Section 9 (Riding and Driving) of the 1972 Seashore Byelaws states;

‘No person shall, on the Seashore, break-in any horse or other animal or ride or drive any horse or other animal in a race, or so as to cause danger or annoyance to any person using the Seashore.’

Torbay Council allows horses to be ridden on the beaches for which they are responsible.  However the Council has a responsibility to provide a safe public area and with this in mind, the following conditions must be adhered to;

• Any ride must, at all times, be conducted in an orderly and responsible manner; with due consideration for the safety and comfort of other beach users.  Please remember that not everyone is knowledgeable about horses and our beaches are open to the general public at all times.  Be alert for other beach users; particularly children. Also be aware of the possibility that dogs may be running free on the beach.  
• Riders must indemnify the Council against all claims, actions, damages or proceedings of whatever nature arising directly out of the granting of this permission.
• Winter (1 October to 30 April) Horses may be ridden on the accessible beaches within Torbay in the early morning or late afternoon when the beach is quiet, and only at low tide.
• Summer (1 May to 30 September) Horses may not be ridden on the beaches between the hours of 10am and 6pm and may not be ridden at all on any beaches with the Blue Flag award.  Please check our ‘Beach Awards’ website for the most up-to-date list of these. (+ link)
• The beach must be left in a clean and tidy condition.  All litter; including manure must be removed from the beach IMMEDIATELY and taken away with you.
• Riders using the beach must have public liability insurance and may be asked to provide evidence of this to Council staff.
• Anyone riding a horse must leave the beach immediately if requested to do so by any officer of the Council for any reason.

For your own safety and the safety of your horse, please check the weather conditions before setting out; in strong winds and rain we would advise against horses being taken onto the beaches.  

Consider carefully which beach you intend to use.  Some of our beaches are not accessible for horses or are largely shingle-covered.  

Be aware that during very low tides or where the beach has been scoured by rough weather, additional hazards may be uncovered.

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