TROT’s Local Farm or Forestry Agents work to look after or extend existing routes. Our agents work on a voluntary basis, so that the local rider can access off-road riding. TROT asks its members to make contact with their Local Agents to see what they can do to help look after their route. This maybe something as simple as sharing ideas for extending their ride or assist in waymarking the route. The existence and success of a route depends on the co-operation of riders and landowners – the Local Agent being the vital link between the two.

TROT HQ

TROT has a central office staffed by a small team of staff. The main work of the office is to look after existing and new members. Also the job of HQ is to advise interested riders, how to set up a TROT route. Finally, TROT HQ support its ever-growing band of Local Agents.

Registered Charity

TROT has voluntary Trustees to oversee its administration. Over the years many wonderful people have volunteered, giving their time & energy to the role. TROT welcomed four new trustees in 2006. Our board of trustees are Dora Pilkington, Caroline Lingham, Michael Morris, Annie Williams and Kim Hirschman.

Landowners

Most landowners who allow routes across their land are paid for taking land out of agricultural production. They receive approximately two thirds of the fees paid by riders from their local ride. The amount paid depends on how many riders use their route. The Forestry Commission take the same proportion of fees but the money is ‘ring-fenced’ and put towards riding route improvements within the forests. The riding within each local forest will only be improved if enough local riders pay for a permit.

Insurance

TROT has its own insurance but this does not cover anything for which a rider or horse owner could be held responsible. Riding members must have their own 3rd Party Liability Insurance to cover any incident for which they are, by law, responsible.

Advertising

TROT produces an annual Routes Handbook and newsletters throughout the year and seeks to cover the cost of producing this material with advertising. The organisation is extremely grateful to their advertisers – please support them in return!

Marketing

TROT’s advertising budget is very small and as a result, has to rely on editorial features that publicise the organisation as well as ‘word of mouth’ advertising. It is hoped that members recommend TROT to their friends and colleagues – those who do could get 10% off their next renewal fee!

Hatbands

The hatband is proof of membership of the TROT scheme and wearing it whilst riding proves not only to the farmer and landowner, but also to other riders that the rider has a licence and is permitted to ride on the land. It should therefore be worn at all times. Hatbands should NEVER be lent to other riders or carriage drivers other than those who are named in the membership record.

Riding new routes e.g. not your ‘local’ route

If members plan to ride a route that is not local to them, TROT always advises them to make contact with the Local Agent first. This is for safety reasons and to check that the chosen route has not been closed for any reason.

Cross Country Jumps

A few routes have optional Cross Country fences en route. It is advisable to always check the take off and landing side of the jumps first. NEVER jump unless accompanied by another person and always carry a mobile phone.

Maps

TROT has a collection of maps for many of its routes. It aims to continue to build a complete library during 2008. The O.S. Explorer Map number has been provided for each network or forestry area in the handbook. With their distinctive orange covers these are the best maps for riders and show clearly where the Public Bridleways are. TROT members can ask their Local Agent who maybe prepared to mark onto their Explorer map the local Toll Rides. Members can order maps directly from O.S. on 0845 200 2712.

Day Passes

Some Local Agents and B&B Proprietors will issue a licence for a day or weekend to non-members as guest riders. Guests must have insurance and will be required to sign a form abiding by TROT’s rules and conditions. Day Passes can also be obtained directly from TROT HQ.

Subscription Renewals

HQ will send you a renewal request automatically when your fee is due to expire. Please check the details very carefully. This is for important safety reasons. Please return this form promptly. Every year an extraordinary amount of money is spent chasing overdue renewals – this money could be better spent on improving existing routes or opening new ones. Late renewals have become such a problem that TROT have to pass on the costs, by way of a penalty fee, to those who are late paying.

Putting membership ‘On Hold’

TROT appreciates that sometimes horses and humans go lame or sick. If a member wishes to suspend their membership for a period of time, because they are unable to ride/drive, they can do so but must return their hatband to HQ with an explanation.

Ending Membership

Deposits will be refunded if hatbands and keys (if applicable) have been returned to HQ on time. Please note that TROT still has to continue paying farmers and the Forestry Commission for all hatbands not returned and this has very serious implications on TROT’s finances.

Fee Refunds

Refunds will only be given in truly exceptional circumstances, such as veterinary or medical reasons and members will be required to send in a certificate.

New Routes

Please contact TROT HQ with any ideas you or others may have for new locations for routes. From there a Development Officer will investigate and negotiate with relevant individuals to see if this idea can be progressed further . Please contact HQ on 01622 735 599 for more details.

…and finally

Report all problems ASAP to the Local Agents. If a difficult situation has arisen, a Local Agent can discuss with HQ the best plan of action to take.