The nation’s favourite farmer, Countryfile TV presenter Adam Henson, turned cowboy when the Take up the Reins Tour of Great Britain arrived at his Cotswold Farm Park, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July). He took a ride on RoboCob, the campaign’s mechanical horse, complete with Western saddle, who is encouraging everyone to #GetHorsey.
Almost 200 visitors who also got a feel for life in the saddle received a goody bag with a booklet on getting started and vouchers for a £10 Equestrian Taster Experience (towards a riding session) and a free pair of riding gloves when buying their first pair of jodhpurs and boots.
The Take up the Reins campaign, devised by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and supported by Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) participation initiative to encourage more people into the sport*, aims to get those of all ages and backgrounds connecting with horses.
This fabulous, fun initiative is promoting the benefits of being around horses – improving health, fitness and wellbeing, whether in or out of the saddle. Getting horsey can also help to build precious family time where parents and children put down the tablet and mobile phone, and enjoy a group activity. This can lead to a more switched-on, vibrant life with new opportunities.
Those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground might help at their local riding stables or become a volunteer at an equine charity, where they can still experience that powerful connection with horses and build friendships with like-minded people.
For more information about the campaign and the Take up the Reins Tour of Great Britain, visit takeupthereins.co.uk.
