Dozens of horse and traps have been ridden across the isle for a Travelling community Jolly Boys Outing event.
Some of the buggies were of the sulky variety – a lightweight cart with two wheels and a seat for the driver, generally pulled by horses or dogs and used for harness races. The horses used to pull them are Standardbreds.
The procession has been driven through Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate.
One of those on the run is Mickey Lee, who last August led a drive in memory of his son Brandon Lee Wells. Schoolboy Brandon died after being hit by a car in St Peter’s Road in 2009. He was just nine-years-old. A white ‘ghost bike’ stands as a memorial to Brandon at the site.
Despite information that the run was for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Mr Lee said this was not the case and it was once again in Brandon’s memory with any funds raised going to road safety charity Brake. However, some on the drive said they were raising funds for GOSH.
Concerns were raised about the horses’ welfare in hot conditions, whether the drive should have gone on to Ramsgate beach and mess left on the pavement in Broadstairs.
Some residents said they also witnessed a car being forced up the kerb.
According to Thanet Coast Project local bylaws say horseriding on the beach should only before 9am and after 7pm along the seashore between 1 May and 30 September for public safety reasons
Some riding for children is allowed outside these times, when led by a responsible person on foot; but this bylaw excludes any racing or ‘breaking-in’ on the seashore.
Mr Lee said: “I wasn’t aware of any of my party going down onto the beach. Everyone was told before we set off to clear up after themselves and to be on best behaviour.”
Mr Lee added that the group had some 200 litres of water provisions.
