Sir, On reading the fox story (Gazette, September 24, Cheeky fox waylays walkers') I groaned at the walker's experience with the wild horses' surrounding him/her, after offering them a sandwich!

Firstly wild? No! They may live out 24-7 but they belong to someone, who, probably is in despair at the right to roam', and people feeding their horses without permission.

Like the fox in the article, horses and ponies are quick to learn when food may be on offer and will not be backward in coming forward' to ask/demand it.

This can make for some hairy' moments for innocent walkers, who may get mobbed for food. Horses will also fight over food if it is offered, increasing the risk of injury to horse and human.

So here are some of my tips for Right to Roamers'. They are as much for your safety as they are for the land/animal owners' piece of mind.

1. Do not feed. Very important, for the safety of you and future walkers, and the health of the animal.

2. Don't approach. View from a safe distance without attracting attention or alarming them.

3. If in danger, such as being chased or cornered, let go of your dog if you have one, it will be safer for you and it. It will run fast attracting an animal's attention away from you, allowing you to get to safety. Shouting loudly and waving your arms or stick may scare them off.

4. If concerned for an animal's welfare, find out who owns it and report to them, with as much information as possible, ie where, description of animal, nature of concern, is it urgent? Most people will thank you for this piece of information and it may save an animal's life.

And perhaps some farmers may thank the right to roam' - who knows!

T. Fergusson Millhead, Carnforth