Lesley for her outstanding contribution to bridleways progress in Essex. Over two decades Lesley created and ran an extensive

Martin Clunes with Beatrice and Eliza

Lesley with her BHS Award

programme of rides which are now managed by several of our Committee members in their turn. Our junior EBA members, Eliza

and Beatrice Cowell were also due to receive the BHS 2020 Fundraising Award for their “superlative effort” in raising funds for the BHS Rideathon 2020. Eliza and Beatrice (then aged 6 and 3), with assistance from their mum, Caroline, had ridden more than 70km on their Shetland ponies, raising £265 along their way! The Cowell family are great supporters of EBA and we are proud to have the Cowell children as probably our youngest members! The Award Ceremony was followed by a leisurely lunch with a chance to meet the other award winners. Attendees were then able to enjoy an afternoon of racing, including a charity race with the funds raised in aid of the BHS. This was a really lovely and historic day for EBA. There is much competition for these BHS National awards and to see not one but three of our members receiving awards was a proud moment for our organisation.

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September 2021

18

Our EBA holiday Brenda with Finn

By Alison Craigmile and Brenda Hatch

E

ven though we hope the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic is behind us, organising a Group Holiday is not without its stresses and strains! However, our two Committee Members, Alison and Brenda, rose to the challenge and made sure that all the Sue Silvester participants had a Everything went to plan; wonderful time at Little the sun shone, the horses Lodge, Thetford Forest, quickly settled in stables last autumn. and fields, and their riders

made themselves at home in the lodges which they found very comfortable and well equipped. Some ventured into the hot tub, some drank wine and prosecco, and some even did both! The weekend started with a welcome drink and meet-up organised by Brenda and Alison in their Lodge. Everyone took advantage of the wonderful riding opportunities the Forest has to offer and rode on both days, with a few squeezing in one last hack on Monday morning before departure. Riders and horses braved the stream, others enjoyed long exploratory hacks of up to three hours! The group evening meal on Saturday took place at a lovely old and atmospheric local Pub, The Crown, with minibus service there and back. A very jolly evening. Alison and Brenda had thought of everything, even arranging for extra waiting staff so the group didn’t have to wait long for their meals

and drinks. An EBA Holiday tradition is for everyone to receive a special EBA Rosette to mark the occasion and these were all placed in the wine glasses on the huge table. Everyone left on the Monday, to lots of sad goodbyes, having made new friends, enjoyed time away from the everyday round, and of course the wonderful riding in Thetford Forest.

LITTLE LODGE HOLIDAY 6th - 9th May 2022 EBA Members Only

A selection of comments from participants: Debs and Carol: “We had a wonderful weekend, can’t wait to return.” Sue and Jan: “We had such lovely riding all though the forest, with no roads.” Catherine and Angela: “We rode into the stream, the horses loved splashing about.” Sonia and Maddie: “The holiday was very well organised.” We have received such positive feedback that we will be arranging another holiday at Little Lodge next May. Details opposite. The Committee would like to thank Alison and Brenda for all their hard work and giving our members a weekend to remember.

Have you always fancied going to Little Lodge but not quite been brave enough to go it alone? Or are you a regular visitor and looking for new people to ride with? Whichever category you belong to, the EBA holiday at Little Lodge, in the heart of Thetford Forest, is always a hit! You will enjoy three days of riding (optional - you can do as much or as little as you like) and three nights in one of the lodges. One of the cabins has a hot tub which will be available for all to use. Your horse can have their own paddock and/or a stable. Riding is all around the forest, off-road, or you can venture a little further on a minor road and through the nearby village. Riding into the nearby stream is great fun for you and your horse, especially if your horse suddenly decides they fancy a roll! Saturday night is party night. We all go to an historic local pub for drinks and dinner which gives everyone a chance to meet new friends, talk about their adventures so far and plan the next day’s excitement. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. No one under 18, unless accompanied by an adult. If you would like more details or wish to reserve your place, please contact Alison Craigmile on ebamemsec@yahoo.co.uk

19


In our Spring Edition of Update last year we looked at the Dartmoor, Exmoor, Fell and Dales ponies. This issue we take a look at the tiny Shetland and the Connemara.

T

oday we are looking at children’s ponies. What’s the first breed that comes to mind? Yes, you’re right, it’s the Shetland. Our smallest native breed, it originates on the Shetland Islands in the far north of Scotland. Then we shall look at a breed from the West of Ireland and another from the south of England.

The Shetland Pony

20

is small for a reason. Smaller animals fare better in cold conditions as less body heat is lost. Shetland Ponies are able to withstand the worst of Shetland’s winter storms, and can move well to find food and shelter in boggy heath and rock strewn hills. Natural selection has created a sturdy animal with a coat that, in winter, has hairs which shed the rain, keeping the pony’s skin dry and, in summer, a coat that

Shetland Pony herd

carries a beautiful silky sheen. Their long mane and tails also protect them from wind and rain. These days Shetland Ponies are bred for export with an estimated 100,000 animals worldwide. On the Shetland islands, the ponies outnumber Shetland Islanders by nearly four to one, with approximately 1,000 ponies and 170 owners. Thanks to a careful breeding programme, the Shetland Islands are once again the best place to procure a Shetland Pony as the unique conditions of the islands keep the quality high. Natural selection means that if a pony is not fit, it doesn’t survive.

The Connemara originates from the Connemara region in County Galway on Ireland’s west coast, a wild area of peatbogs, lakes, mountains, and rugged coastline. The pony’s

Connemara pony

exact origins are uncertain but one likely theory is that native ponies bred with Spanish Andalusians when the Spanish Armada ran aground on the west coast of Co. Clare and Co. Galway in 1588 and their horses ran loose. The Spanish blood refined the tough, hardy local ponies. Serena Cookson, of Tulira Connemaras says: “The breed is second to none in terms of temperament and versatility. They suit riders from children to young professionals and adults of all ages. This is what makes them such a valuable pony to any family or competition home.” Another breeder, Robbie Fallon, explained: “I love Connemaras because they are a very versatile pony. They excel in all disciplines - ridden, working hunter, dressage, eventing and showjumping,. They have a great temperament so they are also ideal for anyone looking for a recreational pony or a pony to have around children.”

after a famous French Battle (7) 14D Walter Farley’s fictional Arabian stallion (3,5) 16D & 22A William Fox Pitt’s Badminton winner of 2015 (6,7) 18D John Whitaker’s famous DOWN bucking horse (5,3) 19D A horse that overcame 1D The Horse Alexander the Great captured and became his adversity, along with its jockey, to win the Grand National (8) master (10) 23D The horse that had the 6A & 2D Famous White accident in the film “the Horse Racehorse (6,6) Whisperer” (7) 16A, 8A & 5D Wild Chestnut 9A & 24D A racehorse mustang stallion from the symbolising hope to many 1960’s (8,3,6,5) Americans during the Great 10D Talking horse (2,2) 12D Racehorse reportedly stolen Depression (3,7) 26D Stable name of 27 down (9) by the IRA (7) 27D British Olympic gold medal 13D War horse belonging to winning dressage horse (7) Napoleon I, who was named

21

ANSWERS

DOWN

Shetland and Connemara

3A Mythological creature (7) 4A Mustang befriended by young Lucky Prestcott (6) 6A & 2D Famous White Racehorse (6,6) 7A Roy Roger’s Palomino horse (7) 9A & 24D A racehorse symbolising hope to many Americans during the Great Depression (3,7) 11A Beauty’s little pony mate (9) 15A 14.1hh pony who competed for GB showjumping team at the olympics (8) 16A, 8D & 5D Wild Chestnut mustang stallion from the 1960’s (8,3,6,5) 17A EBA Chair Julia Wilson - her horse’s name (6) 20A & 21A Children’s toy horse in many different colours (2,6,4) 16D & 22A William Fox Pitt’s Badminton winner of 2015 (6,7) 25A Only horse to win the British Triple Crown in 1970 (8) 28A Anna Sewell's famous steed (5,6) 29A Horse pictured on the front cover of the Spring 2021 issue of Update (5) 30A Queen Elizabeth’s Trooping the Colour Horse (7 31A Only racehorse to win the Grand National 3 times (3,3)

ACROSS

Part 2

ACROSS

1D Bucephalus 6A & 2D Orchid 16A, 8A & 5D The Wonder Horse 10D Mr Ed 12D Shergar 13D Marengo 14D The Black 16D & 22A Chilli 18D Ryansson 19D Aldaniti 23D Pilgrim 9A & 24D Biscuit 26D Blueberry 27D Valegro

British Native Horse and Ponies

X-WORD

3A Pegasus 4A Spirit 6A & 2D Desert 7A Trigger 9A & 24D Sea 11A Merrylegs 15A Stroller 16A, 8D & 5D Champion 17A Bertie 20A & 21A My Little Pony 16D & 22A Morning 25A Nijinski 28A Black Beauty 29A Seren 30A Burmese 31A Red Rum

Children’s page


Changes to the Highway Code –

PASS WIDE AND SLOW

Join us!

The new Hierarchy

now comes with specifics By Jane Skinner, Editor

22

Alan Hiscox, BHS Director of Safety was instrumental in bringing about these changes (see Update, Autumn 2021). Alan regards the new guidance as a significant step towards greater safety for riders, carriage drivers and the UK’s feral ponies. He is overjoyed at how the Department of Transport responded to his campaign to make our roads safer for horses and their owners and riders in England, Scotland and Wales. Alan took part in a Q and A session with television presenter Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes with queries from riders and carriage drivers. Here are some of the key points: My carriage horses trots faster than 10 miles per hour – how can a motorist overtake me? The changes are guidance, not law. The car has to travel

sufficiently fast to overtake while observing a safe distance of 2 metres. The balance is now is on drivers to be aware of vulnerable road users and act accordingly. Lizzie message: thank drivers for passing safely – be courteous at all times. She encouraged riders to say “well done, thanks for passing safely” with a cheery wave. Let them know you appreciate their respect; by waving or saying your thanks, you are demonstrating mutual respect. You can go one step further. Where van and lorry drivers have acted correctly, and the company’s details are displayed on the vehicle, do make the extra effort to give positive feedback via a text message or phone call. By thanking these companies for training their drivers to be considerate, you reinforce the safety message and contribute to a positive impression of the horse-riding community. We have all come across the widely held belief that horse riders are rich and arrogant – patently untrue! but we can dispel the myth in our courteous interactions towards drivers. Getting the message out to drivers – 32 million of them!* The BHS holds ongoing dialogues with a number of major UK retailers. DHL, John Lewis and Warburton’s bakeries who have

all benefitted from learning about The Three Brains – the driver’s the rider’s and the horse’s way of thinking. In March, Alan and his team will attend the National conference of Driving Instructors, helping new drivers understand their obligations. Cyclists The BHS has produced a booklet ”Be Nice, Say HI” which iterates the need for cyclists to call out (or ring a bell) on approach, and never pass on the inside (left) of the horse. https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/de fault/files/document/2018/08/cycl ing_uk_bhs_leaflet.pdf - (link will be available on the EBA Website and Facebook pages.) Finally, a question on electric vehicles. How can they be heard? Very recent studies at the University of Aberdeen, in part funded by BHS Scotland, have shown that the horse is aware of an electric car behind them quite some time before their rider or driver is – just watch your horse’s ears and they will tell you! More about this in a future article. *In Great Britain, there were 32 million cars 4.4 million LGVs (vans) 0.5 million HGVs 1.4 million motorcycles, 0.14 million buses & coaches and 0.78 million other vehicles licensed at the end of September 2021.

Members’ benefits:

© Helen Mathias/EyeContact Photography

N

ew guidance recommending that horses are passed by vehicles in both directions at a maximum speed of 10mph with a two-metre passing distance came into force on 29 January. Guidance is not law, but the strengthened wording of the new guidance will assist greatly in establishing liability in court cases.

membership automatically via PayPal or by standing order cuts administration and reduces EBA print and postage costs.

EBA needs your support to fight for safe off-road access for horse riders. Membership costs just £15 a year and is free for under 16s.

How to join: 1. Online

Log on to www.essexbridleways.co.uk and on the ‘join us’ page you can find links to join online, renew your subscription or download a membership form. Joining online helps us by cutting down on administration and saves EBA money.

2. By post Ask our membership secretary to send you a membership form, download from our website or pick one up at our rides. Contact: ebamemsec@yahoo.co.uk or write to Alison Craigmile, EBA Membership Secretary, 40 The Chase, Romford, Essex RM1 4BE. Save our resources: Choosing to renew your

• Up to £5 off EBA rides entry fees. • NEW! - Two weeks’ priority booking for all rides. Ensure your place and time slot before we open to non-members. • EBA Update magazine delivered to your door twice a year. • Email notifications of news and events. • Access to EBA’s Ride & Share Scheme. • Help with bridleways issues and claims. • Up to 10% on new insurance policies from South Essex Insurance Brokers. • 10% discount from John Griffin Trailer Training. • 30% discount on your first BHS membership - join by phone or paper application, state that you are an EBA member and give your membership number to receive your discount. This action cannot be done via online applications.

23


Essex Bridleways Association Contacts List Chair

Julia Wilson

07795 818856

juliawilson012@hotmail.co.uk

Vice Chair/Publicity

Jan Arthur

01277 650985

j.arthur0985@btinternet.com

Treasurer

Louise Fuller

01245 421614

louiserfuller@hotmail.com

Secretary

Lisa Guy

07792 166591

lisa@lifetimefinancial.biz

Membership Secretary

Alison Craigmile

07956 318502

ebamemsec@yahoo.co.uk

Rides Entry Secretary

Denise Dillon

07545 213056

denisedillon77@btinternet.com

Rides Coordinator

Sandra Deeran

07958 909319

sdeeran@gmail.com

Ride and Share

Julia Wilson

07795 818856

juliawilson012@hotmail.co.uk

Historic Research

Christine Tout

07946 789757

chrissierose@talktalk.net

Bridleways Development

Sue Dobson

01245 227083

suedobson.eba@gmail.com

EBA Update Editor

Jane Skinner

07757 916138

janeskinner51@gmail.com

Website Administrator

Sally Crone

07731 504438

s.a.crone@btinternet.com

Bridleway Clearance Coordinator Brenda Hatch

01277 899541

brendahatch-eba@outlook.com

Press Secretary

Mary Balch

07759 601271

maryblodge5210@uwclub.net

Rides Coordinator/Social Media

Alison Power

07932 678524

alisonjean6@yahoo.co.uk

EBA Area Representatives Basildon

Jan Arthur

07813 905022

j.arthur0985@btinternet.com

Braintree

Michelle Woodall 07809 439383 Mandy French 01371 850215

Brentwood & Havering

Linda Hobbs

01708 229055

Castle Point

Alison Power

07932 678524

alisonjean6@yahoo.co.uk

Chelmsford

Sue Fincham

01245 440795

Suefincham780@btinternet.com

Colchester

Lisa Wilson

07525 323430

lisa@dengie.com

Epping Forest

Heather Brady 01992 578072 Liz Hollingsworth 07855 329059

eppingforestrep@gmail.com

Harlow

Joy Thorpe

07984 410242

joy10@live.co.uk

Maldon

Caroline Cowell

07941 471508

capbailey@hotmail.com

Rochford & Southend

Geoff Box

Tendring

Pat Cooper

01255 880296

Thurrock

Jenny Mann

07909 787881

Uttlesford

Sarah Hodgson Sarah Moss

07871 169406 07966 994367

michelle.woodall@btinternet.com amandajfrench1@gmail.com

geoff.box@btinternet.com pat.cooper@live.co.uk

hodgsonsmh@btinternet.com sarahmoss77@hotmail.co.uk

Essex Bridleways Association, PO Box Association 12014, Chelmsford CM1 @EssexBridleways 9UD www.essexbridleways.co.uk Essex Bridleways Twitter www.essexbridleways.co.uk Essex Bridleways Assoc Twitter @EssexBridleways


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