The British Horse Society has given an award to Buckinghamshire County Council for the role it has played in improving horse riding facilities.

The council's Rights of Way and Access Group has been very active in opening up the network of bridleways so that horse riding in Buckinghamshire is now safer and more accessible than ever.

The group has several foci: making new bridleways; improving existing bridleways; and joining bridleways up. A great deal of progress has been made in all three areas, allowing horse riding enthusiasts to really make the most of the public paths.

Margaret Dewar, Cabinet Member for Community Services, commented: "I am very proud that our Rights of Way and Access team has achieved this acclaimed award, but the recognition is rightly deserved.

"Mike [Walker, manager of the group] and his officers have demonstrated that visionary-thinking and collaborative working practices get results. Horse riding and the industry surrounding the sport is a traditional – and a major – rural business and here in Buckinghamshire we are committed to helping provide more bridle routes for the safety of both riders and motorists."

The award is to be presented to Mr Walker on the 8th November at Saddlers' Hall in London by Desi Dillingham, the vice-president of the British Horse Society and Chairman of British Dressage.