A 78-year-old woman has been granted her lifelong wish of riding a horse.

Lyn Broad, from Maidstone, was able to ride a horse in honour of her animal-loving brother Barry, who died five years ago.

The retiree had always dreamt of taking up horse riding, but never got the chance.

Lyn said: “I put my family first – you want your children to do things and have experiences before your own.

“I have always felt a connection whenever I am ever near a horse – they are such beautiful animals.”

She added: “I have also been trying to learn how to drive since I was 58. I struggle with theory and panic when it comes to learning.

“Financially that has been hard, and another reason why I didn’t take riding lessons.

“Perhaps I could ride a horse around Maidstone instead of a car!”

But now Lyn has finally visited Deepdene Stables in Badlesmere and met her horse Lola.

She was able to groom her before enjoying a half-hour led walk around the Kent countryside.

“From the moment we got in the car, I was so excited,” she reflected. “It had been a long time coming, as I waited throughout lockdown to visit the stables.”

“At my age I wanted to push myself. The horse seemed to sense it when I was brushing her.

“Everyone involved was so supportive and everything I dreamt of has come true.

“I never felt so free and the experience will be with me forever.”

Lyn also rode for her brother Barry, who died from sepsis in November 2017. He was 76.

She decided that the most fitting way to say goodbye to him was to have a horse drawn funeral carriage – the next best thing to him actually riding a horse.

“He absolutely loved animals and horses – he was a real gentle giant,” Lyn said.

“I think Barry will have been smiling down on me through the sunshine and beautiful blue sky.”

Lyn’s wish was granted by Inspired Friendships, a group which aims to prevent older people living in communities from feeling isolated. She has been a member since it was set up two years ago by living operator Inspired Villages.

The group supports around 80 residents who attend a range of community events, such as walks, coffee mornings, lunches, paint parties, tenpin bowling and days out on the Friendship Bus.

These activities help the members to forge new friendships and increase their confidence in meeting new people and getting out and about.

Founder, Wendy Pfeiffer said: “It was a joy to see Lyn finally fulfil her lifelong dream. “This is just one of the special activities and visits we have helped organise for our group members and we can’t wait to see which dreams we can help come true next.”

“Special thanks to Lauren at Deepdene Riding Stables, who was simply amazing at looking after Lyn and giving her special memories to treasure.”