Riders complain about loss of horse tracks in Hamsterley Forest

A RIDING group has made a call for more support to make sure it can keep Hamsterley Forest useable for horse lovers.
Hamsterley Riding Association has been hosting rides in the forest for many years.
But chairwoman Helen Kirby said this is getting harder.
She said: “The association’s main aim is to keep an equine presence in the forest as it is increasingly difficult to find off-road riding. Over the more recent years the club have seen more and more bike routes develop in the forest on what used to be horse friendly tracks.
“The very small committee need your help to keep the forest open and useable to horse riders.
“With an ever-declining number of club members they are struggling with this. Please support our club by coming along to our next organised ride, become a member, like our Facebook page and send us your comments and suggestions of how we can keep an equine presence.”
An Easter pleasure ride is being held on Saturday, April 22. It starts at the Oak Tree Car Park, in Hamsterley Forest, where there is a new horse rider friendly area with mounting block. Riders will set off between 11am and 12.30pm but are asked not to arrive before 9.30am.
There will be an Easter-themed fancy dress competition with judging at 10.45am.
The eight-mile ride costs £12 for members and £15 for non-members. A four-mile ride is £6 and £7.50 for non-members. Refreshments will be sold on the day in aid of The Brooke Charity.
Call Helen Kirby on 07929 397963 for more details.