AN increasing number of accidents involving horses and cars has prompted a big effort to provide off-road facilities for riders.

The scheme called Toll Riding - the rider pays for the privilege of riding on private land - was started in the South East some years ago, and the idea is either to link existing bridleways by using farmland or make new sites available.

Bridle paths are often too long a ride -- down busy roads for many riders -- and if they box their horse at the start of a bridleway often there is nowhere to unload safely.

The Worcestershire Bridleways and Riders' Association opened its first ride of about five-and-a-half miles at Ombersley on April 19.

This is to be extended and, eventually, it is hoped to open a second ride of several miles at Wick, near Pershore, very shortly.

At both sites there are facilities for parking and unloading and loading a horse. And the great advantage is that the ride is traffic-free.

"Riders I have spoken to agree that this has to be the way forward, with even our once quiet country lanes now full of traffic" said the association's Angela Gay.

"An incident on a road with a horse can become a major disaster very easily, whereas a fall or shy in peaceful country surroundings are far less hazardous."

She added: "For the privilege of riding in idyllic surroundings there is a small amount to pay, which is dependent upon how far you come, your age and the number in your family, but the amounts involved are small.

"Disabled riders ride for free. Once a rider has paid for one ride, he or she is eligible to ride any other."

It is hoped to set up several toll rides in Worcestershire and anyone interested in joining the scheme or joining Worcestershire Bridleways' and Riders' Association which meets regularly and has a lot of fun as well as promoting better riding facilities, can call Angela Gay on 01386 860136.