Horse owners anger at possible new restrictions (From Bournemouth Echo)

Horse owners anger at possible new restrictions

7:08am Friday 19th September 2008 in

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HUNDREDS of horse owners crammed into a public meeting last night vowing to wage war on plans they fear could devastate the New Forest equestrian community.

So many turned up at the Waterside Sports and Social club in Holbury that there was standing room only in the hall while a speaker system was rigged up so people could hear outside.

The 500-strong crowd were there to voice their objection over plans to make horse owners go through a strict planning process to change the use of land where their animals graze, before being allowed to keep their animals for recreational use.

They fear the restrictions will have a catastrophic effect on the equestrian industry and animal welfare.

Speaking at the meeting Tina Cant, leader of the newly formed Forest Uprising Group, said the National Park Authority (NPA) plans were "patronising and insulting".

She said: "None of this has been properly researched. We just want to get on with our New Forest way of life."

National Park Authority bosses outlined the controversial scheme as part of a far-reaching blueprint for the future of the New Forest.

Many fear they will never be able to fulfil the planning criteria outlined by the National Park and that if adopted next year, it will put the squeeze on the number of suitable private fields and paddocks.

Others say businesses that rely on the thriving New Forest equestrian community will be put under immense strain by the changes.

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne, who was part of a nine-strong panel last night, blasted NPA bosses for not attending the meeting.

He said: "The people that have written this have no idea about keeping horses.

"You would have thought that they would take the opportunity to find out about it here tonight.

"It is time these people realised that we are paying their wages. It is time that they realised that they are our servants not our masters."

Some called for the rules, if adopted next year, to be ignored. Others called for marches and demonstrations to make their voices heard.

Previously, A National Park Authority spokeswoman said the draft National Park Plan and Recreation Management Strategy containing the scheme was up for public consultation until the end of October.

She said: "We want to remind people that these policies are in draft and that we are asking for their comments on the policies themselves, and not information they have read or heard elsewhere."

The New Forest NPA Access Forum has been granted permission to debate the plan and is set for talks with park officials next week.