Boost for Sussex horse riders as RW Equine announced as main sponsor for regional equine access group

Safe off-road hacking across the South East has received a significant boost following the announcement that local independent veterinary practice RW Equine Vet has stepped up as the main official sponsor of the East Sussex & Kent Equestrian Access Group (ESKEAG).

 The partnership marks a vital milestone for the community-led campaign group, which was established earlier this year in response to increasingly restrictive riding spaces and growing dangers on local roads.

 Campagning for Rider Safety

The East Sussex & Kent Equestrian Access Group was formed by local horse owners determined to protect, maintain, and expand the network of woodland bridleways and off-road trails across both counties. The group's grassroots campaign has already achieved notable early successes, including positive discussions with Forestry England to secure dedicated horsebox parking passes to open safe riding environments.

 The group's mission is deeply personal for many involved. Vice chair and secretary Hazel Tonge was inspired to co-found the initiative alongside Gemma Little after tragically losing her beloved mare, Prima, in a devastating road traffic accident. Her emotional campaign for safer equestrian routes recently earned high praise from horseman and British Horse Society (BHS) President Martin Clunes.

 A Perfect Partnership

For RW Equine Vet—an Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) accredited practice based in Northiam and run by husband-and-wife team Reuben and Sarah Whittaker—backing the access group was a natural decision.

 "As independent, local vets, we see firsthand how vital safe exercising environments are for the physical and mental well-being of both horses and riders, A group of our own clients pioneered this campaign, and we knew we needed to throw our full support behind them to ensure off-road riding is protected for generations to come."

 All financial support and donations raised by the group go directly toward projects and funding the sustainability of the group which is a purely volunteer based non-profit organisation.

 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED

 The East Sussex & Kent Equestrian Access Group welcomes riders and carriage drivers of all abilities, from happy hackers to competitive endurance riders. There are several ways you can support the campaign:

• Purchase a Forestry England Parking Pass: Gain legal, well-maintained access to miles of beautiful local woodland trails by purchasing a regional parking pass for Forestry England sites via the Official ESKEAG Website.

• Join the Community: Stay updated on regional access campaigns, share route updates, and connect with over 1000 local riders by joining the active East Sussex & Kent Equestrian Access Group Facebook Page.

• Lobby Your MP: Help the group advocate for better rural infrastructure. You can download a pre-written letter template on the group's forum to send directly to your local Member of Parliament.

• Report Your Road Experiences: The group regularly coordinates with local media, including BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Kent, to amplify the voices of equestrians facing dangerous conditions on the roads. Share your stories through the group's network to support ongoing lobbying efforts.