A STABLES owner has pleaded with the council to fund a proper repair of a closed Borders footbridge in order to protect horse riders.

Ann Philip says pony trekkers face constant danger on the back road from Innerleithen to Walkerburn – their only route as they cannot access the multi-use path network via Haughhead bridge.

The former railway crossing, which passes over the River Tweed, was closed to all in August after a pony’s hoof went through the rotten wooden deck.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) promised a “functional fix” but stated horses and riders would be banned when the bridge re-opens.

Ms Philip, owner of Haughhead Stables, said: “The changes to the Highway Code in 2022 state that cars should pass at 10mph and two metres distance from the horse.

“There isnae two metres on this road for any motorist, it is not their fault or ours.

“Horse riding is a risk sport but as a yard owner and owner of the horses, I have to be seen to be responsible and choose the safest options I can for the riders.

“I feel it’s been taken out of my hands because I am putting them in potential danger on the road.”

She added: “We would like Haughhead bridge fixed as soon as possible.

“Nobody has taken into consideration how much space horses take up on the road.

“I rode the road on Tuesday and Saturday and the mountain bike uplift minibuses are fabulous with us. But what’s going to happen is, if there are six or seven horses on the road the minibuses cannot pass and we have to ride to the next passing place.

“It is not quite so busy at the moment but in the spring we don’t want fall-outs with cyclists or motorists and other road users.”

A protest was recently held over the council’s decision to force horses out onto the back road.

The following riders turned out with their ponies: Kyra Carver on Buddy; Chloe Russell on Purdie; Logan Smith on Ma Lady; Emelia Wright on Fizz; Niamh Wright on Teddy; Louise Stephens on Barny; and two-year-olds Willow and Noah on Daisy May and Dinky, led by Ciaran Stewart and Nicola Philip.

Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone said: “As a horse rider, I know how difficult it can be to ride safely on small country roads and I completely understand the concerns being raised.

“The closure of the bridge to horses and riders is for safety reasons and the impact on weight limits, which have been tested.”

Andrew Lowrie has two teenage grandchildren who ride ponies from Haughhead Stables.

He said: “Pushing the horses onto the narrow back road is just an accident waiting to happen.”

Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas said: “I completely sympathise with the issue of horses not being allowed over the bridge, but unfortunately the bridge is not safe to bear the weight of horses and riders.

“Council engineers have looked at this situation and regret that the closure is necessary until full repairs can be completed, which is dependant upon the availability of funding.”

SBC previously failed to find the cash to improve the bridge after its condition was raised at community council meetings back in 2022.

Last month it said there would be improvements to the current road markings and new 40mph speed limit signage installed.

SBC was asked for a comment.