Report - Section 8

8   PRIORITIES FOR ACTION

A quick analysis of product strengths and weaknesses gives the following picture:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Dedication and commitment of High Weald Bridleways Group, and partners Historic routes Attractive and appropriate landscape setting Established equestrian industry that can support new infrastructure and grow High participation rates	Fragmented network Difficulty in maintaining access on routes previously identified Complicated small landholdings Poor soil conditions and short season Main road crossings Limited overnight accommodation for riders
Opportunities	Threats
New interest in riding Popular tourism area Demand from local riders Size of accessible visitor market Diversification into equestrian activity Rights of Way Improvement Plans Local and regional funding opportunities	Strong investment in competitor products Lack of resources Lack of organisation and commitment

From this review of the equine industry and related issues at a national and local level, HWBG has identified the following priorities:

In terms of public policy:

• To gain a commitment to more equestrian-friendly polices in local plans within the County.
• To obtain a commitment by both Rights of Way and Legal Department in ESCC to use enforcement where necessary to make the whole existing network available and accelerate claiming of Lost Paths.
• To obtain a commitment by the highway authorities to review the special requirements of horse-riders in order to provide means of achieving traffic control on country roads for all users as well as crossings on major roads as part of a rideable network for the county.

In terms of action:

• To map publicly owned land available and plan a network of routes for riding in the County with a phased development programme based on identified priorities.
• To prepare an Equestrian Strategy and Action Plan covering all issues from local infrastructure and marketing to funding and organisation. This strategy could involve a pilot equestrian tourism scheme for groups of interested farmers (based perhaps on the RES Yorkshire model) that might be adopted elsewhere.
• To appoint an equestrian co-ordinator at County level, working in particular with the PSA and SEETB initiatives, and other development and training agencies, over the next three years. A key role will be to prepare the proposed strategy.
• To adopt best practices from other local authorities, in particular exploring using Landfill Tax Credit Schemes as set up by Hertfordshire CC to re-build lost paths, as well as cost effective means of maintenance of growing network.
• To analyse training facilities offered and required in the competitive equestrian sports field especially for young people providing centres of excellence with appropriate funding.