Hanna feels free in the saddle

When Take up the Reins – a national initiative to get the country horse riding – arrived at the Royal Norfolk Show with Queenie the mechanical horse, 12-year-old Hanna Free, from Attleborough, near Norwich, was one of nearly 300 visitors of all ages who climbed into the saddle.
Hanna, who has ridden several times in the past few years, was typical of many people who came along to meet Queenie. Some had never even sat on a horse before, but many more were lapsed riders who, after sampling a gentle canter on this realistic simulator, expressed an interest in getting back into the sport.

Take up the Reins is being run by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) on behalf of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) as part of the Olympic Legacy.

“There is a real myth that horse riding is only for the rich and privileged, but that’s simply not true,” said Claire Williams, executive director of BETA. “Take up the Reins is a great way to show that anyone can do it – it’s great fun, healthy, something you could enjoy with family and friends, and you’re never too old.
“We were delighted with the response from our outing to Norfolk. Visitors to the show were really interested in the scheme and responded with great enthusiasm.”

To cope with the fantastic response, staff from three local riding schools – Eden Meadows Riding Centre, in Attleborough, Woodlands Park Equestrian Centre, outside Norwich, and Blackborough End Equestrian Centre, near King’s Lynn – came along to help the BETA team.

Hanna and the rest of the riders were each presented with a certificate, goody bag and rosette to mark the occasion.