Riders at the Spicelands Riding School yesterday took part in the last few lessons being offered at the facility before it closes its doors.

It is closing after 50 years owing to high operating and repair costs but the Spicelands Equestrian Centre will continue to provide boarding and leasing opportunities as well as their trail rides around the South Shore area.

Operations manager Liza Outerbridge said that she is still in talks with possible investors who may be able to save the school in the future. She told The Roal Gazette: “The facility will still be here — we are putting our energies into the trail business and I am working with people who are coming forward with ideas to try and reopen the riding school.

“The infrastructure will still be here, we are not getting rid of any of the horses but if there is a proposition that allows it to be viable then yes, we could reopen it. We are entertaining proposals that would encourage the school to continue.”

Students were yesterday enjoying the last few lessons as well as preparing for the Bermuda Horse and Pony Association’s spring show taking place at the Botanical Gardens this weekend.

Ms Outerbridge added: “It is my intention that everyone who wants to ride has the opportunity to do so. It is a myth that horseriding is for the elite, it shouldn’t be and that was what we were trying to maintain — a place where everybody could ride from pony rides to lessons to the trails. We will continue the pony rides but lessons are only available to those leasing. The pony rides are on this facility and are usually for the smaller children on Saturdays.” Anyone interested in discussing possible donations should contact the centre.