INTERNATIONALLY renowned horsewoman Lucinda Green has joined protesters upset over the sudden closure of the well-known and long established riding school at Penton Mewsey.

Mrs Betty Skelton, now 91 and another famous name in the riding world, started the school at the beginning of the war and was said, by her grand-daughter Cindy Sims, now in charge, to be devasated over the decision.

Hundreds of children and adults have learnt to ride and improve their skills at the establishment where top class tuition took place alongside a friendly atmosphere.

The closing order on Harrow Way House School was made by Test Valley Borough Council, responsible for licensing the premises, which includes the health and safety of animals, employees and the public.

A council spokesman refused to reveal the confidential details of the refusal, adding: " If the council's officers and the vet, where appropriate, are not satisfied that the necessary criteria have been met, then the application must be refused." An appeal was possible.

Lucinda Green, famous Badminton event winner who lives at Appleshaw, said she was 'distraught' about the decision. "I learnt to ride there, my six year-old niece is there now. How are we going to find that quality of teaching and quality of ponies in this area again?

"This is truly the welfare state, Big Brother is watching you," she added.

After reading the council's findings she felt they were totally wrong. "Where could you find a site that did not have a nail out of place, this is what really bothers me.

We are heading for a nanny state, a sanitised state." Veterinary surgeon Clive Hamblin, who has cared for the school's ponies and horses for over 20 years, praised their condition. His own children attended the riding school and he would be prepared to let them continue.

"I cannot think of a better recommendation and I certainly would do anything to help the school. This decision puts the whole game back in the elitist bracket," he said. School proprietor Cindy Sims said an impossibly large sum of cash was needed to meet all the council' requirements and Harrow Way House Riding School would not re-open. The livery stables would continue, as well as tuition for people bringing their own horses.

"What has been very touching is the overwhelming support and love and concern from everyone," she said.