A FARMING couple, who have endured a year-long foot-and-mouth nightmare, are looking to a brighter future with the re-opening of their pony trekking centre.
Sheila Ashby, who runs the centre at Johnston Arms, Boltby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is hoping riders of all ages will be among the visitors flocking back to the countryside.
"We shut down soon after the foot-and-mouth crisis hit Thirsk, as we didn't want to be responsible for spreading the disease. We have had no money coming in at all. I began to fear we would never be able to open again," she said.
Mrs Ashby's husband, Jim, lost 320 sheep and 40 cattle to the epidemic but, after finding alternative work, the couple are now back on their feet.
The centre re-opens on Good Friday and riders of all skill levels are welcome. Details are available on (01845) 537392.
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