Fylde coast takes reins for riding taster day

The Give Horses A Go day aimed to build on the Olympic spirit and encourage people to try riding in the hope of finding the medal winners of the future.

The taster sessions were a initiative run by the British Equestrian Federation and were held at Midgeland Riding School.

Visitors had the chance to ride horses and try out the school’s £50,000 horse simulator, Radar, bought with the help of a grant from Sport England.

Riders from Lancashire Police’s mounted section gave a display and talk and Blackpool people who took part in Positive Together, a scheme in conjunction with Great Places Housing Group and Lancashire Sports, were presented with certificates.

Wendy Ellis, proprietor of the school, said: “The Positive Together initiative was for people 
who normally would never have the chance to ride a horse.

“It was a 26-week course designed so that they really got something worthwhile out of it. It was great to have their presentation included on the day.

“The activities included a presentation by Lancashire Police Mounted Division.

“PC Debbie Owen and PC Tom Draper gave an explanation about their role within the constabulary and rode their horses Morcambe and Guild.

“Visitors really enjoyed listening to the presentation and getting closer to the horses during the event.”

She said visitors also enjoyed riding the horse simulator.

“Radar was bought for our Riding for the Disabled work. It allows people who might have difficulties or who might be a little scared of real horses at first to learn in a safe way.

“Radar is for everyone really and so visitors could have a go on the day, learning to steer and ride like on a real horse.”