HAVING owned a horse, situated just off the Kirklees Trail since the age of 10, I have enjoyed years of fun, riding and exploring the old railway lines. Over the years I have made friends with dog walkers, joked with joggers asking for a ride home, and have reunited countless lost pets with families.

To accompany this I have also been hit by a car, after the driver decided to put his shoes on whilst driving at 50 mph.

I have also witnessed people beeping and swerving to try and scare riders, and at its worst, had to canter away from a speeding driver, deliberately trying to cause injury.

The lines is a fantastic, safe bridleway/ footpath which is loved and shared by everyone, so why can't you do the same, because of a bit off horse manure? The bridge with 'No horses' is an advisory sign for horse riders themselves, as the bridge fencing is low.

As for picking up horse muck whilst riding, it is a pointless argument. Any rider would chose to not have their horse leave a mess, but it happens.

It isn't harmful as dog poo is, people pay to buy manure from our stables for their gardens.

Try smiling and saying hello to horse riders next time, they are actually pretty decent people.

Jill Mitchell

Bury