 No catch....
It was free fishing, riding and clay pigeon shooting this week when around 30 youngsters took part in one of the Scottish Countyryside Alliance 'Next Generation Country Days' held at Charterhall in Berwickshire.
RideBorders.com witnessed a day which proved a huge success with many of the children experiencing various country sports and pursuits first hand for the first time ever. While the clay pigeon shooting proved a big hit and the gamekeepers held a rapt young audience, it was the mechanical horse who stole the show offering potential jockeys a chance to go through their paces without the spectre of a 'tumble at the water' to daunt their confidence.
Next Generation Country Days have attracted hundreds of youngsters every year since they were launched by the SCA in 2003. These action-packed and educational events are funded by Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust (SCAET) have been held at venues across Scotland, giving 10-15 year olds the chance to try various country sports and learn about Scotland's wildlife and environment.
Tony Andrews, chairman of the SCAET, said:
"Over the last three years our Next Generation Days have given nearly 400 boys and girls the chance of experiencing for themselves the fun of clay pigeon shooting, casting a fly and learning about the countryside. At a time when many young people feel alienated from their countryside, these days give them a taster experience which, in some cases, has already changed their outlook on life."
 Plans are now afoot to pull in a wider network of young people and to involve schools as their theme is developed later in the year.
Contact the Scottish Countryside Alliance on 0131 335 0200 or email
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for more information.
The Next Generation Country Days are funded by the Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust, Next Generation Country Days will introduce youngsters to country sports and responsible use of the countryside under the guidance of expert instructors from regional police forces, the Scottish Equestrian Association, the Game Angling Instructors Association Scotland, the Game Conservancy Trust, the British Association for Shooting & Conservation and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association among others.
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