Horse riders in support of more bridleways briefly disrupted traffic in Taupō on Wednesday. Photo / Rachel Canning
Horse riders in support of more bridleways briefly disrupted traffic in Taupō on Wednesday. Photo / Rachel Canning
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That's the plea from local horse riders who say there is a high demand for more horse-friendly leisure riding trails.
Plans are afoot to construct 10.5km of shared pathway along the Eastern Taupō Arterial highway between Anzac Memorial Drive (the airport roundabout) and Centennial Drive.
The 2.8m wide pathway will be constructed from concrete, will be on the lakeside of the ETA, and will be shared between cyclists and walkers. The work will be carried out by Taupō District Council as part of a contract with the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment provincial development unit.
A council spokesperson said the purpose of the work is to close gaps in the existing cycling and walking network between residential and recreational areas.
Ahead of the full council meeting in April, a deputation of 10 bridleway riders made a presentation during the public forum. Bev Birkett and Susan Watson spoke on behalf of the group and asked the council for a trial period where horse riders could also use the shared trail on the lakeside of the ETA.
They want the opportunity to have a trial period of shared access of the existing cycle and walking path on the western of the ETA, between the Napier-Taupō roundabout and the airport. This path that is soon to be upgraded.
"This would give us a longer ride, and we wouldn't have to worry about going through gates," says Bev.
She says there has been a big influx of lifestyle block owners with horses. She says horses and riders can only do so many loops around the dressage arena on their four or so hectares, and going on longer rides (known as hacking) is a big part of the fun.
"In their natural environment, horses travel 20km or so each day."
Kim and Emma Roots (front) horse riding along Tuhingamata Rd. Photo / Kim Roots
There are four bridleway trails for horses around Taupō: the Mt Tauhara side of the ETA from Centennial Drive to the Napier-Taupō roundabout which includes going through a farm; a trail at Whakaipo Bay where the lease is up for renewal this month and Bev and Susan say the future for horse riders is unknown, a trail at Rapids Rd near the National Equestrian Centre at Aratiatia, and a very short ride at Kinloch. The two pony clubs also have grounds for members and fee-paying non-members to ride on.
Susan says there is huge demand for horse riding trails in Taupō.
"So many people have moved here with horses. They bring money into the local economy. Just look at how busy the National Equestrian Centre is.
"Possibly non-cyclists have a mindset against sharing walking trails with cyclists. But look how walkers and bike riders share trails now," said Susan.
They say non-horse riders commonly fear that horses may sneak up on a cyclist or walker from behind, and cause the cyclist or walker to be startled.
"Horses have a hoofbeat that is clearly heard from a distance. Plus there is good visibility on the ETA and so a cyclist or walker would see the horse," said Bev.
She says it's all about having a horse-friendly mindset. She admits it's a hard sell to cyclists who are protective of their trails and says overcoming insurance and health and safety issues is a challenge.
"I remember how they fought for years to get access to Wairakei Forest and what is now Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Park."
Coming out of the Eastern Taupō Arterial underpass on the farm loop, Bev Birkett holding Marakopa Misty Rose. Photo / Rachel Dickman
Bev points to the economic benefit to the district that cycle trails have brought and predicts similar results if more bridle trails were developed.
"In London's Hyde Park, there is a bridle trail for horses and it goes beside a cricket ground, and a sunbathing area with deck chairs. If horses and people can co-exist in one of the most highly populated cities in the world, surely we can do it here in Taupō," says Bev.
Last Friday the women received an email from the Taupō District Council saying their bid for a bridleway and shared access on the ETA cycle and walking trail had been declined.
A spokesperson for the council said the resurfacing of the ETA shared path will provide an off-road link for school children to safely use and will also be a good running/fitness circuit.
"We don't see the shared path being suitable for horses to share the path with other users."
"There is nothing in the pipeline for those wanting bridleways."
Both women were surprised to see signs recently put up along Spa Rd and Acacia Bay Rd reading 'Share the road - walkers, bikes, horses'.
"No one approached us to ask if this signage would be useful. These are not places where people are riding their horses."
Susan says loss of access for equestrians is a national issue, and points to a proposed protest ride to parliament planned for September 8 by New Zealand Equestrian Advocacy network. She says horse riders from Taupō are considering joining the protest.
