Riding Fast

For centuries, people in the Scottish Borders have been celebrating their history on horseback. In early summer each year, Hawick's common riding sees townsfolk 'ride out' in a series of ritual events to commemorate those who lost their lives in the terrible defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and the local lads who captured an English flag to restore the town's honour the following year.

Take in the tropical breeze and blue ocean while cycling around Miyako, a group of 8 islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Our cyclist explores the biggest one and samples local specialties including Shima-dofu, a kind of tofu made with seawater. San-shin, a traditional instrument made from the ebony tree is a key tool for playing folk songs loved by locals. This adventure features island-hopping by crossing numerous bridges and walking through a mangrove forest in low tide. Join us on this beautiful journey!

President Kennedy inspires idealistic young Americans to serve their country and wrestles with how deeply to get involved in South Vietnam. As the increasingly autocratic Diem regime faces a growing communist insurgency and widespread Buddhist protests, a grave political crisis unfolds.

A determined young Formula One dyno technician chases her dream to be a racing driver. Isla Mackenzie has a sought-after role at one of the world's top Formula One teams, testing engines for some of the biggest names in motorsport. But Isla always had the thirst to succeed as a driver herself. This season, she has been signed up by a team that has seen her potential, and she is going for it at full speed.

Alexandra Tolstoy, a passionate horse-rider and adventurer, explores very different cultures round the world that all depend on and share a deep love of the horse.

Henry Cole is rather taken with the fantastic riding on offer in Australia and New Zealand. So much so, he's showcasing even more of the 8000 kilometres of supreme highways these two countries can provide the keen motorcyclist in this one hour special. Packed full of practical tips on how to organise local bike hire and interviews with some fellow motorcycling crazies, it's hog-riding heaven.

Michael Portillo explores Canada, armed with his Appleton's 1899 Guidebook.

A woman filming a documentary on childhood rape victims starts to question the nature of her childhood relationship with her riding instructor and running coach.

A young girl struggles after a traumatic horse riding accident causes her to lose her eyesight. CHARLES, the head trainer of Southeastern Guide Dogs, trains Apple, a miniature horse, to be her companion and surrogate eyes.

Scafell Pike is England's tallest mountain and home to a flock of native Herdwick sheep. Every summer, their shepherd must gather these notoriously hardy sheep and bring them down to the farm for shearing. The Great Mountain Sheep Gather charts this journey across the fells with epic bird's-eye view photography descending into the valley below. This timeless event has taken place in the Lake District for over a thousand years. Opening at dawn with the shepherd blindly navigating the foggy peaks and crags, this film reveals the skill, knowledge and bravery needed to care for a flock in this rugged land.