---

THANKS FROM RIDING SCHOOL

On behalf of everyone at Chapman's Farm in Hall Lane (pictured), Upminster (by the A127), I would like to heartily thank all of the kind and considerate motorists who stop to allow us to walk our horses across the road to their field.  As one of 40 people who stable their horses up at the farm, I am all too aware how difficult it is to get our horses across the road to our grazing fields.  We try our hardest to take them across at the least busy times of the day so as not to inconvenience the local motorist but this is not always possible.  We all appreciate that you may be in a hurry and that the short stop may add a minute or so onto your journey but by stopping you are helping us avoid a potentially fatal situation.  Recently a speeding car hit one of our horses and even after the contact, didn't stop.  5 horses have been killed by cars on the road outside of our stables.

 We try to be as considerate road users as possible not only when crossing but when riding out.  Our stables cater for all ages - small children learning and competing on their ponies through to those of pensionable age.  We also have riders who represent team GB.   One thing everyone has in common is the time and money that they spend on their horses. 

We try to avoid creating traffic jams wherever we can and we always try to acknowledge your kindness.  We all wear high visibility clothing, as do our horses, to make us as visible to you as possible. If you are behind a horse, please be patient.  We do try and move over as quickly as we can.  Horses are living things and therefore can be unpredictable. Even though we work tirelessly to help them overcome any fears they may have with regard to lorries or motorbikes they are still sometimes scared when a car speeds past or if they are asked to stand for a long time waiting for a gap in the traffic.  This not only puts the horse in danger but also the person leading it.

So, a sincere thank you to all of the motorists who help us by stopping and waving us across – you really do make a huge difference.  Thanks also to those of you drive within the speed limit.  By doing this you give us a chance to judge when it is safe to cross.  If you are one of the motorists who speed along Hall Lane please take a minute to think of the possible consequences of your actions.  Horses don't dent, they die.

From ‘all at the farm'.

18.1.08