1:51pm Thursday 11th March 2010
By Sian Harrison
A RIDING school in Chingford is appealing for new riders following a decline in the number of people going horseriding.
The Queen Elizabeth Riding School, in Forest Side, Chingford has been running for more than 50 years and offers novice and experienced riders the chance to ride in Epping Forest.
But the school has seen the number of people attending on a weekend fall from more than 30 to about eight over the past couple of years.
Staff believe the recession has played a big part in the decline, as the school's running costs have increased and people have cut back on luxury items.
Cindy Evans, who works as a teacher at the school, said: "There are a number of reasons we are finding it difficult.
"The bad weather has seriously affected riding conditions and has also made the cost of hay and grain very expensive.
"But most of the decline is to do with the recession - people aren't willing to fork out for something they don't see as a necessity."
Additional costs such as licences, insurances and a fee to use the forest all add to the school's running costs.
Regular users of the school have spoken in support of it, saying people should back their local riding school.
Mark O'Neill, 52, of Oak Dale Gardens, Highams Park, said he learned to ride there and his 14-year-old daughter Poppy has been attending the school for about 10 years.
He said: "It is in such a great position and it gets people in the forest.
"I used to go there from the age of six to 14 and have great memories from there."
The school offers horseriding for adults and children of all abilities and also caters for parties and events.
For further information, contact the school on (020) 8529 1223.
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