Ruby Country is to become one of three trial areas in Devon that have been selected to develop horse-riding routes and facilities, that will benefit locals and encourage the lucrative equestrian tourism market.

Devon County Council has allocated £250,000 from the sale of Exeter Airport to pilot the scheme in three of the county's most scenic areas — Ruby Country, the Blackdown Hills and the area around Tavistock and Bere Ferrers.

The idea is to create recreational horse riding networks of full and half day circular routes to assist the growth and development of associated rural businesses including horse-friendly B and Bs, camping barns and riding schools. It is hoped a network of trails can be set up by 2012.

These areas have been selected to boost the economy and to link the network of bridleways, restricted byways, un-surfaced county roads and rural off-road cycle routes which could become multi-user routes. Local land­owners, parish councils and horse riders will be involved in identifying routes that provide safe off-road links.

This is a great opportunity for Ruby Country which fits in extremely well with the core values and ethos of the Ruby Country Initiative. Together with bids that are going forward around the Ruby Trails and the Ruby Way, this will help to position Ruby Country as the premier rural location for enjoying the outdoors.