CHAWTON House Library is hosting its first horse fun ride across six miles of normally restricted farmland on the Chawton estate to raise money for the upkeep and training of five heavy horses that work the land.

More than 100 riders have already signed up for the event on Sunday, 21 September, which runs from 10am to 4pm.

Each participant will receive a Chawton House Library rosette and riders and their helpers will also enjoy free entry to explore the gardens, which includes a walled garden, wilderness and a ha-ha.

Tea and cake will be on sale in the Old Kitchen and there will be other refreshments available.

Chawton House Library is home to Elizabethan riding stables.

Visitors on the day will be able to see the building, now converted into accommodation for Chawton House Library’s visiting fellows.

There will be the chance meet the heavy horses and learn more about the role they play in maintaining the estate using traditional agricultural methods. Visitors who are interested in this cause will also have the opportunity to sponsor a Chawton House Library Shire.

Head groom Angie Mclaren said: “Heavy horses that are trained in traditional agricultural methods are essential to work on the estate. Horses hooves are far less damaging to flora and fauna than machinery and therefore makes horses ideal for forestry and timber extraction work.

“The horse fun ride is a fantastic opportunity for riders to gain rare access to some really beautiful Hampshire countryside."

Tickets are £12.50 in advance or £18 on the day.

Horses under four years-old are not eligible to participate and children less than eight years-old must be accompanied by an adult.

To buy tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chawton-house-library-fun-ride-tickets-10734425957 or call Chawton House Library on 01420 541010.