A FORMER British Olympic show-jumper is urging horse riders in Herefordshire to 'mount up and be counted', writes ANITA HOWELLS.

Alison Dawes, from Mansell Gamage, is backing the British Horse Society's Access 2000 campaign, which aims to persuade landowners to allow riders over their land.

The society is determined to make the drive a success and suggests members raise demonstrations at blocked bridleways.

It is also suggested that petitions are sent to local councils with a shopping list pointing out unusable bridleways and routes that are blocked. Requests may be made for new sections of bridleway to be opened to avoid busy roads.

However, Ms Dawes says the initiative is not intended to be a general 'access to all'.

"Nor is it intended to be a public right of way. The BHS initiative is to try to get farmers and landowners to give permission to certain local riders to cross their ground in order to avoid roads," she said.

She says permission can always be withdrawn and doesn't constitute anything permanent.

"I think riders would be very happy to pay an annual fee or agree to lock gates where needed -- anything to get us off the public roads is 100 per cent negotiable."

Her common-sense attitude appears to be at odds with the society which threatens to give thumbs-down awards to landowners who deny riders access.

The request for access from both, though, is due to the increasing traffic on country roads, which turn highways into a nightmare for horses and riders.

Alison reminds motorists they are required by law to slow down or stop when they see horses and riders, if requested by the rider.