MEMBERS of York Professional Initiative clearly know how to think on the hoof.

YPI's chairman and solicitor John Yeomans and Dr Rukmal Abeysekera, who manages the enterprise office at the Innovation Centre in York Science Park, organised a group ride for scores of members.

Mr Yeomans, who after two years learning at the Cottage Farm Stables in Tang Hall, was confident enough to ride with the Middleton and Bilsdale Farmers' Hunts last season, said: "We were amazed. Even people who had never sat on a saddle showed interest.

"It meant organising four separate rides from Bilsdale Riding Centre at Shaken Bridge Farm, near Helmsley, to cater for both experienced horsemen and women as well as novices. We all had a great time and this may turn out to be a regiular social event."

YPI's objective is to promote York as "a city to do business", a place with a well-defined and skilled professional services sector.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, September 30, 2005