equus property questions & answers march
Q. A Reader who is making a job-related relocation to Kent this year would like to know about off-road riding availability in the County. She writes ‘I have only visited Kent three times and that related to interviews for my new job and so I didn’t have time to explore or even look around very much. I could see that it is a very pretty county with lots and lots of lovely houses and cottages, but it does seem very busy by comparison with the Dales where I’ve lived all my life so far. I really don’t fancy riding on those busy roads and my horses are certainly not used to noisy traffic. Please give me some idea of what to expect’
A. As horse owners and riders ourselves, we are totally in sympathy with the reader's views about riding out on busy roads. She will be pleased to hear that we take on quite a few properties in the county that allow direct access to very good off-road riding. Needless to say, there is big demand for such properties and it's often a case of the early bird catching the worm. The county also has a large number of very small lanes that only attract low-use local traffic and which have surprisingly wide grass verges. There are also a number of really excellent off-road riding schemes such as TROT (www.tollrides.org.uk). A number of farmers and landowners have also instituted independent off-road riding schemes of varying lengths. The Forestry Commission allows access to Bedgebury National Pinetum, described as an ‘environmental showcase’, as well as other attractive forested areas they control (permits sometimes required). There is an excellent trail around Bewl Water on the Kent/Sussex borders and riders have access to a considerable amount of commonland (riding is sometimes restricted to specific paths). British Horse Society Access and Bridleways Officers, at both local and national levels, carry out some sterling work to open up new - and upgrade existing - bridleways. The British Horse Society (01926 707700) has published a booklet, 'Riding in Kent', incorporating a number of circular rides. The booklet is obtainable form the BHS price £5.99 plus £2 postage and packing.
We hope this glimpse into riding off-road in Kent will be helpful to the reader - and, when she is ready to register her requirements, we look forward to being given opportunity to help her to find the right property.
Q. A reader has recently bought a cottage with two small paddocks. The demands of work mean that her horse is normally kept in livery, but she hopes to have him at home for some weekends and occasional holidays. The paddocks have not been very well looked after and a variety of poisonous plants are thriving. She writes ‘Help! How can I tackle the problem effectively? Should I begin by getting a contractor to top the field? The horse is normally stable kept and only turned out for an hour a day.’
A. A lot of poisonous plants and shrubs die down during the winter and so it can come as an enormous shock when they begin to re-appear in the Spring. If paddock maintenance has been really poor, it is likely that some poisonous plants have become well established.
There are several ways of tackling the problem - but we would definitely not include cutting as the roots will be left and the plants will, if anything, become stronger. Because the paddocks are only required for infrequent use, the reader may want to consider tackling the problem in stages. Perhaps she could clear one paddock immediately and tackle the others in stages? Of course, it would be important to clear adjoining paddocks before the poisonous plants flower and the risk of spreading is increased.
One of the most effective ways of controlling poisonous plants is to invite friends to a party to uproot them manually! (The friends must be conscientious types who will dig out the roots and not merely pull off the tops.) Offer a prize for the best harvest - and give everyone a picnic lunch -although we suggest limiting the wine until the job is completed! Alternatively, the weeds could be sprayed. The problem connected with this method relates to the fact that the blanket use of some agrochemicals may mean the horse cannot be grazed for several weeks - added to which, the bare patches left as the plants die off could well encourage re-establishment.
Our final suggestion may, in the end, provide the best solution. We suggest taking advice from a contractor specialising in the improvement of horse pasture (the Equus Consultancy is able to help.) Ask for a quotation and seek advice about after care. This may not be the cheapest route to take - but it is likely to prove to be the best and most cost effective in the long run. (Delay is not an option - we are approaching a maximum growth period.)
Questions for Equus should be addressed to Pat Crawford PO Box 498, Wateringbury ME18 5WA.
