SPENCER, a Shetland pony from Kirklevington Riding Centre near Yarm, is now the face of a new club offering virtual horse knowledge and care sessions for youngsters missing their riding lessons, which can't go ahead due to lockdown.

After providing entertainment for his young fans by trying different activities from Joe Wicks workouts to painting during the first lockdown, Spencer, is offering the care sessions.

Instructor Charlotte Rudd said: "We know how much our younger clients are missing their favourite ponies during lockdown - Spencer and his friends have received lots of post! We hope these sessions will help provide the children with a fun pony fix and some new knowledge to bring back to lessons when the situation allows."

Spencer Club sessions, which are based on the British Horse Society's Challenge Award scheme, are targeted at horse loving youngsters aged five to 10 years - older children and adults can join the more advanced 'Virtual Challenge Club' sessions - will run online every Friday evening from 4.30pm.

Participants will complete interactive tasks to earn points on Spencer's leaderboard, with the points winner receiving a trophy at the end of the online modules.

Kirklevington Riding Centre's owner and Chief Instructor, Jennifer Brooks, said: "Lots of our clients have been in touch to say how much they are missing the boost riding normally provides for their mental and physical health. We wanted to do as much as we can to provide some enjoyment for our riders, and any parents struggling with home schooling remotely.

"The sessions will also help us cover the costs of looking after Spencer and his friends - it is the worst time of year for riding schools to be without income as the weather means the horses are living inside, relying on our staff for care and exercise and requiring supplementary food.

"Like many other riding schools, our options for providing for the horses in our care have been significantly limited after a year of very limited income - whilst grants have provided some help our costs remain very similar whether we are able to welcome clients or not. I hope that the Government recognises the benefits of safe, socially distanced outdoor exercise and it isn't too long before we can start welcoming riders back in person."