Who can remember riding to school?

James, (9) and Amanda (7) Paas were fascinated to hear school days stories from their grandfather Rob Murchison, 80, particularly about his riding his horse 10km to Attunga Public School when he was a kid.

“They were excited to ride to school one day just as he had done, and because we live in Narrabri they can,” said their mother Alison Paas. “It’s just another benefit of living in Narrabri.”

So last week, James and Amanda saddled up and rode home from St Francis Xavier’s.

They are experienced young riders, and were accompanied by Alison, mindful that horses still have right of way over horseless carriages. “They have done a fair bit of riding lately because there has been no sport,” Alison added.

Many a country pupil rode a horse to bush schools in the not-so-old days. Schools had horse paddocks and horses were waiting next door when their riders left the classroom. It’s an experience not many kids have these days, but one that excited James and Amanda who have enjoyed the experience.