Have a go at riding a horse for just a fiver (From Worcester News)

Have a go at riding a horse for just a fiver

11:30am Monday 15th February 2010 in

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THE first session of Horseriding4life for 2010 starts on Saturday at Worcester Riding School. The scheme, which is part of the government’s nationwide Chang4life initiative, is encouraging family’s to go along to the popular sessions where they have the opportunity to try out horse riding for just £5.

Deni Harper-Adams, who runs Worcester Riding School at Clifton, Kempsey, near Worcester, said anyone interested should contact her to book a session between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, February 20.

She said: “We first launched Horseriding4life in the summer last year. It has been hugely successful so we have pledged our support for the national scheme and have decided to keep the sessions going in 2010.

“We are very proud to be doing our bit for the government initiative which is aimed at encouraging people – especially youngsters – to eat better and exercise more and therefore to live longer and healthier lives.”

By offering the £5 sessions, Deni hopes to encourage people who believed that horse riding was too expensive or an elitist sport that only catered for people with a good level of fitness.

She said: “The idea is for the whole family to come to the school and take part in a taster session. They will take place in the indoor riding area or, if the weather is good, we can offer a hack around the villages.”

Deni was compelled to take part in the initiative – which was launched last year – because she realises how important exercise and a healthy lifestyle is to get the most out of life.

She never expected the sessions to be so popular. She said: “These taster sessions break down barriers and as the lessons aren’t as long as our regular classes, the less fit will still enjoy them.

We are also a Riding for the Disabled centre so those less able people are being actively encouraged to take part.

For those who are apprehensive about even getting on to a pony, Mischief the Shetland and Jakey the Welsh Mountain pony will be on hand for cuddles and carrots.”

For more information, call 07889 569009 or go to worcesterridingschool.com.