Sue Scarrott

A bit about me...

"I am a retired teacher and horse rider. My first riding school lesson was on my 10th birthday and, as a teenager , I was lucky enough to share a TB mare with my older sister. I returned to riding and horse ownership in 2002, after a 20 year break. Since then, I have dabbled in several riding disciplines at a low level and I am a member of British Riding Clubs and Central Trec Group. In 2024, I joined the BHS East Midlands team of volunteer access officers at the suggestion of a friend. I have to hack out to exercise my horse and I know first hand how dangerously busy roads have become.

Bridleways are becoming a sanctuary, enabling much safer and enjoyable off-road riding. It seemed that helping to keep bridleways accessible was a worthwhile use of my time. Keeping bridleways open is the responsibility of both landowners and the local Council. Horse riders can also help e.g. by clearing vegetation around gate ways and by riding the whole width of a path in soggy winter months to reduce poaching. If there is a problem e.g. a broken gate or overgrown tree, then speaking directly to the landowner is often fruitful and time efficient. If however, the land owner is unknown or riders do not feel confident speaking directly, then in Rutland, issues and problems should be reported via Fixmystreet, which is an App you can put on your phone and also via this link https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-community/fixmystreet.

This is RCC’s preferred method of communication (rather than email or phone calls) about all highway’s issues, including bridleways and footpaths. The system logs issues and enables follow-up. The Rights of Way Officer (RoW) will then deal with your bridleway problem and should contact you directly. Please to take the time to report any safety incidents, involving vehicles or dogs etc., to the BHS. This can be done through the BHS website or more easily through the ‘Horse i ‘ phone app. Stay safe and enjoy riding your powerful, forgiving friend."

Areas covered:

Belton-in-Rutland CP, Ridlington CP, Preston CP, Wing CP, Ayston CP, Bisbrooke CP, Glaston CP, Uppingham CP, Lyddington CP, Seaton CP