The Essex horse-riding community is in uproar after a controversial ban on riders along Frinton Beach was enforced by landowners Tendring District Council (TDC).
Horse and Hound report that the restrictions have been met by fierce objections from local riders, who claim they are being treated unfairly. New signs have been erected by the council, which has decided to ban all hours on the beach until September.
Riders will be permitted to use the beach during the autumn and winter months until 11 am at low tide, which the council says is to ensure everyone’s safety. The ban follows a number of issues caused by a ‘small minority of riders’ last year.
Local horse riders have now launched a petition that has so far gathered over 4,000 signatures, saying that the beach should be available to all.
Emma Overton, who has been riding on the beach for over 30 years, and who still frequently rides along the beach with her two daughters, said: “There is a lack of bridal paths around here for riders, and the ones we do have are useless and often take you to a dead end.”
“Horses and riders love going to the beach and being in the seawater, and it is brilliant exercises for horses. This has really rubbed the horse community up the wrong way.”
She added that she understands why the decision had been made, as the beach draws large crowds which have been a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she was upset by how the council had gone about the restrictions.
Last summer, the ban was enforced between 9 am and 6 pm, but the complete crackdown is what has upset riders.
Mrs Overton, along with the army of support she has gained, and Conservative councillor Peter Harris has called on the council to explain why the community was not consulted before the decision was made and for it to be reviewed.
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