Teenagers at Moor Farm Stables, Coventry, are the latest to benefit from the Young Equestrians scheme which provides informal social and training opportunities for people aged 13-18 to connect and re-engage with equestrian sport.
The Moor Farm Stables Young Equestrians launched the programme with a fun Show Jumping competition, where riders were paired together to help break the ice. Each pair walked the Show Jumping course together to plan their route, before warming their horses up and supporting each other as they had their turn at jumping the fences.
Moor Farm Stables owner Liz White said:
“Young Equestrians allows young people to feel like they are part of a club. Most of our Young Equestrians already ride, but we are increasing their participation by trying different activities and leading them towards a potential career in the equine industry.”
The Young Equestrians taking part were of mixed ability; some had never jumped a course before, but others with more experience were happy to give advice and help calm any nerves. Support also came from friends and family who gathered to cheer them on from the outdoor arena gallery.
Katie and Rebecca were two of the fourteen teens who took part in the inaugural session. Katie commented:
“Young Equestrians is great because you get to experience riding and jumping as a team with people your own age.”
Rebecca added:
“I like Young Equestrians because I get to meet new people and make friends with other teenagers who also love horses.”
The Young Equestrians finished their session by helping to putting the horses that are stables away for the night.
Originally developed by Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme, the Young Equestrians scheme is being delivered through The Pony Club and will target riding schools across England. Thanks to Sport England funding, Young Equestrians will provide participants with more choice and freedom in how they take part in equestrianism, as well as providing a focus on skill development.
Riding schools who deliver the programme will be given access to virtual tools to help them establish their Young Equestrians club that include example session plans, marketing materials and a host of different ideas on how to retain teenagers in equestrian sport.
If you are a riding school or young person and want more information on how to get involved in the programme please visit www.youngequestrians.club.