FORGET Thelwell cartoons of chubby riders and potbellied horses – an Olympic sports scheme is championing riding as a good way to get fit and tone up.

“If you want to improve your fitness and the gym is not for you, try riding,” says Steph Eddies- Davies, owner of Worcestershirebased Country Treks riding centre.

“It will strengthen core muscles, tone the thighs and bottom, and give you a cardiovascular workout.”

Country Treks, which is based in Stottesdon, near Kidderminster, is taking part in the Take Back the Reins scheme, organised by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and Sport England, to promote riding to new riders or those who have been out of the saddle for a long time, as a way of improving fitness and general wellbeing.

The scheme is led by Hoof, the BEF’s Olympic legacy that aims to bring riding to as many people as possible in 2012.

According to the organisation, horse riding can burn the same calories per hour as a 30-minute jog at six miles per hour – about 315-480 an hour for someone who weighs 150lbs (10st 7lb).

It is also effective in working the major muscle groups in the body, developing leg muscles, core body strength, the deep postural control muscles, arm and hand muscles – and the beauty is it does that all at the same time, unlike most gym equipment.

“Not only is riding a good way of improving fitness in people of all ages, it also allows you to enjoy the great outdoors in our wonderful countryside,” said Mrs Eddies-Davies.

“We can take a nervous, rusty or novice rider and in just seven weeks they will be racing round the countryside and it’s a terrific opportunity for people to get to grips with horse riding in the great outdoors. So whether you’re a total beginner, or someone who has not been riding for a long time, it’s never too late to get to take back the reins.”

Country Treks, which is part of the Old Vicarage Activity Centre, is offering a seven-week 'Take Back the Reins' course for £25 for an hour-and-half session. Pony and Play sessions run alongside to cater for anyone with childcare needs. During the course, participants will learn all aspects of riding and horse handling, as well as tacking up and untacking.

To book a place, call 01746 718436 or for more details, visit the website horsetreks.co.uk.