Trail for horsey heaven

By Tania Martin
MACCLESFIELD horse riders can now experience a safe passage along Tschampions Road, following the launch of a new trail last month.
The $65,000 trail upgrade was part of the recent road sealing project along Tschampions and Kennedy roads.
It was part of a deal struck between the Shire of Yarra Ranges and local residents.
The need for a safe trail had been one of the main concerns raised over the road upgrade.
Resident Dot Lomas had objected to the road upgrade and campaigned for a better and safer trail for riders.
She said the new trail had been a great boost.
“It’s now a lot safer than it would have been,” Ms Lomas said. “I’ve never seen so many people out riding … it’s great.”
Macclesfield Pony Club’s Gill Weiner said the old trail had been overgrown and in most places unusable.
She said it was barely wide enough for riders to use.
“It was about a foot and a half wide (45cm),” she said.
“In many places riders could not go along the trail due to dangerously eroded ruts, slippery edges and fallen branches … riders had to move onto the road and this was not safe.”
Chandler Ward’s councillor Graham Warren said the shire had many discussions with the local community and the pony club and that it was agreed the trail needed fixing.
“It was seen as a great opportunity by all to do the trail at the same time,” he said.
Cr Warren said the 3.5 kilometre trail along Tschampions and Kennedy roads was reconstructed and in some places, realigned and moved away from the road.
Ms Weiner said pony clubbers who live nearby could now ride to the club without using a horse float.
“We can now also safely send a group on a rally day out on a trail ride to enjoy a new experience and learn road safety skills,” she said.
Ms Weiner said the trail upgrade had been an essential part of the road sealing.
“Now that the roads have been upgraded and sealed, there is a greater need for horses to be able to get off the road and away from the increased and quicker traffic,” she said.