New Forest Horse Riding

	New Forest Horse Riding

New Forest Horse Riding; Horse Riding in the New Forest. The words fit together so well, for here can be found mile-upon-mile of wide open spaces, glorious New Forest heathlands, woodlands and grasslands, for riders to enjoy, mostly unhindered by hedges, fences and stiles.

And, of course, there are few better ways of experiencing the countryside and seeing the wildlife than from horseback.  
Open access to the Crown Lands is available to those with their own horse or pony, whilst there are also numerous riding stables around the area that offer ponies for hire.

Instruction is also available for riders of all levels, including absolute beginners who can follow their first lesson with a gentle ride out, led, where appropriate, by an experienced instructor.

All horse riders on the New Forest should, though, be aware of the New Forest Horse Riding Code, and follow the advice contained therein – the Code is designed to help conserve the New Forest and its wildlife, whilst allowing riders the freedom to enjoy themselves in safety, without prejudicing the enjoyment of other New Forest users.

The New Forest Horse Riding Code
 
   •  Keep to the tracks when the ground is soft or muddy. When there is no alternative keep to a slow       pace.

   •  Take an alternative route to avoid soft slopes. Riding straight up and down results in erosion.

   •  Avoid widening existing tracks, or creating new ones. Keep off re-seeded areas and recently       reinstated    rides.

   •  Vary your route on the Forest to spread the wear and tear.

   •  Keep to the tracks when birds are nesting on the ground (1st March - 31st July).

   •  Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other Forest users. Be courteous and friendly.

   •  Do not build jumps or create lunging areas on the Forest.

   •  Keep away from any work taking place in the Forest.

   •  Never ride more than two abreast. Limit groups to a maximum of eight horses on the road.

(Check out the Forestry Commission web site for a full copy of the Code: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/new-forest-horse-riding.pdf/$FILE/new-forest-horse-riding.pdf ).

Please remember also when entering or leaving woodland inclosures, unless instructed otherwise, to close the gates behind you. New Forest ponies and cattle are deliberately excluded from some of these inclosures so as to avoid over-grazing and consequent damage to the valuable eco-systems.