A group of horse lovers at an Essex riding school are benefitting from Young Equestrians; a social and training programme which aims to give the opportunity for young people aged 13-18 to connect and re-engage with equestrian sport through a fun and informal hub.

Sixteen teens braved the stormy weather to take part in the inaugural session, which kicked off with discussing ideas for the future and what they hope to achieve through the Young Equestrians scheme.  The group then ate dinner together before heading into the indoor arena to lead the horses over a fun obstacle course including poles to weave through and small jumps; finishing off with a friendly competition to see who could do it in the quickest time.

The teens have now set up a Facebook group and Instagram account to publicise the scheme and to encourage others to join, and have allocated themselves formal job roles to ensure the scheme remains to be led by them and grows in the future.

Hollie Blackwell, a Pony Club Coach and Young Equestrians group leader for Runningwell Equestrian Centre, said:

“They’re really enjoying Young Equestrians and I have had fantastic feedback from the parents and clients. The scheme has been a huge success and I have been pleasantly surprised to see how quickly the girls have bonded and how well they have organised their group.”

Hollie went on to talk about how she is looking forward to watching the group develop and some of the ideas they have come up with for the future which include bareback riding (pictured) vaulting, horseball, side-saddle riding and driving. They also plan to raise funds to pay for coaches to teach them new skills, beginning with a bake sale. 

“Young Equestrians has given the group free rein to try different things that we can’t always offer in lessons. I’ve already seen the more shy members come out their shells. The scheme is a great idea and I would recommend it to any centre thinking of starting a group.”

Fourteen year old Daisy said:

“Young Equestrians is amazing! I am so excited for all the exciting activities we are planning to do, and having a great time with all my friends!”

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.