HORSE riding is often seen as a pastime of the privileged and wealthy, writes Chris Richards. However, one riding school in Times Territory is hoping to change that perception. Kay Ivory, who owns the Welwyn Equestrian Centre alongside her husband

HORSE riding is often seen as a pastime of the privileged and wealthy, writes Chris Richards.

However, one riding school in Times Territory is hoping to change that perception.

Kay Ivory, who owns the Welwyn Equestrian Centre alongside her husband Peter, told the WHT: "Horses have always had this elite thing about them, but that is not true.

"We are trying to dispel that myth."

The couple have owned the centre, which incorporates a riding school and livery stables, for the past 45 years.

However, during the last 12 months, they have made a conscious effort to encourage more adults to learn to ride.

And the response has been very positive, with the riding school now having some 50 adults on its books.

Kay, 69, said: "We have always had lots of mums and dads standing by the side-lines watching their children have a riding lesson, but recently it seems parents are deciding that if they can't beat them, they'll join them and are taking up the reins alongside their kids."

She added: "We cater for people of all abilities.

"If you can ride a bike you can ride a horse."

To demonstrate this, I was given a 30 minute riding lesson with 15 year-old Barney.

And thanks to the excellent tutelage of instructor Millie McBride, I was soon trotting around and feeling pretty confident in the saddle.

So, if learning to ride appeals to you, what should you do?

"Give us a call and come and have a look around," said Peter.

Welwyn Equestrian Centre offers a range of private and semi-private lessons for adults and children from Tuesdays through to Sundays.

For more information, call 01438 813821 or visit www.welwynequestrian.co.uk