AS one of the so-called 'Selfish riders' that use the Forest, I would like the opportunity to put Mr Constable straight on one or two things. Firstly, I can assure him that as a horse rider (contrary to belief) I do not go galloping my horse along every track in the Forest. As anyone who owns horses would tell you if this was the case we would all end up with lame horses.
Secondly, the Forest has been here since before any of us were ever thought of. It has always been, as I understand it, for the use of all. Years ago horses must have been the main form of transport and would have been used on a daily basis travelling throughout the Forest. There seems to have been no irreparable damage caused by this fact. With the wet weather we have had this winter it would be impossible for any track not to be cut into by whoever uses it, be it horse riders, bike riders or even walkers. However, as anyone with any knowledge of the Forest and similar areas knows, they do recover without too much long term damage.
At the moment work is being carried out all around the Danby Lodge area by the Forestry Commission – tree felling and general clearance. The comment regarding the damage cause by the horses perhaps should be steered in the direction of the Forestry as the upturned tracks and footpaths that they have damaged through the use of their machinery is there for everyone to see. I can appreciate this work has to be carried out and eventually, although it will never be the same again, it will in time settle and become re-useable. As a forest, it will continue to change as trees are felled and replanted in other areas, that's what keeps the Forest alive.
I think Mr Constable would like to see the Forest become horseless, bikeless and covered in grassed paths rolled in readiness for the walker. Wouldn't it be sad if the Forest became a policed park area with limited access!
The Forest is, as far as I understand, there to enjoy and be used by all both for pleasure and work. It was never meant to be a restricted park area with artificial paths and segregated tracks for walkers. It should be left as natural as possible and with little or no interference from the so-called few Forest lovers. I know many true Foresters and lovers of the Forest who appreciate the Forest for what it is and not what some people would like to see it become. – Certainly not a 'Selfish rider.'