THE stunning beauty of the Irish countryside and coast areas is renowned far and wide. Seeking to make more of it accessible to horse riders is TREC Trails Ireland which has mounted a comprehensive campaign which deserves our collective support.

Over the last two decades, we have all seen access to safe off-road trails for horse riders dwindle to the point of near disappearance.

Compared to other countries, Ireland lags well behind in this regard. Hopefully, this campaign can help open up suitable trails.

There has been a strong increase in the number of Greenways and scenic cycle routes nationwide and rightly so given the big public interest in more access to facilitate safe walking and cycling across our countryside.

The success of the horse-riding trail in the Beara peninsula Co Cork was broadcast by RTÉ recently – well done to Jim O’Sullivan and Adrian Flynn (chairman of TREC Trails Ireland) for putting across the access case so well, including the economic spin-offs that rural areas can enjoy from embracing leisure riding and equine tourism.

More information on how you can help support the TREC Trails Ireland campaign for greater access to off-road safe scenic trails can be found on page 106.

Heavy hearts

It was with very heavy hearts we learned of the tragic death of riding club member Heather Hewitt in an equestrian accident in Co Galway.

To her bereaved family and many friends, both here in Ireland and in England, we send our deepest condolences. Heartfelt tributes were paid to this vibrant young woman who touched so many lives during her all too brief lifetime. May she rest in peace.