Says Michael Or

A horse and rider were caught in an Army ambush at the Lions Mouth on Hankley Common just before Christmas and they were alarmed by the blank firing around them.

This has been reported in detail to the Army and they will investigate it. Her normal route on the Common avoids the main training area but she had been warned to keep to the bridleways by a Landmarc warden previously. That was on the northern part of the Common where riders are supposed to be able to ride anywhere, as it is Section 193 land.

As we understand it Section 193 of the Law of Property Act 1925 is not over ruled by Military Byelaws and the Landmarc wardens need to be educated. One warden in particular is a pain for both walkers and riders.

Suggestion, if challenged and he threatens to confiscate the horse (he has said this!), is for the rider to get down, hand him the reins and suggest that the rider drives his Land Rover .

In the meantime please tell riders on Hankley Common to watch out for Army training activity but they should post sentries on bridleways to warn people. If there is a problem causing danger to horse or rider, request any person in charge to cease fire immediately, in accordance with their rules of engagement that theoretically forbid the firing of blank rounds within 100 metres of a civilian. <

If the incident is serious then to report it to you or me as we need to build a dossier on this. The report should include Location, time, date and the name of a responsible person if present. If stuck and unable to leave the place where it is happening then phone a friend, to act as a witness.

Have you had any problems with the Army or experienced any military fire?

Please e-mail and tell us what happened?