AS modern life becomes more stressful, people are turning to alternative therapies and more natural lifestyles for solutions to common problems, and nowhere is this trend more apparent than in the field of horse management.

Equestrian magazines are full of articles about complementary therapies and new training techniques, but local riders often struggle to find practical information and support to help them choose the right way forward for themselves and their horses.

To fill this need, the Natural Horse Group was formed in November 2001, in Masham. The group aims to provide information about keeping horses in the most natural way that modern conditions allow and organises events on a regular basis all over Yorkshire. These events include talks, workshops and visits to places of interest - no particular ideology or method is promoted but all speakers and practitioners are selected on the basis of their credentials and reputation.

In the past year, the group has featured exceptional trainers, such as Lucy Rees (author of The Horse's Mind), Marthe Kiley-Worthington (author of many books on equine welfare, ecology and animal training), local instructor Charles Wilson and Ken Faulkner from Australia. There have been workshops on shiatzu and aromatherapy and talks on homeopathy, natural boarding, going barefoot, dentistry, worming, feeding, grassland management and equine behaviour.

The events are organised through various local branches of the group and members are encouraged to start their own local activities with the support of the main group and to assist in the selection of subjects to be covered.

Forthcoming events include a group visit to the Shire Horse Farm at Scarborough this weekend, a weekend workshop in July on Tteam (a system of groundwork and bodywork devised by American trainer Linda Tellington-Jones), a social ride in wonderful countryside near Masham in August and a clinic with American equine bio-mechanics expert Deb Bennett in September.

Membership of the group affords reduced entry fees to events, regular newsletters by post or e-mail, a free copy of the group's yearbook and the facility to share related events or services with other members. The group also runs many friendly social events. For information about how to join, call Lesley Holehouse on (01325) 730648.

The private tour of the Shire Horse Farm, at Scarborough, on Saturday June 7, is an opportunity to see how the Shires and driving ponies are kept and trained in a natural and relaxed environment. The event is for members and their families but new members are welcome to join on the day by prior arrangement. Please call Linzy Lyne on (01943) 466573 for details.

Events

Ryedale Bridleways Group, on Saturday June 8, Pleasure Ride at Boonhill Farm, Newton-on-Rawcliffe. Entries taken on the day; 10 and 15 mile routes; start between 9-11 am. For further infoormation, Telephone (01751) 432643.

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Endurance GB North & East Yorkshire Group, June 11, a welcome to endurance riding evening - all you ever wanted to know explained. The Galtres Centre, Easingwold from 8pm (bar from 7.30 pm). Free admission, all welcome including non-members; June 28, Dalby Forest evening social and barbecue; June 29, Dalby Forest training ride. For further info or to join, contact Liz Gibson, Kintail Lodge, Oulston Road, Easingwold, York YO61 3PR; telephone (01347) 821310.

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BRAMHAM International Horse Trials, the largest equestrian event in the north of England, will be held at Bramham Park, June 5-8. For details, please see our sports pages.

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A NATIONAL team of riders has been announced by the British Show Jumping Association for the Nations Cup competition at Reims, from June 5-8. In the junior section is Rebecca Walker, from the York area, with Filibuster de Val and Polo Sport.

Updated: 14:32 Wednesday, June 04, 2003