AN exciting and ambitious training programme for riders across the county has been outlined by Peter Whiteman, chairman of the Gloucestershire branch of the British Horse Society.

This is the first time that riders in Gloucestershire have been able to take part in an extensive training programme organised by training officer William Miflin.

Mr Miflin, who has completed the daunting cross-country course at Badminton six times and was long-listed for the Olympics, has devised a training programme across the winter suitable for all levels of riders.

The events are open to BHS members as well as non-members and while a horse is needed for some events, some of the training sessions are not mounted.

Around 30 members at the annual meeting heard John Labourchere give a fascinating talk on his trek through the Andes with three horses when he had to shoe his own horses in the mountains and stitch them up when they were injured.

There were also reports from chairman Peter Whiting, riding and safety officer Jean Rose, training officer William Miflin, access and rights of way officer William Reddway and membership secretary Rob Nash.

Mr Whiteman said a successful year included a Trec training day and a fun ride at Guiting Power.

Carol Broad, fellow of NHS, will give a lunging session at Huntley School of Equitation on November 27 at 2pm.

Hannah French, BHSI, has prepared a series of evening talks on various aspects of looking after horses to be held at the Rising Sun, Hartpury, and which started on October 25.

Mr Miflin is giving a series of showjumping and dressage training session in an indoor school at Haresfield, ending with a simulated cross-country session at the Kennels in Cirencester Park on February 19.

Details of the training programme are available from Sara Miflin on 01285 640335.