BED AND BREAKFAST FOR HORSES

The eighth edition of the British Horse Society's Bed and Breakfast for
Horses is published this week. This invaluable little book lists over 400
places around the country that offer accommodation for horses, and in many
cases their owners too. Detailed descriptions are included for each entry
giving the location and the facilities provided. Some offer horses for
hire and the services of a trail guide. Others list nearby attractions
such as swimming pools, fishing, tennis and golf, so non horsey people are
catered for too.

This directory opens up exciting possibilities for equestrian tourism in the
UK, particularly when used in conjunction with the BHS " ... on Horseback"
series (listed below).* Each book gives details of circular and linear
rides in the area, with maps and information on points of interest along the
route. Although primarily aimed at the recreational rider, many of the
routes are equally suitable for off road cyclists or walkers. Bed and
Breakfast for Horses complements Ride-UK, the National Bridleroute Network,
that the BHS started work on last year. On the website (www.ride-uk.org.uk
<http://www.ride-uk.org.uk>) some B&Bs will be listed alongside the promoted
routes. The aim is to create and document a national network covering
England and Wales (and later Scotland and Ireland) which will list the
strategic national routes (for example the Ridgeway and the Pennine
Bridleway), regional routes (Swan's Way in Buckinghamshire, Icknield Way in
the East of England) and promoted circular rides.

Bed and Breakfast for Horses is a very useful guide to accommodation for
horse owners going on holiday, competing away or just wanting a weekend
break for themselves and their horse. This initiative by the British Horse
Society offers enhanced possibilities for the extension of horse tourism in
this country, with riding holidays in Britain becoming increasingly
attractive, particularly to visitors from abroad.

Bed and Breakfast for Horses is available from the BHS Bookshop (08701
201918) price £5.95 plus 90p p&p, or buy online at www.britishhorse.com