Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell makes special trip to Hartpury

Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell has paid a special visit to Hartpury in her attempt to complete an extraordinary horseriding challenge for the world’s longest running children’s programme.

Lindsey had been set the demanding task of progressing from complete riding beginner to being able to jump a fence on a horse after only six weeks.

To help her succeed in the latest Blue Peter challenge, Lindsey made the trip to Hartpury to receive tuition from its Equine Academy director and British Eventing coach Lizzel Winter FBHS (Fellow of the British Horse Society).

The visit took place before the coronavirus pandemic.

Lindsey took the reins of the Racewood Event Simulator – nicknamed Margaret – within Hartpury’s Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance as part of her development as a rider.

Complete with a three-screen display, the cutting-edge simulator allows riders of all levels to practise dressage or ride over showjumping and cross-country courses.

Lizzel added: “I hope Lindsey enjoyed the experience as much as I did – she did really well.

“As Lindsey is a new rider, ‘Margaret’ gave her the opportunity to improve her confidence and get the feeling of jumping. “