Introducing the Convenor
A note to enlighten all regards Bridleways in NZ. As Helen Rabinski resigned from the position as Bridleways Convenor following the AGM, I have decided to take over the position meanwhile as its a very important subject for all equestrians, especially those who struggle for areas to ride in or are unabe to travel with their horses.
Horses by nature would travel casually twentyfive kilometres per day, grazing as they go. It is said that the domestic horse is the most deprived of area of any other species. So, with that knowledge in mind, Bridleways and its future is very important.
I encourage clubs to approach local councils to include Bridleways in their infrastructure now and in the future. Make time to meet councillors, and have some strategies in hand.
Taupo region has recently gone through this procedure with good results - many thanks to Helen who (due to work experience) understood the information needed for a positive outcome.
Should any club seek assistance please give me a call.
Bev Birkett
NZRC Bridleways Convenor
Phone/fax 07 378 9205
NZ BRIDLEWAYS NEWS - August 2009
Hi everyone. An update on the connecting Bridleway in Taupo. I have met and greeted many, many people where the proposed trail would likely to go and to date, attitude has been great. Just have to get it all connected and the biggest challenge is from the Wairaki Power House to behind the Bay View Hotel. Hotel has said 'yes'[with signage] and will await the ETA roundabout at Wairakei to be completed as to where from there. Project managers have all the paper work for the Bridleway proposal and all want to help. I preach a SHARE WITH CARE track [cycles. walkers and horses] where possible as with the population rising, yet land mass staying the same , we have got to look ahead for recreation space.
I have been asked by several bodies [ieDOC] if we have any funding to assist with tidying up and preparing the paths. To day I got a call from Mighty River Power to tell me that they have a clean up working bee coming up along the road from equestrian centre to rapid jets in the coming weeks but would like an organisation to help plant a few natives to beautify the area.
This would be on the Saturday 15th August at 10am. Meet and greet at the centre hall ,cuppa, muffin, talk, then about an hour of planting. [their words]
YOU ASK .....WHATS IN IT FOR ME AND BRIDLEWAYS????
Mighty River Power want to make a substantial donation towards a club [mentioned 2000 dollars] just for being there and spending some time talking to them and planting a few natives. ALL to do with communication with the community and enlightening them on what they are doing.
This, my equestrian friend, is a good opportunity to open an account at Westpac for BRIDLEWAYS TAUPO and receive our first donation. Funds would be used for signage, private contractors costs etc.
I now ask as many of you as possible to HELP ME get this funding started and come along.
Give me a call on3789205 or email me your response, also forward to other equestrian organisations ie hunt club, western etc.
PLEASE LET THIS HAPPEN
Bev Birkett - Bridleways Conveynor
REPORT FROM THE AGM - July 2009
Bev is currently working on getting access for casual riders to the Wairaki Forest, and on getting the proposed Cycle Trail to incorporate horse riding for some or all of its length.
Just to confuse you: NZ Bridleways is no relation to us at Bridleways of NZ Inc, but has similar goals, and a great website on http://www.nzbridleways.info
BRIDLEWAYS REPORT - 2.1.09
Bridleways for me remains a passion and I'm quick to respond to any likelyhood of available land for horse riding.
As I see the continual loss of farms to suburbia, my spirits drop at the realisation that it's getting harder to find space for our horses to excell their free spirit and have a change of scenery.
However, with public demands from horse enthusiasts, councils are becoming more aware that we're out there, so let's keep ASKING, over and over, to encourage "Share & Care" tracks.
A few days in Waiheke Island last month gave me a chance to look up their Riding Club facilities. Quite by chance whilst sight seeing we passed a woman on a horse so stopped, and with camera in hand, asked if she was a RC member. Lisa Jacomb was, and was thrilled to meet and greet, so I took a couple of photos and have them on my computer as well as here for anyone to see. They are of their Kiosk, RC sign, plus Lisa. The area was well kept and I felt proud to be a member of NZRC.
Also I noticed a huge sign not far from the boat landing. It read "Share the Road" and there were pictures of a walker, a biker, and best of all HORSES.
We need lots more of these signs one day from North to South!
"In riding a horse we borrow freedom"
Bev Birkett
Bridleways Conveynor
NEWS FROM THE CONVEYNOR
On the 1st August I formed a group of riders to ride through Taupo to celebrate the "birthday of the horse".
We wore some messages on high-vis jackets to give the public awareness of the horse's needs - i.e. "slow down to pass", "greatest gift is Bridleways" - and I carried a large banner displaying "Horse's Birthday".
We got a great response from motorists and the public on the street. Many wished the horses "happy birthday" and tooted or gave way for us.
We completed the ride in two hours. There were carrots and hay and a bit of sunshine for the horses, then we had (pre-arranged) carrot cake and coffee at the Heli-Star cafe.
I hope others have done something too!
On another story, there is a proposed 65km rail trail that will eventually connect Ongarue (north of Taumaranui) and Pureora near Taupo - if it goes ahead it could prove to be the Milford Track of the central North Island. Neville Ritchie (technical support officer) says they are still at the planning stage but propose horse trails as well - I will be keeping in touch with him.
Bev Birkett
NZRC Bridleways Conveynor
August 2008
NEW IDEAS FOR TREKKING
Lodge Country MREINZ (Hamilton) have come up with a great idea to help ILPHNZ plus enjoying the great outdoors and the joys of riding your horse. They know that it is hard to find places to ride for many Lifestyle Block owners, so they have come up with the Lodge Country Trek Register. This is soon to be connected to their website www.hobbyhorse.co.nz and will broadcast treks open to the public on private land they have sourced. Those who register will receive free bulletins and details of upcoming treks. An entry fee will be charged, as is standard practice for may clubs and private treks. Proceeds from these treks will go to the ILPH (or other selected good causes) which will be announced ahead of time.
To organise this project requires a lot of contacts. Firstly, they need to know who you are, so they can email you about the upcoming trek calendar ( you will not be contacted for any advertising). You can register by emailing rider@trekregister.co.nz giving your name, address, phone number, and email address.
Also of great value will be suggestions of people to contact or places to trek and offers from farmers of access to their land. They will be active with their extensive contacts to find new and exciting places to explore. Their treks will be open to riding clubs also, the more the merrier, but RSVPs would be appreciated, especially if a BBQ or after-ride drinks are organised. Logistics will require prior knowledge of numbers for things like parking as well. The farmers and Lodge country Ltd will require you to have participants sign a waiver - "Ride at own risk".
If you want to talk to them phone Mary 027 244 3059 or Leslie 027 541 5783.
First trek - end of May
For the first trek details, scheduled for the end of May, please email to register - a map and instructions will be forwarded - RSPVs imperative for planning.
This trek has been generously offered by their newest Farm and Lifestyles agent, Tommo (David Thompson) on his farm "Amber Mountain" on Aotearoa Rd, Ngaroma. Happy trekking!
Please call Mary or Leslie, or email, anytime with ideas and suggestions - they would love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback....LET'S RIDE!!!
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Recently Bev wrote to the Taupo District Council with a submission re a proposed track between Whakaipo Bay and Kinlock, as follows:
Re Bridlepaths (horse riding tracks) within the Taupo area and connecting beyond.
It's come to many equestrians attention that a proposed track between Whakaipo Bay and Kinlock is in the making and submissions have been requested.
I write on behalf of all horse riders to consider making this proposed new recreational track a "share with care" pathway, thus allowing horse riders, cyclists, walkers, etc. to use.
I was part of implementing bridlepaths strategies within new infrastructure with Taupo Council back in 2004 which were discussed and accepted. (see below)
I would like to ensure that new councillors are aware of this, and that bridlepaths are a very important part of our community.
Alsp regarding road safety signage on rural roads warning of horse riding: Orunanui Road has 10 casual riders (excluding the pony club riders) and we take and encourage all safety measures on the road, but feel with an increase of traffic on rural roads that signage would make our recreation safer.
Signs at each end of Oruanui Road would also cover the pony club children who use the sale yards ground and have a membership of around 80 members.
Yours faithfully,
Bev Birkett
NZRC Bridleways Conveyner
The letter she referred to, from the council (in March 2006) read as follows:
Draft Horse Riding and Draft Walking and Cycling Strategies
I refer to your submission on Council's Draft Horse Riding Strategy and the decisions made at the subsequent hearing.
I can now confirm that full Council adopted both the Horse Riding and Walking and Cycling Strategies on 28 February 2006.
You can view the final documents on Council's website www.taupo.govt.nz or at Council offices and libraries.
Thank you for your interest.
Yours faithfully,
Carl Jones
RESERVES PLANNING MANAGER
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Here is an extract from the newsletter Bev sends to the local paper - promotions like these keep the public and the Council aware that we are here to stay!
BRIDLEWAYS AND RIDING CLUBS
A recent meeting with Councillors Ron Boyle (Project Manager) and Tunes Cloete (Recreational Manager) regarding submissions for Bridleways and "share with care" tracks throughout the Taupo area left a positive outcome for equestrian riders now and in the future.
"Lest we forget" the horse on ANZAC day, we remember their part in past wars and their giving all with man. Hence the need to provide space for horses of the future.
Results:
Trek over farmlands recently created excitement for riders as they walked their horses through an "underpass" for the very first time. All went well and is a good preparation for a proposed underpass (around Tauhara on the E.T.A. bypass) for horses.
Eventing:
Liz Saunders on her mount "Rakanui Sweetdeal" finished 3rd at Flaxmere Horse Trials. Liz will ride in the National Three Day in May 15th-18th. We wish her well!
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CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE HORSE!
Riders get together on 1st August to celebrate the Birthday of the Horse - make it an annual event!
Involve the Council (for permission through town or parks) and police for escort through traffic. It involves the community and is good for future Bridleways.
Happy safe riding!
Bev Birkett
NZRC Bridleways Convenor
