Bridleways & Riders Action Group, NORTH EAST.

Another unfortunate incident we’ve been made aware of.
We have some signs that we are going to try along wylam and will see what other options there are.
Take care all though

Update on the drone hub at seghill. Hope you can read this but wanted to get this out as the meeting is Wednesday 17 July.

Confirmed date for your diary for our Annual pleasure ride - Sunday 1 September 2024 - more details to follow but we have managed to find a fantastic venue never used before.

Our ride will be held at Ouston Airfield (near Albermarle Barracks).

We will post further details for entries etc as soon as possible but this is sure to be a fantastic ride for everyone.

This is a post for Parish ponds & upper ouse burn project.

We don`t know how many members BRAG North East visit, or ride on the bridleways around the ponds. They lie about 400 m west of the A696 to the Airport. Either way, some of you might be interested in this. We would like to hear from you.
We have recently launched a Facebook site for this Parish Ponds & upper Ouse Burn project and we would like to encourage equestrians.
We will use the pages to share progress as we future proof the area for wildlife & biodiversity, moving towards the creation the very first Nature Reserve in the Northwest of Newcastle.
This Page allows us to share regular updates, progress, photos, documentation, notice of events, and to seek receive your thoughts & ideas.
The main page is: https://www.facebook.com/ParishPondsAndUpperOuseburn/
If you would like to follow just select 'Like' (top right)
Best wishes
John & Joanne Woolsington Parish Council
(Biodiversity and Conservation project
Parish Ponds and upper Ouse Burn"

Parish Ponds and Upper Ouse Burn Keep up to date with news from Parish Ponds and the surrounding area, a much-loved beauty spot.

PLEASE BEWARE-

Hi please can you post the following just to warn others:

Sadly another incident in the Throckley area. This morning, my friend and I were riding into Throckley Dene from Hexham Road. Just as we got to the bottom of the steps a large group of cyclists on mountain bikes came fast around the bend, squealing their brakes to avoid us! This continued with more 4 groups (likely a bike club as they were altogether and around 30 plus bikes). All the cyclists were behaving in the same manner. A couple apologised and we pointed out this was a multi user path with loose dogs etc and to slow down but most just ignored us. As we continued along the path, we met a couple walking their dogs who said they had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by the cyclists due to their speed. If anyone knows the local group these cyclists we're from we can report them, but please take care, when riding through the Dene and keep a look out for them.

Message from a local rider -

Hello, just thought it might be a good idea to let you know about an incident that occurred while out riding our horses.

I have copied the email below that I have sent on to the local running clubs but thought I would send it on to you to make you aware

Dear sirs,

I would like to bring to your attention an incident that occurred on the evening of 20th of June 2024, while out hacking with my friend and our two horses.

We took one of our usual routes from our yard based on birks road Throckley NE15 0HF. As we approached the end of drove road leading to Hexham road we noticed runners where bright orange running tops with Newburn running club on the back, as we approached the group standing on the side of the road near the bank top club we politely asked if there were any more runners coming up from the ‘steps’ to which a man replied ‘two more.’

Assuming he meant two more runners in total we continued down the track noticing the two runners following behind, as we approached the entrance to the ‘steps’ we could see a big group of runners emerging from the bushes onto the track. At this point one of them at the front shouted to the others ‘horses’. We waited patiently but they kept running towards us, my horse spooked and bolted causing my friends hose to buck and follow. The horses were running in gallop out of fear back towards Hexham road.

To the horses brain they saw humans (predators) running towards them (prey animals) in a pack, from a dark wood. To the horses they would have thought 'what are they running from? Do we need to run too? Yes we do, run, run now.’ I appreciate, that the runners would not have expected this to happen. But it has and it could have been avoided if the large group of runners could have stopped just for a minute or two to let us pass.

None of the runners stopped or asked if we were ok, they galloped to the edge of the road where we managed to pull my friends horse up before a serious accident would have happened.

We managed to get back onto drove road but the horses were shaken and unsettled. the runners continued to run behind us all be it at a distance it was still causing our horses a lot of distress. Thankfully we managed to get ahead and out of the way before they caught back up to us.

I would like to make you all aware of the incident as It could have been avoided if the runners had of walked passed the horses even for a minute or two to let us safely passed. I understand it make not have only been runners from new run running club and there may have been other clubs running. Not one of them stopped when they saw what had happened and continued to focus on running up the road.

Thankfully both riders and horses were unharmed although very shaken and scared after the incident. If the horses had of ran out into the main road it could have been very different.

If it is at all possible to circulate this around the member of your running club to make people aware of how best to approach horses and riders while out running to avoid any other similar incidents it would be greatly appreciated.

Also if possible would we be able to find out dates and times of any planned events in the area so we can also avoid these with our horses

Kind regards

Laura

Report from a member-

Gate at esh winning. On bridleway but is a circular kissing gate. Friends had to turn around whilst route checking for a egb ride this weekend. On further investigation landowner has been contacted and told to replace with horse friendly one.

Apologies for the poor quality copy of our newsletter will post a better one asap.

Just notified of this - take care. Hopefully will get sorted quickly.

Update on our annual pleasure ride.
We have had to change to date to Sunday 1 September 2024.
The venue is a “secret” whilst we finalise details but will be fantastic.
Keep checking for updates

Member tentatively looking for a rider for chunky 7 year old 13h cob who needs to be out and about a lot more. Based in Barlow at the moment. No financial contributions required only someone to care for said little fat fella as owner does. No restrictions on times only requirement is to get him fit and to lose weight!

We have been made aware of this. I can advise it is being looked into and also with BHS

***BRAG needs you!***

Unfortunately our Secretary is having to take a step back due to personal reasons. Do you have a few hours each month to spare to take on this role?

If you would like further information, please send us a message for further information.

BRAG x

Couple of updates to be aware of:

Path from. Dene Terrace to blucher erodedl edge of path collapsed into burn, guard rails are up and a notice to warn folks but the surface looks as though more could collapse. Horses riders be careful, a horse's foot at the wrong spot could trigger more collapse.] Think twice before proceeding up the path.

blocked access at beamish woods - had this problem two years ago - it was sorted(Beamish Hall workers trying to sort motorbike problem fenced off bridleway) . We got it cleared.
have forwarded this to be looked at again more work was being done to prevent motor bikes. Will get back to you on this

Throckley Dene - bridge - It was first reported last November and was supposed to be repaired. No idea if it was but it still looked exactly the same last Saturday. It has been reported to the Newcastle rights of way Officer, but no action has been taken.

Riders advised to take extra care when riding on the Bowes Railway Line directly behind Brysons Animal Shelter.
We have had reports of an accident (thankfully everyone is fine). Pictures added to show how riders leg was caught

Any other issues please let us know

Next BRAG meeting Monday 8 April 2024 @ 7:30. Send your email address in messenger to join in.

Tentatively looking for a jockey for a 6 year old 13 hand stocky mini vanner cob who needs exercise in the NE40 area.
He is a plod, young but steady and needs to see the world more. He is very comfortable!
No contribution asked for just someone to love him and treat him as I do and to get him fit are my only asks.
He is really stocky so would suit someone around 5ft. Sorry No teenagers who want to fly around (he’s not ready for that).
Please message for details.

DATE for your diary. We are planning to hold our summer pleasure ride on Sunday 30 June 2024. Venue and ride details to follow as soon as possible but keep the date free!!