THERE was some horse play at County Hall in Dorchester as Dorset was recognised for the quality of its bridleways.

The British Horse Society made a special presentation to Dorset County Council in recognition of its efforts to improve access for horse riders around the county.

The award particularly recognised the work the authority had done in opening up the North Dorset Trailway.

Carol Shoopman, from the British Horse Society, who was accompanied by Grace the horse for the presentation, said: “This is recognition of their good work on the trailway and the excellent job they have done in opening it up.

“We just hope we can get more opened up in the future.

“This is a route that everybody can use, it gets people out into the countryside and they are safe. These old railway lines are really great because the surface is good before you even start.”

Giles Nicholson, from Dorset County Council’s countryside service, said the trailway was enjoyed not just by horse riders but a range of other users.

He said: “It’s for cyclists, horses and walkers.”

Cabinet member for the environment and economy Peter Finney said routes such as the North Dorset Trailway added to what the county was able to offer visitors and, in turn, provided a boost to the local economy.

He said that the council was always looking to open up more of Dorset’s countryside so people can enjoy all it has to offer, from the Jurassic Coast to Thomas Hardy country.

Cllr Finney said: “It’s really good for the environment and really good for people to get out into the countryside and we hope to do it as much as we possibly can.

“We do have quite a few thousand miles of bridleways and walkways across the county and it’s a really important part of the tourist industry.”