Harnessing horse power (From Western Telegraph)

Harnessing horse power

A Sunday morning in the foothills of the Preseli Hills and local members of the British Driving Society are preparing for a 15-mile jaunt through the Pembrokeshire countryside.

There is a general flurry of activity as horseboxes are unloaded, horses harnessed to their carriages and bulging picnic hampers tucked on board in readiness for the lunchtime stop. Everyone seems oblivious to the rain falling from a worryingly thunderous sky, a mere inconvenience to this hardy bunch.

The horses are straining at their harnesses, clearly irritated that they are being kept waiting.

A few last-minute checks and the carriages are ready to roll with Stanley, a powerful Welsh cob leading the group. The smaller and less experienced horses seem content to take up the rear. It is a very polite and well-mannered affair, very British, very orderly.

The line - carriages and a horseback rider - sets off at a steady pace along the quiet country roads on a route that has been carefully chosen to minimise traffic disruption.

There has been the odd confrontation, when modern speed clashes with the sedate pace of the old-fashioned transport, but on this occasion motorists seem content to meander behind. The splendid spectacle of the horse-drawn carriages perhaps a bonus to their day out.

After a mile or so pounding the tarmac, it is time to head off-road. Across Pembrokeshire, there are many miles of public rights of way accessible to carriage drivers. But plans to reclassify these RUPPs (Roads Used as Public Paths) is alarming the British Driving Society.

When Government proposals set out in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 are implemented, local authorities could seize the opportunity to downgrade RUPPs to bridleways, ruling out access to wheeled vehicles.

Problems have arisen because 4x4 drivers are abusing this right of access, but to ban vehicles would rule out carriages also.

Carriages would be forced onto the road, snarling up traffic flows and putting lives at risk, suggested BDS member Sue Hamley, of Ty Rhos, Llanycefn. She sits on the committee of the Pembrokeshire Bridleways Association and is leading a campaign to preserve RUPPs in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

"When we are on the road we know we are an inconvenience to drivers, which is why we must fight to keep our RUPPS open. Motorists are on the whole very courteous, but we know we are a liability to them."

Sue fears carriage drivers in Wales are in grave danger of losing the right to use existing rights of way for horse-drawn vehicles. Many paths were blocked and impassable. "Unless we speak up there is a danger, if indeed they are cleared, that they may be reclassified as bridleways and will only be accessible to horse riders and cyclists," said Sue.

"Highway authorities could consider bridleways to be a more cost-effective option. We need to stand up and be counted. We all know that if there were more off-road routes we would feel safer and spend more time driving."

It is an issue focusing the minds of carriage drivers the length and breadth of Britain. But, for today at least, BDS members from the Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion branch have put their concerns to one side to enjoy their day out.

What is striking is that private driving has no age barriers. Grandchildren accompanying their grandparents, middle-aged couples escaping the office, teenagers content to be with mum and dad - it appeals to every generation.

The horses get a breather at the lunchtime stop and everyone settles down to a picnic near Glogue in a field made available by a local farmer.

The rain clouds have disappeared, rugs are laid and hampers broken open, yielding hearty sandwiches and gorgeous homemade cakes. It is an opportunity for a spot of socialising, a chance to catch up on news.

Refreshed and well-fed, the party sets off on the second and final leg of its journey. What a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside, what a relaxing diversion from modern life.

Pictured: A final check by host Cecil Adams and the carriages are ready to roll. PICTURE: Debbie James.