Twelve members of the Manx Retirement Association recently went along to Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre in Santon for a taster session of carriage driving.

After a light lunch, the members were pulled along by two ponies trained to pull the carriages, Duke and Teddy.

John Ellershaw, the association’s publicity officer, said: ’All the members greatly enjoyed the whole experience.’

It is hoped that a third carriage will be available soon along with Skip, a six-year-old gelding who travelled to the Isle of Man at the end of November, who should be formally in work for spring 2017.

The taster session costs £10, which is also a membership fee. It includes a 15-minute ride to assess if those interested have an aptitude for carriage driving.

Membership allows you to book a 30 minute session for £10 which includes training from a qualified coach.

One member found the visit so rewarding that she decided to become a volunteer for the Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled.

The Manx Retirement Association organises many visits like this for its members.