50 students from Slough have been given the chance to ride and learn about horseracing.

Ascot Racecourse teamed up with the Riding A Dream Academy, part of the British Racing School, to host a series of taster days for the students.

Five secondary schools from Slough each brought 10 students, aged 14 to 16, to the course for an introduction to the sport.

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The students participated in a range of activities, including a horse handling session where they learned how to groom the horses and about their welfare.

They also took part in a riding session where they learned the basics of riding, including how to get on, steer, and trot.

The students were also able to take part in a simulator session where they worked on their jockey pose.

They were also given information about the different courses and careers available to them in the sport once they finish their GCSEs.

The students were also given the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Ascot Racecourse to find out about its heritage and standing in global horseracing.

Naomi Lawson, director of the Riding A Dream Academy, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Ascot for helping to put on such an unforgettable week for the 50 students.

"So few young people have access to equestrian sports and so the aims of the days are to address that by providing unique opportunities for students to experience the magic of working with and riding horses."

Jacqui Greet, CSR manager of Ascot Racecourse, said: "We were delighted to host the Riding A Dream Academy and all the students last week as part of our activity for National Racehorse Week and ongoing commitment to charitable work in our community."

Kayliegh Bray, head of PE at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, one of the participating schools, said: "Our students had a wonderful day at Ascot with the Riding Dream Academy.

"For the majority of our students, it was the first time they had come into direct contact with a horse and from the start were very hesitant around them.

"Not only did the students become more assured and confident, they also had huge smiles on their faces for the rest of the day."

The participating schools were St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Langley Academy, Slough & Eton Church of England Enterprise and Business College, Baylis Court School, and Wexham School.