The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
90 take to saddle for trek
NINETY RIDERS on horseback brought the vision of a more tranquil age to the roads and lanes of south Angus yesterday.
The New Year Trek from Rowanlea Riding School at Barry attracted one of its biggest ever number of member and private owners for the start of the season event.
The trek began from the school, with the riders crossing the A930 Dundee-Carnoustie road and heading north to Woodhill and on to the old A92. The line of horses next headed east to Grange of Barry and then south again to Barry Mill.
The route next took them past Ravensby Hall to Pitskelly Farm and then down past Barry Church and back over the A930 to Station Road where they entered the Barry Buddon range, returning via Monifieth.
“It was a fantastic day – one of the best we have ever had and one of the biggest turnouts,” said school co-owner David Conchie.
“It was for experienced riders and everyone managed without difficulty, with our youngest a six-year-old girl.”
Rowanlea Riding School began life in 1965 at Craigie Home Farm in Dundee, the site at Gardyne now occupied by Dundee College, before moving out to Barry.
The new year treks began in those days, with the riders heading down to the beach at Stannergate and along to West Ferry before returning.
“It has grown over the years and this one attracted one of our biggest turn-outs. It might have become one of the biggest events of its kind in Scotland.”