SIR: I refer to the horse riders versus dog walkers story (BEN, September 2).

What a sad incident, a labrador pup being kicked by a horse in Deanwood Lane, Rivington last Friday August 30 with such horrible injuries. But let's analyse the incident: Deanwood Lane is a designated bridleway as printed in the Bridleways in the Rivington Leaflet of 1994.

Whether a horse is large or small, when being ridden it is under control by the rider using the reins, therefore dogs should be under the control of the owner, by being on a lead.

The Highway Code Section 212 refers to dogs being walked on a path shared with cyclists, being kept on a short lead. Section 216 refers to Horse Riders ensuring that the tack is in good condition. Section 221 says never ride more than two abreast. Section 222 says horses must not be taken onto a footpath, pavement or cycle track, use a bridlepath.

The horse riders were riding where they should be and how they should do.

Horses do not kick without some provocation. Presumably the pup was being playful in its own way but the horse saw it differently, and reacted in the only way it knows how.

G F Grimes, Chorley New Road, Lostock

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