A new horse has arrived at a Dundee riding centre – with one major difference.
The Brae Riding for the Disabled has welcomed a mechanical horse, allowing their clients to learn to ride in a controlled environment.
The robotic horse, named Blackberry Brae acts as a simulator giving riders the ability to walk, trot and canter.
Users can choose their surroundings, visiting giraffes at a zoo, take a trip to the lighthouse and pick apples in the woods.
Alex Henderson, manager at the Linlathen Grove centre, says the idea came as a way to promote social distancing after lockdown.
But it soon evolved as a way to help people who are unable to ride live horses, as well as those who are allergic or nervous.
She said: “It’s such a good tool for lots of people, not just our existing clients but new ones as well.
“It’s useful as the weight limit increases.
“Our horses can take up to 14 stone and the mechanical horse can take up to 16 stone.
“People who are allergic or are fearful to go on the horses can start on the machine.
She added: “We’re hoping the majority of people will start on the mechanical horse and then transfer the skills to the real horses but there will be the occasion where it’s not safe for someone to go on the real horse.
“This gives us the capacity to assist them. They’re still getting the exercise without them knowing that they’re getting it.
“Having the interactive screen is really good as some of the autistic children may not be able to focus or can be distracted in other situations. It’s like they’re in a video game and they’re a part of it.”
Try out Blackberry Brae at open day
The centre will host an open day on Saturday August 13, offering demonstrations of the mechanical horse, as well as tours of the stables, dressage rider displays and musical drills.
Alex said: “We’re hoping that the day will attract a lot of people who may not know where we are.
“We also want our existing clients to come and have a fun day out.”
Alex is also hoping to attract more volunteers to help out at the centre.
She said: “We can’t operate without volunteers.
“With the mechanical horse we need another person to help with both sides of the horse so we’re definitely on the lookout for more help.”
Ben meets Blackberry Brae
Our reporter, Ben MacDonald, tried out the mechanical horse.
As I approached the simulator I had to inform centre manager Alex my only experience riding a horse was during a holiday in Millport many moons ago.
After finding a helmet and slipping my feet into the stirrups, Alex pressed the button on her sensor and immediately I was trotting along a beach.
Taking a leisurely stroll towards a lighthouse, I was shown how the horse can turn with the use of the reins.
The head moved in such a fashion it felt as if I was riding an actual horse.
Reaching my destination, Alex then changed the settings to a dressage arena.
I had the opportunity to change the speed of the ride, going from a trot to a canter.
Unfortunately, my long legs kicked back a couple of times and forced the poor steed into a full-blown gallop.
A quick pull of the reins and the horse was brought to a complete stop.
I was highly impressed by how life-like the experience was.
From seasoned riders to newcomers, the mechanical horse will prove a worthy acquisition for The Brae.
How toy banks could help families as the cost of living crisis bites
Conversation