The trial demonstrates that self-closing bridle gates are neither as safe nor as easy to use for horse riders as British Standard 5709:2006 compliant non-self-closing gates.
The trial, which took place in Kent in 2011, saw experienced riders attempt a series of self-closing gates and a horse-friendly vehicle barrier to test the reliability, safety and ease of use.
Heather Clatworthy, BHS Senior Executive (Access), said: “There was no published research on the effects of self-closing gates on riders, their horses and horse riding. There have been some terrible injuries to both horse and riders caused by self-closing gates. The trial of these gates demonstrates that self-closing gates are inherently neither as safe nor as easy for horse riders as British Standard 5709:2006 compliant non-self-closing gates and following the principle of the least restrictive option should not be used routinely on public rights of way or other land with statutory equestrian access.”
An accident with a gate can deter horse and rider from using a route, and other riders may then also stay away, essentially obstructing the route for equestrian use.
At the official launch of the findings, representatives from Natural England, Defra, Centrewire, British Standards and local authorities were present. They all welcomed the research and are working with the BHS to improve the safety of self-closing gates for the benefit of equestrians nationally.
A copy of the findings can be viewed at www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Riding_Off_Road/Self_closing_gates.aspx
For further information or a copy of the report, please contact: Hannah Brown, The British Horse Society, 02476 840581 or h.brown@bhs.org.uk
** Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like this in return for a voluntary contribution towards our costs or receive it absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).
We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.
To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.
If you take display advertising or product and literature features in our printed and online publications, you will qualify for regular free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us.
For details on features and advertising rates please contact us or visit our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment