SHOOTING and country sports organisations must be congratulated for the way they have reacted to our safety concerns after a rider and horse were severely injured in an incident last year.

This year's edition of the Code of Good Shooting Practice contains substantial reference to shoots' relationship with riders and wise advice on safety.

Like most things, however, its success depends on cooperation, and, with the shooting season now upon us, riders with shoots nearby would do well to obtain and read the code to see what guidance is being given to guns.

They are trying to understand our problems and we should take the trouble to see theirs.

The British Horse Society was consulted about the revised Code, but I would still like to hear any views on how it might be improved. Riding and shooting are both country pursuits and the way forward is for both to live side by side.

The Code of Good Shooting Practice may be obtained by sending an sae to: The Secretary, Code of Good Shooting Practice, Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HL, or viewed on the British Association for Conservation and Shooting's website: www.basc.org.uk Sheila Hardy The British Horse Society