A SUMMER opportunity to explore the Furness lanes on the back of a horse became something of a summer tradition for secondary school pupils in the 1990s.

Youngsters from Alfred Barrow School, in Duke Street, Barrow, were regular July visitors to the Seaview Riding School at Biggar Village, on Walney Island.

The Mail, on Friday, July 15 in 1994, noted: "The last week of term took on an outdoor twist as the youngsters spent three days at the riding stables.

"Headteacher David Titcombe decided it would be a good idea to get the pupils out and about before they broke up for the summer holidays.

"Teachers Penny Pearce and Alayne Woodhand arranged to take their group to the riding school while other groups went fell walking, tried their hand at fishing,archery or t-shirt printing.

"The children completed all the tasks usually expected of stable hands, from grooming and saddling to mucking out.

"The reward for all the hard work was a series of riding and theory lessons, a canter out along the beach and a barbecue."

Riding teacher Vicki Leonard said: "They are the best group we have ever had.

"The kids got on really well with the horses and picked up the riding basics easily."

Jane Hayton, organiser of the event said: "It's a really good idea to get the kids involved.

"It's an affordable way to learn, giving them an opportunity they wouldn't normally have."

Alfred Barrow pupil Kirstie Paton, 12, said: "It's been really great. I'd go riding again."

Rachael Roberts, 13, added: "The week has been dead good" while Stephen Moore, also 13, said: "It's brilliant, much better than school work."

The article noted: "At the end of the course each youngster was presented with a special rosette from the stables.

"The children turned the tables, however, and gave the staff chocolates, Champagne and a card as thanks for organising and running the events week.

Pupils from Alfred Barrow were back the following year and The Mail, on Saturday, July 15 in 1995, noted: "Rides down country lanes and the art of tacking up were both on the timetable, which should put the students in good stead should they fancy a career in the horse world."  

The Mail, on July 19 in 1996, said pupils were taught the serious points of how to ride horses and went for a trek in glorious sunshine.