NEWS

An equestrian centre in Flookburgh, near Morecambe Bay, has just opened its gates as a horse riding school for the first time.

Airfield Farm Riding Centre and Livery Yard has been a livery yard for the past two years but, following licensing from the authorities, has now been approved as a riding school.

The strong winds and heavy rain that have affected the UK through the second week of January 2007 have caused chaos in horse riding establishments across the country.

Both private horse stables and commercial livery yards have been devastated by winds of up to 90mph in some areas. Scotland and North East England have been particularly badly affected, although most of the British Isles have seen some stormy weather over the last week.

As we enter 2007, the pony racing season is just several short weeks away for young riders across the Devon and Cornwall area.

They will take part in seven six-furlong races in total, all sponsored by the horse riding helmet and equestrian safety manufacturer Charles Owen. The races will take place between February 4th and June 16th this year and prizes will be awarded on the last day of racing.

Most people spend New Year's Day recovering from the night before. However, this is not the case in the Irish town of Castlecomer, where practically the whole village turns out for the annual Wellington boot race.

January 1st 2007 marked the 27th annual Wellie race and a large number of people joined in for the event, which raises money for local charities.

There are strict rules and regulations for the event, which state that the only appropriate footwear is the good old Wellington boot – and cut off wellies don't count!

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has announced that she will be opening a horse riding school.

The centre will cater for female equestrians only and, most specifically, mothers with young children. The children will be looked after in a crèche whilst mums can enjoy horse riding lessons in the school.