Shire horses to pull more school children into riding

Queen Ethelburga’s College in Yorkshire is using Shire horses to attract more pupils into horse riding.

Staff at H&H were intrigued when the private school in York placed an advertisement in the 18 September issue, looking for Shires measuring at least 18hh.

Provost Brian Martin explained that by offering rides around the college estate and introducing pupils to the impressive animals, more would be tempted into riding in general.

“I’m certain the interest in the equestrian side of things will grow,” he said.

The college recently upgraded its Royal Court Equestrian Centre which has new stables, a horse sauna, changing rooms, offices and classrooms, and Mr Martin wants pupils to take full advantage.

The response to the advertisement has been excellent and Mr Martin says the college is hopeful it has found four Shires perfect for the job. The two matching pairs are used to pulling drays and could well end up showing at local events.

“I think it will lead to better interaction with the local community,” said Mr Martin.

Equestrianism is taken extremely seriously at Queen Ethelburga’s — the day and boarding co-educational school holds its own horse shows and almost a third of pupils take riding lessons.

www.queenethelburgas.edu

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