TV cowboy adventure inspires new interest for Llangernyw rider

Dec 24 2008 by David Simister, North Wales Weekly News

A HORSE-RIDING hero has found herself a new hobby after taking part in a television series to be screened this Christmas.

Harness racing champion Megan Taff, who lives in Llangernyw, is one of seven celebrities who will be starring in S4C series Matthew Rhys and the Magnificent Seven, to be screened from Boxing Day.

After heading to Arizona to live the cowgirl life for the series, Taff says she became so hooked on showjumping that she has bought a new horse, Hero, so she can take part in the pastime in North Wales.

“The Western style is completely different to ours so I had a lot to learn. I also had to get used to working as a team and that’s not easy for someone who normally competes on an individual basis. In my sport you tend to get very selfish but here I had to work with six others,” she said after being taught to showjump as part of the series.

“Taking part in the programmes was a fantastic experience all round. The skills we learned, the location and the company were all tremendous.”

She joined West End star Shân Cothi, TV presenters Bethan Gwanas and Alex Jones, Grand National winning jockey Hywel Davies, actor Steffan Rhodri and comedian Iwan John for the show, which saw them learn to live the Western lifestyle under the tuition of Welsh-born Hollywood star Matthew Rhys.

The first episode of Matthew Rhys and the Magnificent Seven will be shown on S4C at 8pm on Boxing Day. For more information visit www.s4c.co.uk