HOW many of us have been out enjoying a hack in the countryside when we've come up against a difficult gate, a poorly signed bridlepath, or blocked right of way? We might have huffed and puffed a bit, we might even have attempted to contact the highways authority, but the chances are, we will have carried on, leaving it to someone else. Then again, how many of us have passed a group of ramblers peering worriedly at some dejected looking horses in a field in the winter, fearing that their glum looks means they are uncared for?

However, with seemingly fewer riders actually venturing into the countryside and cash-strapped councils having less funds to spend maintaining rights of way, never has the need for people to keep a watchful eye on access rights for riders been more important.

The British Horse Society is currently appealing for people to join its army of volunteers - access and bridleways officers, and welfare officers to cover the North West Yorks area - taking in Craven, Skipton, Harrogate and Richmond.

Alison Harris, chairman of BHS North West Yorkshire, has been a volunteer for 20 years and earlier this year was awarded an MBE for her services to the BHS and equestrianism in Yorkshire.

She was particularly recognised for her work to promote better relations between the increasing number of cyclists on the roads - following the Yorkshire Grand Depart of the Tour de France - and horse riders.

Alison, who lives in Harrogate, is keen to build up a network of volunteers in Craven including access and welfare officers and a secretary, to be responsible for the area committee.

“I am particularly proud of the network of access and bridleways officers I’ve developed in West Yorkshire,” says Alison. “Together they have achieved so much and are a real credit to the society. I would be delighted if it could be replicated across Yorkshire – if everyone does a little it adds up to a huge amount. They will be required to be responsible for a fairly small area around where they live - I want to build up a network, first to spread the workload and secondly to use people and riders with important local knowledge."

As a volunteer, you can make a real and lasting difference to the area where you live, and it can be just your immediate area, as the aim is you will be working with others, each with their own particular area. So, what does an access officer involve? You will develop contacts with your fellow access officers - other keen horse riders, so no real problem there - and respond to and investigate access issues. You will be asked to report obstructions, and arrange clearing parties, if necessary, perhaps negotiate with landowners and farmers.

You will also be responsible for helping to make sure all under and unrecorded equestrian rights of way that exist either through historic evidence or current use are applied for and put on the Definitive Map - this may well take some time and effort, but how satisfying to know you are protecting a right of way for future generations of horse riders.

You will also co-ordinate comments where necessary on public path and definitive map modification orders - perhaps in the case of a development requiring a path to be moved.

The BHS will be on hand to give training and support - although a knowledge of map reading and experience of working with local authorities, and computer skills, is good.

Alison is also looking for people to become welfare officers to become the eyes and ears of horse welfare in their area. Such people could be asked to go out and check on the welfare of a horse following a report made to say the RSPCA. It might be a case of well-meaning ramblers spotting a horse in a field in the winter without a rug on, and believing its been ill-treated, or a genuine case, perhaps involving a horse tethered to an over-grazed patch of grass. Such officers, with their knowledge of the area and of horses, are invaluable in helping out other agencies.

“Of course, we are all concerned about the growing horse crisis and I am impressed by our welfare officers, who as volunteers respond to welfare concerns and do everything they can to educate owners so horses have a better life," says Alison.

Welfare officers will report their findings to the Welfare Team, and provide feedback to the original complainant.

Volunteers are a vital part of the BHS, which is the country's largest equestrian charity.

With the support of volunteers the charity secures and increases equestrian access, improves safety for riders and horses, enhances peoples’ equestrian skills and knowledge, and responds to thousands of horses in need of help.

And its annual volunteer survey shows that volunteering is not just about making a difference for horses, but people too - with 87 per cent describing themselves as 'happy' and 83 per cent recommending volunteering with the BHS.

“The dedication of the BHS’s volunteers is unparalleled and I am so proud of Alison and everyone that gives their time to help us across Yorkshire, all year round, in all weathers," says Amy Clements, BHS Yorkshire development officer.

“I feel privileged to have such a great team of volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about the BHS. Volunteering with the BHS is not just about taking action together and learning something new, but having fun and making new friends.

“We’d love to welcome more people into the BHS community. Whatever your skills, interest or location, we’ve got an opportunity for you.”

To find out more about volunteering with the BHS, contact Alison on 01423 398847 or email alisonharris7stray@gmail.com, or volunteer@bhs.org.uk