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.
Hodgemoor Riders announce the Hodgemoor Challenge Trophy, an annual multi-discipline championship running through the season. Click here for entry form and details of sponsors, rules and prizes
Membership needed
to ride in the woods
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:
We have added an ARCHIVE page to the web site so that we can keep the announcements and news over the years, without cluttering up the front page. Please click here for the archive page.
Saturday 18 April 2009 10-13h.
Unaffiliated Le Trec Competition
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 2009
@11am - Clinic. SUE
EDWARDS (British Eventing Accredited Trainer, 3 Day Event &
Dressage Rider, Member of B.E Coach Development Program).
