Promoting Responsible Path Use.
British Horse Society Scotland has launched a new educational video series designed to help horse riders and other path users safely and responsibly share Scotland’s public access routes. The initiative, created in partnership with nexus24 aims to improve understanding and protect the countryside for everyone.
Promoting Safer Shared Access for All Path Users
Scotland’s paths and bridleways are used by a wide range of people, including horse riders, cyclists, dog walkers and runners. The new video series focuses on encouraging respectful, cautious behaviour when these groups meet, helping to ensure that shared access remains safe for all.
The videos provide clear, practical guidance for riders on how to approach and pass other path users calmly, how to communicate intentions, and how to anticipate potentially unpredictable situations — such as dogs off leads, fast-moving cyclists, or runners approaching from behind.
Educating Riders on Protecting Land and Path Surfaces
A key focus of the campaign is environmental responsibility. The videos highlight how horse hooves can impact soft ground, farmland, and path surfaces if used incorrectly or in poor conditions. Riders are encouraged to:
Avoid riding on waterlogged or vulnerable ground
Stick to designated routes where possible
Be mindful of farmers’ land, crops, and livestock
Understand how repeated damage can lead to path closures or restrictions
By promoting responsible riding, British Horse Society Scotland aims to protect access rights while maintaining positive relationships with landowners and rural communities.
nexus24’s Role in Bringing the Message to Life
nexus24 worked closely with British Horse Society Scotland to direct, film, and edit the video series, ensuring the messaging was clear, engaging, and accessible to a broad audience. The agency combined strong visual storytelling with practical education, making complex access guidance easy to understand and apply in real-world situations.
The result is a set of high-quality, shareable videos that support long-term behaviour change while reinforcing the importance of mutual respect on shared paths.
Supporting a More Considerate Countryside
This initiative reflects British Horse Society Scotland’s ongoing commitment to rider education, countryside protection, and the responsible use of public access routes. By raising awareness of other path users and the potential impact of horses on land, the campaign helps ensure Scotland’s paths can be enjoyed safely by everyone — now and in the future.