Cyprus

Akrotiri saddle club: a unique equestrian experience to the military and their families

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The Akrotiri Saddle Club has been in existence for over half a century, delivering what they say is ‘a unique equestrian experience to the military and their families’. But like everywhere else, they have been hit with financial difficulties in the last couple of years.

Therefore, club members and volunteers are going about raising money and the club’s profile.

At its peak the Akrotiri Saddle Club housed over thirty horses including at one time a number of ex-RAF police horses that were stabled at the yards after the mounted police disbanded in 1972.

Now, the numbers are considerably smaller.

To keep the club going they need more horses but top of the priority list is to get people back in the saddle.

And one scheme that is proving successful is giving free or discounted lessons to first-timers or in some cases, a refresher for those who are returning to the reigns.

Recently, the saddle group teamed up with YOYO’s - a service for families of the deployed.

The idea is to give these ladies a chance to take their minds of their other halves being away whilst also generating new interest in the club

The club also offers pony rides for kids on a regular basis and they are hoping to secure some long-term funding from the station.

But already over the last year Jill and the team have doubled the membership, suggesting this is a service that’s worth all the hard work to keep it up and running.

If you want any more information about how to get involved at the Akrotiri Saddle Club then you can call the club mobile on (+357) 99259093