I WRITE regarding the letter from Troth Wells (Oxford Mail, March 22).

We are all aware that horses are allowed to use the roads (horses came first, after all) and the many bridleways in and around Oxford are also for their use.

Although the bridleway in Cowley, leading to Shotover Park was closed in 2007, horses and riders are continually using other accesses, dangerous to them and their horses.

In spite of ‘no horses’ notices on most of the walks through Brasenose Woods, riders continue to use the pathways which are for walkers.

This also applies to cyclists. After the recent bad weather, the paths have been badly roughed-up even without the steel shoes of horses making more mess.

The cycle track through Brasenose Woods is perfect for would-be scramblers but, I would suggest, it could be quite dangerous for horses and their riders.

Sadly, the riders I meet up with are usually female and very arrogant and they can be quite intimidating.

The whole area has gone downhill, especially now there are so few wardens.

We need much bigger notices at every access for cyclists and horses.

Meanwhile, we all look forward to the spring when we can all enjoy Shotover – as long as people remember to pick up their litter.

MARY STIFF

Corunna Crescent

Cowley

Oxford