"I'm 71 now and took up riding when I was 64, after having both hips resurfaced in my early 50s. I always kept fit and ski for at least three weeks every winter and attend Pilates classes twice a week.
"A friend of mine had horses, and I used to watch her ride and see the horses. I thought I should try it. I had a riding lesson every week and loved it, then decided I would like a pony of my own, as I was retired and had plenty of time.
"Tinker came from Wales during the gap between the two lockdowns for Covid. He was five then. We're based in Mapperley Village and ride in Shipley Park most days. We do a lot of the fun rides and go on holiday together as there's overnight sleeping in my horsebox. We've also done glamping in Norfolk and self-catering trips. When I saw the BHS ride at Needwood, I jumped at the chance to go.
"It was a guided ride for a small group on land I wouldn't otherwise have been able to see or ride on. It was beyond my expectations. Katie, the ride leader, and her family and friends, all volunteers, couldn't do enough to help me as a solo traveller and rider.
Access Field Officer for East and West Midlands, Wendy Bannerman, and BHS staff were great too and I was made very welcome. The ride was as described on the BHS site and the terrain and scenery were fabulous. It was a real treat to see the estate and meet such a lovely crowd of people.”