Horse riders are demanding a voice in future access issues, including the coastal-access campaign.

Campaign group the British Horse Society says it is worried the new coastal arrangements, currently nearing their consultation period, will exclude equestrians. The society has set up an e-petition urging the Government to listen to riders’ views.

The group says horse riders are among the most vulnerable of road users and wants to increase off-road enjoyment of the pastime. Mark Weston, the society’s director of access, safety and welfare, said: “It is vital that we use all means available to impress on the Government that equestrians need more and safer access. E-petitions are one way of showing the demand, along with writing to our MPs.”

The British Horse Society says it has 105,000 members, including affiliated clubs.