Fourteen horse riders have enjoyed the park’s stunning landscape from the seat of their saddle as temporary parking facilities were set up to make it easier to park horse boxes.
Once parked up at the special area near to the site of the former Panshanger Park House, riders then enjoyed a waymarked route of six miles including permissive footpaths which are not normally available to horse riders.
The British Horse Society and Herts County Council Rights of Way team organised the event with the support of Tarmac and the team at Panshanger Park.
The idea behind the event was to encourage people to ride in the park, in particular those who find it difficult to get their horse to the site either because of the distance from their stables or because they are not keen to ride on public roads.
By making it easier to park horse boxes, it also meant local riders had the chance to ride in the park with friends who usually rode further afield.
Dawn Grocock from Hertfordshire County Council said: “I am so pleased with how the first Panshanger Horse Park and Ride went. All the riders thoroughly enjoyed the route and were blown away by the stunning views and varied landscape of the park. The totally off road route allowed for a relaxing ride, especially for those nervous of riding out on the roads. Friends without transport were also able to ride over and join those who could box there, making it a really friendly and inclusive event. I have already had requests for future event dates, so hopefully this can be the first of many.”
£140 raised from the event has been added to the Panshanger Park education fund which helps support education projects in the park such as the Panshanger Park Forest School.
The reaction to the event from riders has been so positive, more horse riding park and rides are being planned.
Panshanger Park welcomes horse riders at all times with public and permissive bridleways available across the park. Please head to www.tarmac.com/panshanger-park/your-visit/ for a park map which shows the routes which are available.
