AS far as records show, famous gunslinger Billy the Kid never left the Frontier to venture into the wilds of Essex, but had he made the trip he would have felt right at home.

That is because Tania Knowles and Seb Blake have created their own piece of Western outlaw heaven at their beautiful farm, set in 200 acres of ancient woodland and fields, complete with a 20-acre lake.

Last year, the pair, who met five years ago, decided to embark on an unusual venture which involves horse riding, but not as you know it. Tania, who has lived on the farm for 30 years, provides the horse know-how.

Having competed nationally and internationally as a showjumper and also bred and trained horses for equestrian royalty, including Mary King, former Olympic rider for Great Britain, she knows her stuff.

She takes out rides across the farm’s ample and beautiful land, usually of no more than two people, and initiates them into the joys of Western riding.

Meanwhile Seb, originally from New Zealand, is an impressive archer and can teach lassoing on request.

Between them, the couple have transformed their home, Handley Barns Ranch, in Dog Kennel Lane, Ingatestone, into a unique place which offers a whole range of activities and fun for all the family. These include riding, camping, fun days with the chance to dress up in cowboy gear and catered parties.

The big attraction is still riding – but it’s not the prim English style, as Seb, also a talented rider, explained.

He said: “Western riding just doesn’t have the same strictness as regular riding.

“It’s a lot easier than English style riding – the saddles are comfortable and it’s easier to stay on. It’s still really safe. We make everyone wear a body protector and hard hat.”

His partner Tania, who learnt to ride the regular way says she now enjoys Western riding.

Western riding, already big in some European countries, like Germany, is yet to be a hit in the UK – something the pair are hoping to change. But people who visit the farm don’t just come to ride – there is much more on offer, as Lesley King, a foster mum from Stanford-le-Hope, discovered.

Mrs King, 47, took her son, Bobby, aged 12, and her two foster sons to the farm during the summer holiday.

She said: “Two of the boys went out on a ride and they loved it. My son Bobby has been riding for years, but Western riding was a great change for him. They also dressed up and had a go at archery.”

Since this is only their first year in business, things are just getting off the ground for Tania and Seb. In the future they plan to hold wedding receptions and offer honeymoon accommodation, with newlyweds sharing a married night under the stars in a luxury teepee.

To find out more, call 01277 355094 or visit essexwesternriding.com