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MENDIP TIMES
Multi-use pathways mean just that!
THERE is an occasional hint of spring in the air at last and it’s great. The days are lengthening, making it possible for some riders to have a quick hack out after work without flashing lights and torches. What welcome news then that the Highway Code has now officially declared that cars must pass horses at no more than 10mph and at a With JANE PATERSON distance of no less than two metres away. There are some neat little hat cams around now so that riders who wish to, can discreetly film front and rear views, and batteries last long enough to collect plenty of footage. It’s encouraging that road safety for horses and riders is being taken seriously. Let’s just hope that drivers and cyclists take note. There is surely room for everyone as long as there is tolerance and cooperation. Better still, new off-road recreational paths are continuing to WHILE I was spectating at arena eventing recently, I met a photographer who set up her business last year in the Mendip area. Martha Morgan specialises in equestrian, agricultural and countryside photography and is passionate about her subject. The love of capturing the moment, creating memories, and getting to the character of her subjects is what she is all about. Martha will travel to your venue of choice, whether it be your yard, livery, favourite spot, or show, and take as many photos as necessary until she gets your perfect shot. She will even travel at very short notice for an end-of-life situation if the dreaded happens. We all know that our fourlegged friends are only lent to us and that saying goodbye is something that most of us have to face at some time or another, horrid though it is. Martha is very sensitive to the need to preserve a precious memory. It’s something I hadn’t really thought about before, but I can see a place for it. Super enthusiastic, Martha is a registered member of the Guild of Photographers which offers ongoing training and support and makes it easier to keep updated in an ever changing digital world. Cameras are so high-tech these days and each one seems to have so many options and programmes to choose from, leading to certain confusion for the amateur who just wants to take a snap! She is also building up relationships with other equestrian photographers to make it easier to photograph multiple fences at events, clinics, pony club, and will cover any requests if at all possible. If you want a photo shoot, Martha is kindly offering Mendip Times readers a hefty 40% discount on any photoshoot booked before the end of June. A fantastic present for someone, or simply an indulgence for yourself and a chance to have a lasting memory of your favourite animal or place. Email: contact@marthamorganphotography.co.uk and mention this article from the Mendip Times.
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be expanded. Both Chew Valley Lake and Shepton Mallet areas have ongoing campaigns to consider horses and riders on their multi-use pathways. Parliament declared ten years ago that multi-use means just that. Walkers both disabled and able bodied together with cyclists and riders, should all have equal access to enjoy safe passage along these trails. It’s not acceptable for horses to be excluded just because some people don’t like them! The MBBA (Mendip Byways and Bridleways Association) and The Trails Trust do so much work to fight for riders’ rights, and the cause is well supported by the BHS (British Horse Society). I would urge everyone to support these organisations, because it’s their unsung heroes who are working away often in a voluntary capacity, to try to ensure that all riders have a better experience off-road, in safety. I am hoping to walk the Chew Valley Lake trail to see the difficulties which one elderly rider who contacted me, has encountered.
Photo from Martha's portfolio
Martha and her partner Jon run a small farm, as well as an agricultural contracting business which keeps Jon busy. His family is steeped in farming and goes back generations to include a farrier who served in WWI. He has small machinery available to use for pony paddocks and small acreages AND he will do fencing, groundworks and empty the overflowing muck heap that has been needing to be done for ever, as well as the chain harrowing and rolling which is going to need doing very soon. We can’t all accommodate the very large tractors and implements that hurtle round the countryside, so Jon’s smaller but just as effective machinery might be just what the small yard is looking for. Lastly, don’t forget to support the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point at Ston Easton on March 20th. Fingers crossed for fine weather and good going!
