A HORSE ride promoting unity between landowners, local authorities and riders has taken place near Okehampton.

South West Riders held a pleasure ride on April 21 along the Pegasus Way and newly created bridlepaths nearby.

The ride, involving 75 riders, took place to promote the new paths, thank the landowners and authorities involved and drive up membership for the riders to continue their work in improving off-road riding.

Brenda Weller, chair of South West Riders, said: 'These days most horse riding is done on the roads, unless you are lucky enough to live near the moors. 

'Many bridleways have become unusable either because they have become overgrown or eroded, or because the only way to access a bridleway is along or across a busy road.

'South West Riders was set up to try to overcome these problems and one of the reasons for holding the ride was to thank Devon County Council, the Forestry Commission and other land-owners for their help. 

'By working together it was possible to open a stretch of the disused railway line from Okehampton to Halwill, and the ride went along the route of the Pegasus Way, the first section of this long distance route.

'It also went under the newly opened bridge under the A3079, which has made a marvellous safe route for local riders.'

The youngest rider on the 12-mile route was five year old Ella Glennon from Gulworthy. Her mother, Debbie, said: 'She had an amazing time and can't wait to do it again. The only sticky moment came when she was laughing so much with excitement that she nearly fell off.'

As well as giving lots of people the chance to explore a new riding route, South West Riders raised £200 each for Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Hillside Animal Rescue Centre.

If anyone would like to know more about the group and see the photos taken on the ride, they are welcome to come along to Bridestowe Village Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 6.

This is a free fun get together with refreshments, good speakers and a tack stall.