A new riding centre has been set up in Devonshire.

And its owners are keen to encourage underprivileged students to take up riding.

They say they are committed to setting fees that are within the means of children from all backgrounds.

Ms Katie Cook and Mr. Julian Lodge have set up the Community Riding Centre on Parson's Road and Tribe Road Number Three.

"I want to work with schools and underprivileged children, particularly from single parent homes that can't afford to pay for $30 an hour riding lessons,'' said Ms Cook.

"I want to see children coming after school to ride rather than hanging out on the streets on bikes,'' she said.

"Once we are more established I would like to work with the Departments of Education, and Youth and Sport & Recreation and establish grants for projects like this,'' said Ms Cook.

Mr. Lodge provided the stable's seven horses and three ponies and is the leaseholder for the site, which is owned by the Bermuda Government.

Ms Cook was educated in England at the Yorkshire Riding Centre, where she was awarded the British Horse Society Intermediate Instructors Certificate.

So far, the centre has 30 students. Students from Devon Lane School work up credits at the school and are rewarded by Friday riding and grooming sessions at the centre.

Instructor Ms Cook offers private and group lessons for students aged four years and up.

The school also runs Christmas and Easter half term holiday camps, teaching stable management, basic pony care, riding instruction. The centre also offers horse show preparation at the camps and during the year.

HOLD YOUR HORSES! Instructor Ms Katie Cook and student Ms Coleene Palmer, of the Devon Lane School, at the new Community Riding Centre on Parsons Road.