"As I live in the village of La Chaux-des-Breuleux and own a few Franches-Montagnes horses, I can't spend a week without going for one or two rides in our fabulous wooded pastures. As I set off towards Tramelan I come across a gate for horses, which I eagerly open to reach the large esplanade where my horses graze. After a little trot along the path, I arrive on a huge expanse of greenery. With no barriers on the horizon and no obstacles in sight, I can put my horse into a canter over a distance of 1,500 m. At the end of this wonderful ride I steer my horse a little to the left, entering a forest and crossing a nature reserve. I startle a few hares and spot some deer and squirrels. When I get back I groom my horse, feeling calm, pleasantly relaxed and recharged - a feeling I couldn't do without."
A keen horserider
Info
The Franches-Montagnes Equestrian Network Association (AREF) established a network of more than 150 km of signposted paths for horse riders at the beginning of 1999 and still maintains it. The network comprises three looping routes of around 45 km, each connected to the others by various links or shortcuts. The great advantage of this network unquestionably the automatic barrier closure system. The rider can open the gate without getting off their horse; once they have passed through, the gate closes again automatically thanks to a spring system. The paths are free to use but each rider is asked to pay for a voucher equivalent to CHF 7.00 per day. This fee enables the AREF to continue to improve and maintain the network.
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