Timely warning of beach danger for horses and riders
After a number of incidents, advice has been issued for beach rides
A TIMELY reminder for riders to plan ahead and be aware of what to do if things go wrong on the beach has been given as the summer holidays get under way.
H&H has reported on several recent incidents involving horses, and some seaside councils have called on riders to ensure they stick to the rules.
Rebecca Eccles, who did all the correct checks and complied with the rules on a day at Cleethorpes beach this month, urged riders to be aware after her daughter Evie’s pony sank to her middle in soft mud at the water’s edge.
“We’ve been to beaches before but you don’t think in a million years something like that might happen,” she said. “Beach riding is great fun but unless the sand is dry and looks sand-coloured, don’t ride on it. I hope this makes others aware and going forward I will check the beach on foot first before allowing Evie to ride on it.”
The British Horse Society (BHS) and coastguards have given guidance to riders.
“The first thing you should look at is tide times,” a spokesman for Burnham Coastguard in Somerset told H&H, adding that riders must also check with councils as to which beaches they are allowed to ride on.
“We have had a number of incidents over the years involving horses and their riders. The most common practice among more experienced beach riders is to either walk the beach on foot before riding or take a slow ride along it to get used to the terrain and find any soft spots to avoid.
“These are extremely dangerous for horses; we sadly had one who broke a leg in soft sand and had to be put down.
“If you are visiting any beaches where there are known mud flats, such as ours, ensure the tide has come in enough to avoid them before entering the water. Horses love the shallow water, but will get stuck if you misjudge where the mud ends and the sand begins.
“That said, the beach is a place we see many riders enjoying safely every day; as with any ride, keep your wits about you and if anything does happen, dial 999 and ask for the coastguards.”
BHS head of approvals
Oonagh Meyer told H&H checking permitted times, tides, areas and bylaws is important.
“Gain local knowledge on suitability of the beach to avoid dangers of riding into an old groyne [barrier] or quicksand,” she said, adding that any time restrictions may be to riders’ benefit, being quieter periods.
“If there are areas where riding is not permitted, be sure you are clear about and avoid them carefully; boundaries may not be obvious because signs and fences tend not to last long on the shore or may not be permitted.”
Ms Meyer said riders must avoid disturbing wildlife and plants, paying particular attention to dunes, salt marshes and estuaries, and should keep to designated paths where marked.
“Be cautious of the sea, and on entrance ride slowly,” she said.
“Approach at an angle rather than head-on because if your horse spooks at the waves, he is then more likely to shy away from the water than rear, which is potentially more dangerous.
“Horses who are not used to the beach may be excited, even if they are normally calm.
“Be wary of faster paces, especially in company, as horses may be stimulated into racing, even if they would not normally.”