Horse riders: The riding trails in Hodgemoor Wood are maintained by the Hodgemoor Riding Association for the Forestry Commission. Since 2000 the Hodgemoor Riding Association has raised over £80,000 for renovating the paths in the woods and for off-road access. The objective has been to keep horses on their allocated paths and to free the wood from extensive areas of mud in winter. This makes the wood a nicer place for walkers and ramblers, and indeed, the Association was honoured by the British Horse Society's Access Award 2005 for the success of their work. As of 1 April 2008 it is compulsory to be a member of the Association to use the permissive trails in the wood. Membership includes sponsored rides, demonstrations and other events, access to Thames Valley Horse Watch information, your map of the woods and
the 3-yearly e-newsletter. Click here to see a membership application form and standing order form.

Walkers: The Hodgemoor Riding Association welcomes walkers and has several walker members. Those that have joined are supportive of the maintenance efforts and of co-operation between the different users of the woods. 

Cyclists are allowed on the two bridle paths, and are exceptionally permitted by the Forestry Commission on the  permissive trails (those marked as horse trails) in Hodgemoor. Much of the fund-raising by the Hodgemoor Riding Association was based on the benefits to all users of the wood as an amenity. The Forestry Commission has recently confirmed that, although cyclists have no legal rights other than on the bridleways, they are welcome on the permissive trails in Hodgemoor as long as the trails are suitable for the purpose (i.e. they must be marked as riding trails with the horseshoe sign on a post). Cycling is not permitted elsewhere in the wood.

Neither motorcycles nor any other powered vehicles are permitted in the wood. Police action has recently been taken against motocross bikes in Hodgemoor. If you see powered vehicles in the woods please 1) take photos 2) note registration numbers or other details 3) phone the police or Marcus Bicknell (Volunteer Forest Warden) on 07748 111444.

Horse riders should also note that riding in fields adjoining Hodgemoor is not permitted other than directly on the bridleways. However, members can rent the mini-cross-country field at any time, £5 per person. Call Susie 01494 872447 to book and pay.

Click here to see a map of the paths showing which are bridleways.

If you're browsing and would like to see a list of contents, please click here.

The Association  accumulated enough funds (around £7500) in 2007 and in 2008 to make it worthwhile carrying out further repairs to the trails in the wood. Bucks County Council  kindly gave us £2000 to repair one 60 metre long very boggy patch in the western bridleway just before the old bike pits. Work is now complete and the edges of the trails have been topped (bracken and other undergrowth cut) which prevents trees growing up and encroaching on the trails. The trails have never been better!

Unfinished work at 9th April 2009. In response to an email from a concerned member about the large water run-off holes and the earth unceremouniously dumped on the trails in parts, the chairman responded as follows. "Yes, many apologies for the unfinished work in the wood. The volunteer working party, including scouts and guides, is not until next Sunday 19th April, and they are scheduled to do the finishing off with spade and rakes. We're hoping it will be perfect after that. The water run-off holes do appear big when first dug, but they are done the same every three or four years and then they fill themselves in. The purpose is to avoid water sitting on the horse trail which then gets churned into mud and destroys the foundation with time. So we are "stitch in time saves nine mode". It's certainly one of the most cost effective ways of maintaining the trails because even the digging was volunteer work. Please also pass on our apologies to any riders whose horses don't like the holes. I agree, mine didn't to start with and he's usually very mild. Would any members like to volunteer to help on the 19th? 10 am at the car park for 2 hours, preferably with secateurs, clippers, spade or rake."

List of liveries and riding schools now added to this site. Click here

Future events: info current at 9th April 2009

Wednesday 15 April 2009: Cross Country Totaliser. Half term fun and very informal. There are 2 parallel courses, one is 1ft 6ish, the other between 2ft 3 and 3ft. Each low jump is worth 3 points, higher jumps 5 points. You can switch between courses as you go and get as many points as possible. Pairs an option. £5 for first round, £2 for each extra round.

Remember that members can rent the mini cross-country field at any time, £5 per person. £10 for non members. Several groups recently have had their picnic there and stayed many hours. Terrific. Call Susie 01494 872447.

Saturday 18 April 2009 10-13h. Unaffiliated Le Trec Competitionat Homefarm Orchard organised by Tim Taylor and Alison Adcock. Thanks! Great turn out and everyone had fun and learnt a lot. Results now available. Photos by Tim Taylor also available now. If you don't know much about Le Trec in general, you can download info from our website.

Sunday 19 April 2009. Volunteer clearing morning. Please join the Chalfont Guides and Scouts in a jolly 2 hour session trimming tress and bushes at the edge of the trails. Please sign up via marcus@bicknell.com

Thursday 30 April 2009: Quiz Night 

Saturday 23 May 2009: Cross Country Totaliser

Dressage to Music at Austens Farm. A couple of years ago we had a successful dressage to music event at Austen?s Farm. We were nearly all beginners but we all really enjoyed it. This time Sacha Hamilton will give a demo a month before the actual event to give us some advice and inspire us! Details from dr.davies@tesco.net
Bank Holiday Monday 25 May: Demo by Sacha Hamilton
Sunday 28 June: Dressage to Music event.

Saturday 4 July 2009. BBQ and Mounted Games at Homefarm Orchard

Sunday 23 August 2009: One Day Event at Grove Farm. This event is intended to encourage those of us who would perhaps have never dreamt of entering a one day event to have a go!  Entrants may choose to do just one, or two or, of course, all 3 of the phases (dressage, cross country and show-jumping).

Saturday 12 September 2009: Cross Country Totaliser. There are 2 parallel courses, one is 1ft 6ish, the other between 2ft 3 and 3ft. Each low jump is worth 3 points, higher jumps 5 points. You can switch between courses as you go and get as many points as possible. Pairs an option. £5 for first round, £2 for each extra round.

Compulsory Membership
After 18 months' consultation, it was decided in October 2007 to make membership compulsory for riding on the permissive trails in Hodgemoor Wood. Following the contract (download a copy) between the Hodgemoor Riding Association and the Forestry Commission for our use of the wood, it is indeed now obligatory to be a member if you want to ride on the permissive trails in the wood. With a modest membership fee of £15 (or £10 for a standing order), the time had come to encourage all local riders to participate in maintaining the trails in the Woods. You can look at the reasons for the decision in the consultation paper. Contact Susie Bicknell 01494 872447 or email susie@hodgemoor.org.uk or download the membership form and standing order mandate form in the blue column to the left..

Current Links
Map of the Mini Cross-Country Course with new jumps in 2008 Remember that members can rent this XC field at any time, £5 per person. Call Susie 01494 872447
Riding by Permit Only: Consultation Paper Click here to down load
What is Le Trec?
Agreement between us and Forestry Commission, complete text (new July 2008)
AGM Minutes October 2008

Some of our previous events: 
Saturday 28th March 2009: Wendover Woods Ride: Box to near RAF Halton for a rare opportunity to ride in picturesque hilly woods with views of the Vale of Aylesbury. Half a dozen riders has a terrific 2 hour hack.
Saturday 3rd January 09 @11am - Clinic. SUE EDWARDS (British Eventing Accredited Trainer, 3 Day Event & Dressage Rider, Member of B.E Coach Development Program). 
Christmas holidays: Accompanied ride to Penn and Common Wood. 3 to 4 hours round trip from Hodgemoor in two groups (sensible - walk and some trot - or confirmed - walk, trot and canter uphill or on the flat). Bring your own refreshments for half way stop. Date to be set according to your availability, demand and weather. Suggested days December, Sat20, Fri26, Sat27, Mon29, Tues30, Wed 31, January Fri2, Sun4. Usually meet 09.30 at Widmer Corner ( map ). 
Sunday 28 December 2008: The Livery Crawl also known as the Mince Pie Drive round the Liveries. 
Saturday 13th December 2008 @ 11am- Sue Edwards lecture / demo. SUE EDWARDS http://www.widmerfarmstables.co.uk/ 
Tuesday 2nd December 2008 @ 6.30pm at Widmer Farm - Veterinary care lecture in association with The Chiltern equine clinic
25 October: Widmer Halloween on Horseback, open to all, £3 per entry, fancy dress, gymkhana games and clear round jumping. Enquire of  francesca@hotmail.com
8 August 2008: Combined Dressage and Show jumping at Highclere Farm, Seer Green. Evening event 5.30 to 8.30.
5 July: Pimms and Ponies BBQ, Homefarm Orchard, Chalfont St Giles. Mounted games at 6, BBQ at 7
17, 23 and 30 August 2008: Sunshine Dressage Challenge at Oldefields 
20 July 2008: Unaffiliated Dressage at Windmill Farm. 
Sunday 9th December 2007: Christmas Dressage Day... at the newly refurbished indoor arena at Waylands 
Wednesday 14th November 2007: Hodgemoor Business Forum and Unusual Xmas Present Party!
Our event in the Memorial Hall in St Giles on Tuesday 13th November 2007 was both useful and fun for everyone.  Check out the info in the download here.
Cross country jumping, Sunday 11th November 2007
26 August 2007: TREC event 
2 August 2007: Dressage Challenge 
12 July 2007: Dressage Challenge
7 July 2007: Fun Evening; Horsing Around and BBQ
24 June 2007: Ride to Penn
21 June 2007: Dressage Challenge 
Sun 4th March 2007: Cross Country jumping clinic led by Sacha Hamilton
1st January 2007: 3-hour Penn Ride, 2 groups. Lots of support and a good time had by all. Thanks!
2006
1 October 2006: 3-4 hours BHS Ride in Wendover Woods. 
7 September 2006, 6-8pm: Moor and Fell Ponies Mini Cross Country Jumping in the middle field at Hodgemoor.. 
24 August 2006, 6-8pm: Mini and 2'6 Cross Country Jumping in the middle field at Hodgemoor. 
13 August 2006: Le Trec. Richard Hill on Guinness wins
Despite the heavy rain, a dozen riders cam to compete in Le Trec at Hodgemoor. 13 obstacles were completed, plus the control of gaits (cantering as slow as possible and walking as fast as possible). Our apologies for the delays around 11 a.m. due to the rain and to so many riders arriving at the same time. Winner was Richard Hill riding Guinness, with an 82% score, only 1 percentage point above a group of 3 riders separated by a tie-breaker based on positions in the obstacles  and then the control of gaits. They were Amelia Longman (2nd), Olivia Sullivan (3rd) and Simon Thornton (4th). Rosettes to those four which you can pick up from Homefarm Orchard anytime. All riders are improving; the lowest placed rider at 68% would have placed 2nd in our first Le Trec in 2004. You can look at your individual scores and the full results by clicking here. The 2004 results are also available here. Let us remind you that we are willing to organise another Le Trec this year if there is demand; please also let us know if you would like to do the third discipline, the orienteering (and hour or two hacking, depending on how good you are with the map).
1 July 2006. Saturday. Evening Ride to Penn with refreshments halfway.
21 June 2006: BHS Summer Solstice Ride at Kensham Farm, Cadmore End, near High Wycombe. 
4 June 2006. Sunday morning. Cross Country Clinic with Sacha Hamilton 
Sacha Hamilton held a cross country clinic on the Hodgemoor course over the 2ft 6/2ft 9 jumps.  We will also organise a schooling day for those wanting to practice over the lower course. Contact Susie@hodgemoor.org.uk or phone 01494 872447.
21 May 2006. Sunday.  Native Pony Dressage Day  at Windmill Farm
Committee member Georgina Blair is busy this year.  Not only has she done the Treasure Hunts, but she also organised this open event to give purebred and part-bred natives a chance to compete against each other, and to encourage dressage newcomers to have a go with their “hairy” mounts. There were 5 classes: a walk/trot test, Prelim 7 and 10, Novice 21 and 24. The Prelim 10 and Novice 24 classes were qualifiers for the Chiltern & Thames Rider 2006 Dressage Championships.
23 April 2006. Sunday morning. Treasure Hunt In Hodgemoor. 
Georgina Blair fabulated another hunt on April 23rd, this time with a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme.
2005: Various TREC, cross-country and ride events
Thanks for your support!
4th November 2004: Hodgemoor honoured by BHS
Today Susie and Marcus Bicknell were in the Saddlers Hall in London to receive the British Horse Society "Access Award 2004". The new BHS President Noel Edmunds made the presentation. Susie and Marcus were accompanied by their guests Brenda Wickham (our local BHS champion of access) and Audrey Holbrook (who young riders at Aescwood raised so much money over the last four years to help the renovation of trails in the wood). The BHS citation stressed the way all users of the wood have benefited from better conditions, including walkers.
14th July 2004
Show Jumping demo & Clinic by Lana Craker, Wednesday,  at Waylands Equestrian Centre.
Friday 18th June 2004    Another Fun Jump
Following the success of the Easter Saturday Fun Jump, we had another one on Friday 18 June.  You can look at a description of the course and a plan by clicking here. 
13 Feb 2004    Another bridleway cleared
Jonathan Clark of Bucks County Council reports that their contractors have cleared a route on the entrance to Whites Hill bridleway next to the gypsy camp. This is on the A355 ½ mile South of the Magpie Public House, and a favorite spot for riders crossing from Seer Green to Coles Hill.  "Some vegetation should also have been cleared on the verge. Maybe list it for a crack of dawn Sunday morning ride (like us cyclists) to avoid the traffic."
12 Feb 2004    Another £3000 raised
Audrey Holbrook's young horse riders have now raised over £3000 in their 2004 sponsored ride campaign.The photograph and article in the Bucks Advertiser today are excellent -  excellently written, positive to our cause and heart-warming. Don't miss it. Our congratulations to Amber Gunn who raised the highest sponsorship at £345 and who will have the new North route (see last newsletter on www.hodgemoor.org.uk)  named after her. And our continuing thanks to Audrey Holbrook whose efforts beyond the call of duty sets new standards for us all to follow.
10 Feb 2004   March Pleasure Ride
The BHS is organised a Spring Pleasure Ride near Wendover on Sunday 7th March. 
July 2003 Trails opened
The renovated trails in Hodgemoor Wood were officially opened on July 8th in the presence of senior officials of Brett Environmental, Chiltern District Council, Bucks County Council, Forest Enterprise, the Chiltern Society and others. With thanks to our many partners who have complemented our own fund raising with financing for the work in the wood. Press release