Hundreds of people seized the chance to get a feel for life in the saddle when the Take up the Reins campaign’s mechanical horses went out in force over the weekend (13-14 August) – in both Glasgow and Liverpool.
RoboCob arrived at the Official Team GB FanZone Glasgow* to team up with HorseScotland, encouraging everyone to #GetHorsey while watching British athletes continuing to pull in the medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on the big screens in Merchant Square.
Meanwhile, Trigger was joining in the fun at Speke Hall’s Game On weekend, part of the National Trust property’s Summer of Sport offering families the opportunity to try out various activities.
Those who enjoyed a ride received a goody bag with a booklet on getting started and vouchers for a £10 Equine 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.
“People are really getting to understand the advantages of being around horses – not just the sheer pleasure of riding in open countryside, but also the health benefits,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “Seeing Charlotte Dujardin win a gold medal in Rio, following her 2012 Olympic success, is also encouraging for those who have thought of riding but never tried it. This is the first time the campaign has been at two venues in one weekend – Take up the Reins is really capturing the public’s imagination.”
For further information, visit www.takeupthereins.co.uk.
