in England belong to giant corporations, who don't want people travelling across their land. This hostility is in contrast to the ancient tradition of free passage. One important step is already being taken. The Long Riders Guild and the VFD are working to create a charter designed to protect the rights of equestrian travellers in Europe. VFD, based in Germany, is anxious to include the European equestrian community in this effort to preserve Europe's equestrian heritage. As David Wewetzer declared: "Now, we are all Europeans." I was lucky: I was born around the middle of the 20th century. I benefited from the wisdom of the cavalry soldiers who taught me to ride. Much of their wisdom, as well as the freedom to travel which they enjoyed, has been lost today. It is essential that we do not forget our rights to ride along the ancient paths. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, it is our duty to protect, preserve and promote equestrian travel everywhere in the world. Comments (1) [...] The legendary route known as the "Inca Trail" in South America is one example. It is a thousand years old and about 6000 kilometres (4000 miles) long. Because it is one of the oldest pedestrian trails, it is one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. Read more insights. [...]