This month Hereford Times reporter Julie Harries takes to horseback to sample an alternative way of enjoying our enjoying our beautiful hillsides

Y OU don't need to feel inferior because of the huge commitment to 'all things horsey' that, as a county, Hereford-shire tends to encourage in its young.

If the entire pony club, eventing and 'riding out' society that the rural set neighs about passed you by as a nipper there is still no excuse for not seeing some of the most beautiful, unspoilt countryside within easy distance of the city from a saddle.

It may not be your cuppa tea, but it's worth finding out.

And one, huge advantage of riding in Herefordshire is that it really seems to lack the snobbery that many less stunning counties reserve for greenbacks.

Turning up at Llanthony Riding and Treking, nestled within the shadow of Llanthony Priory, you know you're in the right place for a memorable ride.

The horses look, and act, well looked after and the guides are skilled, helpful and relaxed.

Our group consisted of a young man whose last experience on a hoofed beast had been at last year's Llanthony show. It was on one of the wild Welsh ponies in the rodeo and he had spent under two minutes 'riding out', but still his reputation had preceded him and a suitably mild mannered horse had been lined up.

The archetypal 'americans on tour' were doing a zigzag of Wales in a frenzied attempt to 'experience' the land of our fathers but as it had taken them over an hour to drive twelve miles in reaching the school, I think they were relieved to be out of the hot seat and into a high one.

A trek usually involves between two and fourteen riders and, inevitably there will be a range of experience in your party.

Which is where having more than one guide comes in handy. On our expedition, the girls split off from the boys, giving us the opportunity to have a canter. There's nothing worse that feeling coerced by the majority either to trot for the entire ride if you're desperate to feel the wind in your sails and vice versa. All rides out from the school take you up into the stunning terrain of the Black Mountains.

A young rider explained to me, there is plenty to think about even when you are walking along on horseback.

Is your horse listening to you? How much leg contact have you got? Is the bit in the mouth at just the right tension? And are your ankles, hips and shoulders in a line?

It's exhausting stuff.

"And don't forget to look over the hedges," she says. "When else do you get the chance?"

The school offers two different types of ride: pony treks (half or full day) for beginners or those wanting a quiet rider and hacks for the more experienced. Riding begins at 10am or 2pm and you can expect to be out for a minimum of two hours.

A full day will involve lunch at one of the local pubs, where food is cheap and children are welcome.

It's best to wear heeled footwear and warm clothing. Temperatures fall dramatically as you climb. Hats are provided.

Trekking is suitable for younger children (8 years and above - younger by arrangement).

One really nice idea is to get a party together after work and take advantage of the long summer evenings for an informal ride. These can be arranged during June and July and start at around 6pm.

Court Farm is owned by a local family and the riding school is run by their four children, who have all ridden since they were young. You couldn't be in better hands.