A MOTHER has called for more bridleways after an accident involving her 11-year-old daughter ended in tragedy.

Cathy Barrett spoke out after her daughter, Sophie, was in collision with a car while riding her pony, Mr Chuckles, last Sunday in Cononley.

Sophie did not sustain any injuries, but her pony had to be put down.

Mrs Barrett, of Meadow Lane, Cononley, told the Herald: "There is definitely a need for more bridleways and signs, but there is still the problem that an amount of horse riding on roads is still required."

She added: ""Chucks was Sophie's soulmate. She was absolutely dedicated to him and is distraught at what has happened.

"Something needs to be done about the back lane drivers. It is like a rat run on those lanes. I know from going out on my horse, it can be terrifying sometimes."

Echoing Mrs Barrett's concerns is bridleway officer Betty Brayshay, of Trawden Forest and Borders Bridleway Association.

Mrs Brayshay, of Black Lane Ends, near Cowling, said: "This incident highlights the need for more bridleways to be opened in the area, which we as an association are campaigning for.

"We always ask our riders to be courteous to drivers and acknowledge them when they have slowed down. "But, at the end of the day, horses are not machines and you are never quite sure how they might react."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council, responsible for bridleways in the area, said: "We will look into the situation and take any action necessary."