Pony trekking centre shuts because riders are ‘too fat’
A HORSE trekking centre is closing because the animals risk being injured by overweight riders.
Babeny Farm at Poundsgate on Dartmoor, Devon, will cease trading as a trekking centre in September after 35 years in business.
Farm owner Dee Dee Wilkinson said the closure was partly due to an increase in larger visitors who were placing an “unfair” burden on the horses.
“The horses are at an age where they need replacing. Getting those good replacements can be difficult,” Mrs Wilkinson said.
“We are finding increasingly that people are getting heavier, so we are unable to let them ride as it isn’t fair on the horses.”
Mrs Wilkinson said increasing costs of insurance and restrictions on when families can take holidays also influenced the decision.
Along with husband Darren, she will now concentrate on the farming and livery side of the business.
Memories
The news will come as a bitter blow to the many people who have trekked across Dartmoor on Babeny horses.
“This is very sad in many ways as Babeny has provided a trekking service to customers far and wide, internationally and nationally for many years,” said Mrs Wilkinson.
“It has given numerous happy memories to people. For many it was their first ever experience of being near and riding a horse.
“We have no doubt that it will be very sadly missed.”
However, she continued: “Running a trekking centre takes its toll emotionally and physically due to the risk.
“It’s seven days a week through the summer and then the winter.”
A clearance sale will now be held on September 8 and the yard’s horses will be sold when the right home is found for them.
But the yard’s thriving livery yard is set to benefit with summer clinics, picnic rides and demonstrations all to be increased.
The Babeny Riding Club will also be reformed and a packed agenda of activities is in the process of being created.
“We are in the middle of Dartmoor with fantastic riding, and we’re also very lucky to have an all-weather arena, so the set up is perfect for our liveries,” said Mrs Wilkinson.
“I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my own horses taking part in clinics, rides and competing.” By announcing the decision early, Mrs Wilkinson now hopes that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to take up the reins and ride across Dartmoor one final time before the curtain comes down on Babeny Farm Trekking.