As the UK’s leading horse charity, the BHS represents the interests of over 3 million people who ride or drive horses. Access to safe off-road routes is vital for horses, riders and carriage drivers – but these routes are constantly under threat.

The Access Fighting Fund ensures we are ready to act. It enables us to:

Defend equestrian rights of way at public inquiries and in court

Support our Access Officers and Affiliated Equestrian Access Groups with legal costs

Fight to save bridleways, restricted byways and other equestrian routes for the future

This fund has already supported successful cases across a number of counties*, securing routes that might otherwise have been lost.

But the challenges keep coming. Without your help, we risk losing more of our equestrian heritage – and with it, safe and enjoyable riding for future generations.

If you value riding or carriage driving off-road, please donate today to the Access Fighting Fund. Together, we can safeguard equestrian rights of way for the future.

* Examples of cases the Access Fighting Fund has provided support for:

Hampshire / Berkshire Jouldings Lane Restricted Byway and Byway Open to All Traffic.

ROW/3271783 Decision date: 14 December 2022

Somerset (No. 6) Modification Order, 2016. The Inspector proposed to confirm the Order subject to modifications meaning that two footpaths will be upgraded to restricted byways and one footpath to a bridleway.

ROW/3229117 Decision date: 23 May 2022

Lancashire (Cob Lane/Cockhill Lane to Kelbrook Wood) Definitive Map Modification Order 2015 and Public Rights of Way Kelbrook Wood, Foulridge to Castle Road, Laneshaw Bridge (Definitive Map Modification) Order 2013. The Inspector confirmed the order so that two restricted byways would be recorded on the definitive map and statement.

ROW/3224385M and ROW/3224387M Decision date: 27 August 2021

Derbyshire (footpath from the junction of Hyde Bank Road and St Georges Road to Public Bridleway 180 New Mills) Modification Order 2012. Here the Inspector proposed to confirm the order so that a footpath will be upgraded to a bridleway and will link into an existing bridleway.

ROW/3201724M2 Decision date: 26 August 2021