Issues raised by the Hack Riders Representatives
To discuss any issues raised by Hack Riders Representatives, including the following:
· Signposting/marker posts,
· Scrub clearance,
· Hatched area afternoon ride,
· Dog control.
Minutes:
The following matters were raised by the Hack Rider representatives:
a) Signposting/marker posts. Officers informed the Committee that signposting and marker posts for hack rides would be reviewed following finalisation of the new hack ride information map (see Minute 11 b) above).
b) Scrub clearance. Officers informed the Committee that it had not been possible to undertake scrub clearance work near the southern end of Rifle Butts Alley this winter as urgent additional maintenance work had been required elsewhere on the Downs. If it was not possible to complete the work in advance of the bird nesting period, it be included in the schedule for next winter’s work programme.
c) Use of the Hatched area for hack riding. The Training Grounds Management Board representative informed the Committee that the hatched area was currently closed for hack riding due to the wet conditions. It would be reopened once conditions had improved.
The representative also informed the meeting that the area had not received a high level of use while it was open. A small number of cases of misuse of the area by hack riders had been witnessed. These had related to horses travelling too fast in the area, or encroaching upon the adjacent gallops.
d) Dog control. The Committee noted that the dog walking information signs and other measures implemented since 2016 had been highly successful in improving dog control on the Downs.