Yorkshire riding school in exchange with Portuguese government

A riding school in West Yorkshire will host a group of young Portuguese riders next week, after being selected by the Portuguese government to take part in an exchange programme.

Hebden Bridge Equestrian Centre will host five children, aged 15-16, and one instructor from 5-11 September after responding to an appeal from the Association of British Riding Schools.

In return, a group of their students will travel to Golegã in Portgual, which describes itself as “a town dedicated to the horse”, next spring.

Karen Clithero of the equestrian centre said: “The children from Golegã are coming to our stables to receive showjumping instruction and get an insight into the horseworld in England.

“They will experience all the Yorkshire equestrian world has to offer, with trips to competitions, shows and professional yards.

“The Portugese government is paying for these youngsters to come over to experience our area and in return they have invited some of our riders to visit their town, just north of Lisbon.”

The return part of the exchange will involve the British students receiving instruction in working equitation and horsemanship.

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