THERE was no need for words as the delighted smiles on the faces of children said it all at a special ‘pony party’ funded by Ride Yorkshire.

Twenty children from the Bransholme estate in Hull enjoyed an afternoon in the saddle, interspersed with lots of fun games and refreshments, at Oxmardyke Riding Centre, near Goole, thanks to funding provided by Ride Yorkshire in conjunction with the Leader programme.

The Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways Leader programme is a European Union-funded rural development programme set up to support community-based projects.

Ride Yorkshire raised cash for the pony party through its Fangfoss Fun Ride in September, which saw more than 60 participants’ saddle up and set out along the 14-mile route from Fangfoss up into the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds.

“We work with community groups to encourage people of all ages to enjoy equestrian activities from horse-care and stable management to riding,”

said Janet Cochrane, a director of Ride Yorkshire and lecturer in tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University.

“There are known benefits from being with horses and in the fresh air, and our national parks and open spaces provide ample opportunity for this.” This is not the first time that younger members of the community have benefited from events funded by Ride Yorkshire. Last summer, through its outreach projects, the organisation enabled nine teenagers from the Bransholme estate to experience the joy of riding with lessons at Tickton Hall Stables near Beverley.

“The lessons were aimed at teenagers to help give them the confidence and skills to enter a career or training in equine matters,” said Janet.

Horse-riding proved such a strong influence that four of the nine teenagers went on to do courses in equine studies or animal care at Bishop Burton College.

Ride Yorkshire is the brainchild of Janet Cochrane and former chairman of Visit York, John Yeomans. The pair met through a chance encounter at a local riding centre, and after teaming up with Kate Dashper, also a lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University, Ride Yorkshire was founded early in 2011.

Janet added: “We do the outreach work because we want to put something back into the community. We also develop and map riding routes throughout the East Riding and elsewhere in Yorkshire. These are available on our website.” Janet is keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in getting involved with Ride Yorkshire. She said: “Contact me to discuss how we can work with your organisation – whether you have client groups who would benefit or you’d like to sponsor activities or provide services yourself.”

For more information visit www.rideyorkshire.org, email janet.cochrane@rideyorkshire.org or phone 07583 451825