This page contains a digest of news about a new riding path on the Shenley/Ridge boundary which was opened on 30 May 99.

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30 May 99: Ridge/Shenley Path Opening

 After the opening of the path, Bob Ritson and Sam Gee, the first riders along the route, are greeted by Sue Harrington. 

The British Horse Society officially opened another section of the London Orbital Bridleroute ('H25') near the old A6 in Hertfordshire today. The route, which is about a third of a mile long, removes all but a hundred yard stretch of the road from a link between a quiet lane and a bridleway.

At the opening, Phil Wadey, local Access Officer for the Society, paid tribute to the farmer, Mr Legerton, and the owners, the Trustees of the Tyttenhanger Estate, without whose help the path would not have been possible.

Phil added, "There were three deaths of horses on the roads of Hertsmere in 1998 and we are committed to doing all we can to prevent more. It is wonderful that landowners and farmers are helping by setting up off road routes for riders. We have also had assistance from local firms like Gristwood and Toms, who kindly removed a tree that was blocking the route. The community support for off road routes has been excellent. This is a great start to our Riders' Charter Campaign."

Thanks for work on clearing the path are due to members of the Patchetts Green Riding Club, the Society, and the North West London Bridleways Association. Funding came from the Society's Hertsmere Bridleways Fund and from the Hertfordshire Environment Landfill Partnership.

The opening coincided with the first day of the British Horse Society’s Access ’99 week. The week is designed to draw attention to the plight of riders on the roads and the need for more bridleways and other riding routes.

After the opening, those present were treated to a barbeque at nearby Wild Farm, courtesy of Mike Burgess, who will be riding the path regularly!

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1 Aug 98: Riders clear soon-to-be opened path

Six riders turned out to clear part of a new route from Salisbury Hall to Ridge Hill, near Shenley, which will form part of the Society's planned London Orbital Bridleroute ('H25'). This path will open as soon as the rubbish has beeen cleared and the fallen trees removed.

The British Horse Society is promoting a scheme for a long distance riding route around Greater London, to be known as ‘The London Orbital Bridleroute’, or ‘H25’ for short. Once complete, the H25 will take its place amongst the other long distance rides in England like The Ridgeway. As the H25 opens, there will be more scope for the development of circular horse and cycle rides leading from the main route. Sections of the route in Hertfordshire are opening now, providing greater opportunities for riders, walkers and cyclists. Work on the Essex section started in July 1998.

The British Horse Society is the UK's largest and most influential equestrian charity.  Relying entirely on financial support from its members and donors and the tireless work of its volunteers the Society is committed to the well being of horses and ponies. If you value the access work of the Society, join us!