10:10am Monday 1st June 2009
By Sara Pawsey
CAMPAIGNING horsewoman Theresa Simkins has been presented with a prestigious award by helping to open up the countryside for riders.
She has persuaded farmers and landowners to create 11 parking places for trailers and lorries, with another three opening later this year at favourite routes in Worcestershire.
Theresa, who lives near Droitwich, was presented with the award during the British Horse Society Access Week that recognises achievements in opening new routes, dedicated equestrian access and co-operation between user groups.
As chairman of Worcestershire Bridleways and Riders Association (WBRA) she has spent months negotiating with farmers and landowners for the right to allow people to park on their land, as well as clearing routes to allow riders to enjoy them.
Theresa said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have been nominated for this award because it symbolises the passion that I and members of the association feel about creating access.
“This award is for them as well as me as we have worked steadfastly over the years. I would also like to thank Worcestershire County Council which has helped us rectify gate problems, installed new ones, cleared routes and trimmed back undergrowth.”
Theresa has spent more than 30 years competing in show-jumping, cross country, and more recently, showing her grey horse Kings Miller and her partner’s heavyweight show cob, Macmillan.
She has won at least nine championships, including the 2008 Midlands Association of Riding Clubs Championships at Rodbaston, Staffordshire.
She is also a well- known show judge.
The BHS Access Week aims to highlight efforts in the battle for equestrian access and raises awareness and money for access campaigns.
Equestrians have access to only 22 per cent of the public rights of way network across the UK and carriage drivers just five per cent.
The BHS is also encouraging riders to host their own ‘ride for access’ to raise money for the access fighting fund.
Theresa was nominated for the award by her WBRA colleague from Droitwich, Claire Haslam, who said: “Theresa has worked tirelessly to find 11 parking places and I wanted the society to applaud her efforts.”
Mark Weston, BHS director of Access, Safety and Welfare said: “Access week is a time to raise awareness of the work of our staff and volunteers.
This is particularly important in the current climate where equestrian access is increasingly neglected in current legislation. Campaigning at all levels is necessary to ensure that equestrians are not forgotten by law and policy makers.”
Worcestershire Bridleways and Riders Association have recently cleared a 10-mile circular ride at Westwood Park, Droitwich.
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