WHEN thieves struck at Elwell Farm on Friday night and stole four saddles and a bridle, children from across Bridport were nearly deprived of their weekend riding lessons.

But riding instructor Veronica Leatherdale and her pupils were too resourceful to be beaten by such meanness. They all had their lessons – riding bareback without saddles.

‘The children were the real stars,’ said Veronica, who teaches children and adults to ride in Waytown on her selection of horses and ponies.

‘It was a complete nightmare – I had all four ponies ready and at quarter to nine I went to get their tack and the saddles were gone. What could I do? I had the first children coming at nine and I didn’t want to let them down.’

So Veronica forged ahead and the children really enjoyed it. Altogether, 17 youngsters aged from four to 13 had their lessons without saddles.

‘Riding bareback was very fun,’ said Dorothy, aged five.

‘I rode Blaze and her back was very furry and soft. But we could only walk. I was very cross and angry about the saddles and sad for Veronica.’

On Sunday, Linda Paget from the Shipton Riding Club, came to the rescue and loaned two saddles.

‘I’m so grateful to Linda and to everybody who’s rallied round,’ said Veronica.

‘My saddles aren’t really worth very much to anybody else, but to me it’s devastating. They were tailored to fit my ponies and it will be difficult to get exact replacements.’

Veronica’s now restocking for next weekend. She’s determined to carry on as usual.

• Veronica teaches anyone from the age of four upwards, both singly and in groups, on her safe, well-trained horses and ponies. She has space for new pupils – ring her on 01308 459566 if you are interested in finding out more.