LANDOWNERS and farmers in Yorkshire have been asked to look at creating "toll" schemes to improve horse riding opportunities in the countryside - and boost their income stream in the aftermath of the foot and mouth outbreak.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) in Yorkshire says that farmers and landowners could approach local riding schools and discuss the potential for developing a network of "toll" bridleways for riders to enjoy the countryside away from the dangers of road traffic.

The CLA's regional director for Yorkshire, Dorothy Fairburn, herself a horse rider, said that farmers and landowners could discuss with riding schools the prospect of charging a "toll" for the use of their land. "In addition to the prospect of gaining new income, the farmer or landowner would be adding to the CLA's idea of managed access to the countryside."

"We have always said that people should have access to the countryside but that access should be managed by the person who earns a living from the land.

"With increasing road traffic, there is a big demand for off-road riding and more and more people are wanting to learn to ride a horse. The more opportunities there are for people to ride in the countryside the better it is," said Miss Fairburn. "And the idea fits neatly with the provision of more access to the countryside.

"I am sure riding schools would welcome the provision of more rides for their pupils and the creation of 'toll' bridleways would certainly help. In some cases it would be possible for neighbouring farmers and landowners to co-operate and increase the length of new rides on their land. I am sure this would appeal to the horse riding fraternity."

Updated: 08:58 Thursday, December 20, 2001