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
SETTING UP A BRIDLEWAY
This can be a long slow job, and it needs a few keen enthusiasts with the energy to follow through and not get put off by obstacles!
1: Approach the local authority concerned and find an contact - there should be some person who is responsible for seeing that residents are making good use of the recreational facilities provided.
2: Make as many other allies as you can. Other horse clubs, walkers and mountain bikers - you will probably have more success if the bridleway is to be used by a range of people.
3: Show whoever you deal with the Bridleways Trekking Code - this will show that we have a professional and responsible organisation. Extracts from the Code can be used on signs at the access points for trails. Trail signs are important as they are often the only physical evidence that this trail is a "Bridleway".
4: Plan to get the local authority to acknowledge the Bridleway in their documents in a way that makes it permanent.
5: Consult the Bridleways Convenor or local members to find out what experience they have had that can be applied in your case.
6: Keep Bridleways Of NZ informed of progress, and if possible contribute a progress report for the "Riders Roundup".
Click here for details of a "horse style" - the alternative to a locked gate where you want horse access but not vehicles.
WELLINGTON
Titahi Bay & City Riding Club (near Wellington) were finding that with increasing urban development there were few places to ride. They decided to approach the Whitireia Park Board for permission to ride over some of the area administered by them. The Park is on a peninsula and comprises 114 hectares and is a recreational reserve.
Initially the Club was told that there was a by-law prohibiting horses. Club representatives attended two Board meetings without having their case even discussed. However, when despite this they still turned up for the third meeting, the Board was obviously impressed by their committment and responsibility, and agreed to allow them access via a signposted "bridle trail".
LOWER HUTT
Local authorities are establishing "The Hutt River Trail" along the banks of the Hutt River as far as Te Marua. Most of this will now be open to horse riders as a result of BRIDLEWAYS convenor, Glenn Fitzgerald, being involved in ensuring that horse riders' interests were included in the planning of this trail. There is a BRIDLEWAYS sign on the trail.
CENTRAL OTAGO
In Central Otago the Dunstan Riding CLub was involved in looking after the first 10km of the "Otago Rail Trail". Parts of this section of the trail are often used as a route to their Club grounds as it is much safer than taking on the traffic on the road.
The first 10km section is from Clyde to Alexandra, the next 15km continues to the Chatter Creek Hotel. The Dunstan Club has run social rides to the hotel, with up to 24 riders.
UPDATE!
The Rail Trail is now finished! Providing scenery not able to be viewed from the highway, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde. This 150km section of the former line was acquired by the Department of Conservation in 1993 for redevelopment as a recreational facility for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The Rail Trail is modelled on Rails & Trails projects around the world. It took six years of development and $850,000 to upgrade the closed railway to its current modern standard. Over 60 bridges, several over 100 metres in length, had to be redecked and have handrails added to make them safe for users of the Rail Trail. The crushed rock ballast of the railway foundation was removed to improve the surface for users.
The Rail Trail is now a unique recreational facility in NZ. It also preserves an important part of Central Otago history. It is similar to riding or walking on a gravel road or track. Rail Trail users may expect bumps and some loose material.
The Rail Trail has been divided into six sections:
Clyde Railhead to Chatter Creek: 25km
Chatter Creek to Lauder: 19km
Lauder to Oturehua: 23km
Oturehua to Ranfurly: 21km
Ranfurly to Daisybank: 21km
Daisybank to Middlemarch: 38km
Trail Code of Conduct
Motorcycles and motor vehicles are not permitted on the Rail Trail
Mountain bikers mst take special care when passing horses from behind.
Give way to horses.
Horses are to be led across bridges.
Dogs are permitted on the Alexandra to Clyde section only and must be controlled with a leash at all times.
Open fires and firearms are not permitted on the Rail Trail.
HAMILTON
A successful submission was put to Hamilton City Council asking for new walkways and cycle tracks to incorporate bridleways along the Waikato River banks. Mention was made of the increase in horse riding in the area and the concern for safety of these riders which would be improved with this policy. The Council agreed to include horse riders on any of the new trails they build.
RAGLAN
Raglan members negotiated with the Wainui Reserve committee to have access through the reserve to the beach. This is now a beautiful track winding over the hills and through a pine tree plantation, with views of Ragland and the sea. The members helped with clearing the track, and Bridleways made funds available for signs and styles which were needed. The Bridleways Code of Conduct was to be placed at access points. The track is freely available to all riders, and is also used by walkers.
CANTERBURY
Former Convenor, Meg Wheatstone, made numerous submissions to DOC over three years, trying to get increased access for horses in various areas under their control.
Finally Canterbury DOC revised their Management Strategy based on public feedback. Of the five major points raised in the submission, all were accepted.
The Strategy will assess and identify roads, tracks and areas suitable for horseback riding and horse trekking, and publicise these to potential users. Seasonal restrictions may apply.
DOC have a big job trying to balance the demands of all their land users, and their usual response to horses is just "stay out!" Canterbury have at least opened the door - now it's up to riders in the region to make use of the opening and work with DOC on developing trails, while using existing trails responsibly so as not to jeopardise access in the future.
BEACH ACCESS - KAPITI COAST
Contributed by Les Dury of Levin & Districts Horse Trekking Club
Beach Access Points
Horse riding along our coastline is a very pleasureable pastime.
From Otaki to Waitarere, there are access points for the public to use.
OTAKI: The beach here can be accessed along the Otaki foreshore. From the highway, turn down Mill Road, off the roundabout, and head toward the sea. It is quite a long drive all the way to the beach, but the beach is easily accessed and is usually free from logs. Check for restricted times on the signs, in summer there could be restricted hours for horses.
WAIKAWA: At Manakau, turn off to Waikawa Beach Road, and drive to the beachside settlement. Access is easy, and there is plenty of places to park vehicles and trailers.
HOKIO: Next north is Hokio Beach, Levin. Turn off the main road to Hokio Beach Road, and drive to Hokio. Once again, good parking facilities, and generally good riding surface on the beach. Riding north from here is excellent, taking you beside the Waitarere Forest, a restricted riding area being fenced and gates are locked.
WAITARERE: Access is gained by turning off the highway on to Waitarere Beach Road, and here, you are able to drive onto the beach and park there if you prefer. This beach provides excellent riding, relatively free from logs, etc. Just south of the township is the wreck of the Hydrabad, and riding north is a reasonable ride to Manawatu River, Foxton Beach. Great surface for riding all the way.
Remember, before any beach riding, don't forget to check the tides. If you are out when a very high tide comes in, your beach could be extremely restricted. You don't want to find your way home in the dark because you had to wait fot the tide to recede.
Happy riding.
UPDATE: This club is working on a proposed Cycleway/Walkway/Bridleway network and have submitted a draft Bridleway Sub Strategy to the local Council - click here to see this. If you want more information on this, the contact is Rick Schimpf, 30 Dale Road, Raumati South - (04) 299-1906
