NEW guidelines for New Forest horse owners advising them how to look after the land their horses live on are being put out to consultation.
The New Forest National Park Authority working in partnership with the New Forest Equine Forum have prepared the draft planning guidelines, which aim to ensure that developments related to horse-riding do not have an adverse impact on the National Park.
It is aimed at horse owners and land managers who keep horses at grass or manage land for equestrian pursuits.
A six-week consultation will run from Wednesday until August 10 with the final guidelines presented for formal adoption at a meeting of the authority in September.
The guidelines include information on grazing, stabling, field shelters and other buildings as well as pasture management and fencing.
The consultation document says that while it recognises there are some very good examples of horse-keeping in the Forest, there are also a ‘few cases when it is done badly, which leads to a ‘negative impression of horse keeping’.
It also recognises the importance and high value of the activity, which makes a ‘valuable contribution’ to the local economy.
The New Forest Equine Forum was established in 2009 as an independent forum whose members include commoners, Verderers, New Forest pony enthusiasts, equine businesses, local residents, parish councils and nature conservation groups.
Vet and dressage trainer Fiona Macdonald, vice chairman of the New Forest Equine Forum, said: “The forum was born from the early days of unrest in the Forest as a result of the first draft of the National Park Plan. The change in approach from the authority allowed the creation of some workshops and from them the Equine Forum was born.
“Members all share enthusiasm and passion, not only for horses and ponies but also for the Forest.
“I am proud of the Equine Forum’s contribution in producing what we consider practical guidelines.”
The draft guidelines can be viewed at the National Park Authority’s offices and can also be viewed on line at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
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