Riding has taken place at Headfort since 1957. Children have the privilege of bringing their own ponies back to school. These are kept in livery, in exchange for other children using them. Our approach differs from that of more conventional Riding Schools. We aim to teach them so that they become interested and then stay interested, gain confidence and be secure and self-sufficient. They must learn to understand animal behaviour and be sympathetic towards it. The beginnners learn to ride on a lead basis.

We have fantastic surroundings. We hack around the estate, use our 22 Junior X - Country course, our set of showjumps and other natural obstacles that we find. Children who are capable, go Hunting . When they do, they are used to open spaces and know how to look after themselves. In the summer term, we spend time trying to polish up and refine our technique.

Children learn to rug, unrug, tack up and generally look after the ponies, always under supervision. They learn to know when a pony needs shoeing or needs attention because it is lame or coughing. This style of riding can be much more fun than that of a Riding School, where children are bored going round in never-ending circles.Generally with 7 - 9 year olds olds, the most popular ponies are those of between 20 and 30 years of age; the more experienced prefer the competitive all round pony.

It's astonishing how children from non-horsy backgrounds become such good riders, even riding only once a week. Girls prove to be far more interested in all aspects of riding, whereas boys, as they get older, just want to ride on fine days and none of the trimmings seem to appeal. In riding............. and especially at Headfort, " You're only as good as the animal under you ". M.M.