Waikato horse riders are continuing their fight to be able to ride their animals on Raglan's beaches.

In 2020, the local council began enforcing a by-law banning horses and vehicles on the main beach, but a procedural error means it's not legal.

The council is now planning to create a new by-law to rectify its mistake, and block horse access to beaches again.

Horse Advocates Access Waikato Secretary Sarah McKinlay says it's a blow to local riders.

She told Kate Hawkesby it's estimated 20 percent of the country's equine population is in the Waikato region.

McKinlay says there's a lack of safe spaces for the public to ride their horses, despite the massive figure.

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