IF YOU have ever had the urge to get in the saddle then there is no better place to do it than at Oxhey Western Trail Rides in Denshaw.
People 
of all ages and abilities are guaranteed a friendly and relaxed welcome from proprietor, Helen Taylor, an experienced horsewoman.
Helen has a gift for helping to make nervous or special needs riders feel immediately at ease, and she also helps give young people confidence with her a ‘give it a try’ attitude.
Oxhey Western Trail Rides, based at Higher Oxhey Farm, is ideal for children, young people and adults who want to learn to ride and explore the beautiful countryside in Saddleworth.
Helen, her family and volunteers are warm, welcoming and very caring, treating clients with patience, sensitivity and understanding for their particular physical or learning needs.
The horses are selected for their suitability and Helen carefully matches each one to the client.
Helen said: “Horse riding is a wonderful experience that provides freedom of movement with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors from a completely different perspective.
“The safe and quiet paths and trails around Higher Oxhey Farm allow clients to be immersed in the natural environment.”
Riding there is the highlight of the week for several special needs clients from WAVES in Slaithwaite, who highly recommend Oxhey Western Trail Rides as “a very special place”.
Helen explained how therapeutic horse riding has significantly helped clients develop physically as it is a way of strengthening their core stability and improving balance.
They benefit not only from the physical movement of riding but also the touching of the horses and interaction with Helen and her team.
Helen also offers a fabulous venue for school trips for both mainstream and special needs students of all ages.
On recent visits teachers have been impressed by her organisation and the beautifully behaved animals, while students loved the learning opportunities which were designed to engage and reach every young person.
Visitors are amazed by the ‘magical’ way the horses and ponies connect with students with learning difficulties, and one specialist teacher of visual impairment called it “the most inspiring school trip she had been on”.
Helen added: “Working with vulnerable and disabled students can make finding a school trip that meets everyone’s needs difficult.
“But a day at Oxhey with our animals can hit the spot for every single student and staff member.
“I find it inspiring and heart-warming to see the journey visitors make in the space of a few hours, from cowering away from the horses to pushing to the front of the queue to go riding.”
Find out more on their website: www.oxheywesterntrailrides.co.uk or call 01457 810186.
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