Saddle up for fun lessons in Upper Batley

Equus Livery Yard wants to help more people discover the joy of horse riding by introducing lessons at the centre in Upper Batley.

And the venture is also keen to help tackle unemployment by offering voluntary placements for people looking for work.

Owner Debbie Gaskin said the Batley Hall Farm Riding Centre will work alongside the Job Centre to support the unemployed.

She said: “We had a lady from the Job Centre who wanted to do some voluntary work .

“She was struggling to find a job so we arranged for her to do some work here.”

As well as teaching riding technique, the riding centre is also keen to educate its pupils about caring for horses and tending to their needs.

Stable management sessions will show young riders how to muck out the stable, groom their horse and more.

Mrs Gaskin added: “When it comes to buying their first pony, a lot of children haven’t got a clue how to put the saddle on or put the bridle on the horse.

“Stable management classes will help them learn how to muck out, groom and feed the horses.”

Mrs Gaskin said she decided to branch out into riding lessons after receiving scores of enquiries from interested parents.

“We’ve also had a lot of enquiries about working with children with special needs,” she said. “Horse riding can be very therapeutic.”

The centre will also host alternative birthday celebrations in the form of pony parties.

“The children can come up and go on the ponies, they’ll have a bit of glitter on their hooves,” Mrs Gaskin said.

“We’ll bling the ponies up, maybe with a bit of spray paint, then the children can have a little tea party afterwards and party games.”

On Saturday the riding school, in Old Hall Road, will be officially opened and families can have a look around and meet the horses and instructors from 11am-3pm.

Visitors can also meet the livery yard’s other pets – two pigs, chickens, and four goats!

Mrs Gaskin, a mum of three, is hoping to introduce horse riding to more animal-loving youngsters.

She said: “It’s such a pleasurable hobby. I would encourage anybody to do it. The horses become your best friends.”