AM writing in support of Mrs Robins' letter 'A Forest for all.'

I have owned and ridden my horse in the Forest of Dean for the past seven years. I am not in a highly paid job but I manage to fund my riding by sacrificing holidays. I do not drink and rarely go out in the evening.

I and my friends have always tried to be considerate of walkers and cyclists, and have avoided using soft paths in wet weather. However, I have been subjected to abuse from walkers and have even been threatened by a man waving a stick at me which created a potentially dangerous situation when my horse became frightened.

I have researched the few remaining bridle paths in the Forest but many of these are poorly maintained and as a result are unrideable.

I have tried to use the roads when the weather has been particularly wet. I pay a substantial amount of money to ensure that I am appropriately insured and always make a point of acknowledging motorists who adhere to the Highway Code but I have been subjected to abuse by motorists, and have experienced several frightening incidents with motorists driving too fast along narrow lanes and cutting in dangerously close.

So, where do we ride?

I agree with Mrs Robins, that horses are not solely responsible for the muddy paths. In fact I would suggest that the off road motorcyclists, cyclists and 4x4 drivers should share the responsibility. On a recent ride in the woods I came across several large holes which had been dug and large earth mounds which had been created by cyclists for stunt riding. I have also frequently come across off road motor-cyclists riding at speed along the tracks. Ramblers can also create a problem with large groups of walkers tramping along wet paths.

There is provision made for cyclists and walkers but very little for horse riders and now it would appear that we are to be squeezed out of the forest completely.

I am at a loss to understand why there is so much antagonism towards horse riders, particularly in an area which promotes tourism. The majority of forests in the UK actively encourage riders, providing information about routes and parking for horse trailers, encouraging both local and visiting riders, in the knowledge that it brings in added revenue to the area.

The Forest covers a large area and surely there is room for us all. We all enjoy the outdoor life, appreciate the scenery and value our Forest and I have no doubt that we were all standing side by side in our recent battle to save the Forest and to protect our rights of access. So surely all that is needed is for us to respect each other, be courteous and ensure that in enjoying our pastimes we minimise the effect on others.?After all, the Forest belongs to all of us.

– Mrs Salter, Drybrook.