Stennett’s stable offers route into the equestrian way of life

Whatever the reason, there are moves afoot to make this easier and to make the sport more accessible to a wider range of people.

There will be a lasting legacy following the London Olympics thanks to a project called Hoof, which is being run by the British Equestrian Federation.

The aim is to get new people riding and to help equestrian businesses and organisations to grow.

One of the pilot schemes for BEF’s Take Back the Reins scheme is being run at Grove House Stables at Misterton, Doncaster, by Andrew Stennett.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for lapsed or new riders to be introduced to the thrills of riding and to the health benefits,” said Andrew.

“In the past the equestrian industry has been a bit rigid about things and it hasn’t always met the needs of the customers.”

He is being tactful, for many of us have probably visited an establishment where the welcome has been warmer from the stable’s Jack Russell terrier than from any of the staff.

But all this is set to change.

The seven-week Take Back the Reins courses have been designed to encourage people of all ages to get back in the saddle and there is a strong emphasis on customer care.

One of the courses is already under way at Grove House Stables.

It has attracted a wide range of people, says Andrew, from those who rode as children, to parents of regular riders and some retired people.

Andrew hopes that as word spreads, people who have never considered riding before will also join in.

“Riding is a hobby for people of all ages and abilities, so don’t ever use the excuse ‘I’m too old’ or ‘I’m not good enough’,” says Andrew.

“It will be sociable too as you will be with like-minded people.”

He runs Grove House Stables with his wife, Libby and their two children Harriet, 15, and Jack, 18, also help out.

He set up the business 20 years ago in a very small way and they now have over 30 horses and ponies.

“Equestrian businesses are facing significant challenges, so it’s vital to take the sport forward,” said Andrew.

The British Equestrian Federation was one of the first sporting bodies to present its plans for a lasting legacy and has received funding from Sport England.

The Hoof initiative was launched in London in 2009.

One of the projects it has helped to fund is the Ebony Horse Club Community Riding Centre in Brixton, which is the first purpose-built riding centre in London for 30 years.

Regional Hoof networks have been set up and will be using feedback from the pilot projects, so that the scheme can be expanded to other riding centres throughout the country.

The official launch of Take Back the Reins will be at Olympia on December 16.

Becky Walker, whose story about her American Quarter horse, Cowboy Jo, we featured last week, can be contacted by visiting her website www.yorkshireanimal physiotherapy.co.uk