A FARMER who lost his 160-strong herd to foot and mouth is now offering riders a unique equestrian experience.

The Craven Country Ride is the innovative idea of farmer David Coates, of Haughfield Farm, Coniston Cold.

Together with his father Joe, he has created 8.5km of grass track which wind past a lake, woodland and meadows.

Riders can tackle 30 fences, designed and built by David and his son Harry, or simply bypass them and continuing along the ride. Tracks, known as connectors, allow riders to return to their favourite sections or vary their route.

Taken out by foot and mouth last May, the Coates family, who have been in Coniston Cold for 30 years, felt the time was right to try something new.

David said: "I had the idea a few years ago when we had a couple of fundraisers for the Pendle Forest Pony Club. The riders did a follow my leader around the farm and the parents said how wonderful it was to be out in the open with no roads.

"We had a lot of milk cows then which had to be milked twice a day so it was not practical to have people and horses - the two don't mix. We were then taken out by foot and mouth and thought we would give it a go."

David added: "If this can help keep us on the land and gives people something to enjoy then it will have worked for everyone."

The first riders to try out the course, Anne Calvert of West Marton and 11-year-old Oliver Berry, of Thornton-in-Craven, declared it was "superb".

Anne said: "It's wonderful. We have had a brilliant time. There are nice, natural fences which are not too over-facing."

Oliver, riding his 13-year-old pony Jake, said he liked the flowers and trees planted on the fences.

David said: "Most of the investment has been in time, but Rural Enterprise have helped fund the construction of the fences.

"We have always been interested in horses and dad enjoys meeting people. In Craven there is a need for facilities and so we thought it was worth a try."

Facilities at the Craven Country Ride include a rider's clubhouse, offering refreshments, and parking for horseboxes. Riders can also hose down their horses before returning home.

The Country Ride is open throughout the summer and costs £15 for as long as horse and rider can keep going!

Riders are asked to ring 01729 850277 to book or visit www.countryride.co.uk