HORSE TALK

Press, 14 November 1981, Page 22

HORSE TALK

Trail Rides

A break-though for Canterbury riders has. eventuated with the opening of two trail rides for horse and pony enthusiasts at the Bottle Lake Forest Park. Two rides have been planned by Mr Chris Johns, who is responsible for this new venture at Bottle Lake, with his aim being to provide a safe pony track for interested people of any age group, for them to enjoy the pleasures of horse riding without the ever increasing traffic hazards. The shorter ride of Bkm is with white direction posts and the longer of 16km with red posts.

Mr Johns also plans to have logs strategically placed in different areas to provide some cross-country jumping. The trail rides are open to any equestrian groups, and private riders, as long as there are two or more. This

is a safety precaution, in case of falls. Interested groups are required to write for permission to Bottle Lake Forest Park, 500 Burwood Road.

There are also a lot of walkways through this large forest, so riders and pedestrians will need to have respect for each other's use of these excellent facilities.

Lack of public riding venues has been causing concern to riders throughout New Zealand for some time. About two years ago, Bridleways of New Zealand was formed with a view to obtaining permanent public rights-of-way for horse riders.

In April last year, there were between 4000 and 5000 horses in the Wellington region alone. Bridleways is showing the authorities that provision can and must ,be made for it in their planning, and already in Wellington, it has received a high degree of co-operation from some local authorities.