A HORSE ride promoting unity between landowners, local authorities and riders will take place near Okehampton later this month.

South West Riders is holding a pleasure ride on April 21 along the Pegasus Way and newly created bridlepaths nearby.

The ride is designed to promote the new paths, thank the landowners and authorities involved and drive up membership for the riders to continue their work in improving off road riding.

Gretta Madigan from the group said: 'Devon was once judged the most horse-friendly county in England, but the reality for many is that there is almost nowhere for them to ride except on the roads.

'As we all know the volume and speed of traffic on rural roads has grown enormously in recent years and both the safety and enjoyment of rural riding has suffered.

'In 2001 South West Riders, a bridleways group affiliated to the British Horse Society, was set up to try to improve this situation.  

'One of the first things they looked at was the old railway line from Okehampton to Holsworthy, especially as the road that runs alongside it for some way had been upgraded to an A-road which is very dangerous for horse riding.  

'Many of the bridlepaths in the area became unusable as to use them you had to cross the A-road which was just too dangerous, or even worse ride along it.'

The SWR decided it was time for action.  

Gretta said: 'After years of hard work they established a good working relationship with Devon County Council and eventually the first part of the Pegasus Way was opened on the old railway line, and work is in progress to open the next section.

'They have also worked to improve the route of some bridlepaths so that they are better for both riders and landowners.'

The ride starts from Forestry Commission land near Ashbury, and will be signposted from the A3079.

It is a marked route and riders can set off any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The cost of £10 per rider includes free membership of the South West Riders.