Cake, bunting and party bags were in abundance today at a Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, riding school in Kent, who celebrated becoming the 100th equestrian centre to join the hugely successful national Young Equestrians initiative; launched by The Pony Club in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation.
International event rider Adam Trew joined the party at Squirrells Riding School to kick start the celebrations, hosting a special clinic for the riding school’s enthusiastic young Members followed by an opportunity for questions about the life of a professional event rider.
Some of the Young Equestrians with Adam
All set for a jumping clinic with an international event rider!
Commenting on the event, Squirrells Riding School proprietor, Mrs Hayley Squirrell, said: “We are delighted to be the 100th Young Equestrians Club! We are keen to use our facilities for this new Club to offer young people (aged 13-18) from our local community a safe and relaxed environment where they can make new friends, ride regularly and participate in a range of other sports –it’s not just about riding and learning about horses! The Young Equestrians membership is growing but we still have places for young people interested in joining our Club; I can guarantee they will never be bored!”
Eventer Adam Trew said, “In an age where social media and computer based games seem to dominate young people’s leisure time it is wonderful to see these young people genuinely enjoying spending time outside in a social environment, interacting with the horses – and, of course, showcasing their terrific riding skills.”
There were team games, including wheel barrow races and a mummy contest
The Young Equestrians at Squirrells Riding School meet every fortnight on a Friday evening and use their sessions to not only build on their equestrian knowledge, but also to gain life skills with their friends and like-minded individuals.
With thanks to Horse and Rider and Pure Feed for goody bags and prizes!
Time for cake
There are currently 100 Young Equestrian Clubs in the UK, with four in Kent alone:
Braeside Equestrian Centre
Coldblow Equestrian Centre
Horseshoes Riding School
Squirrells Riding Centre
Young Equestrians Clubs are set up within riding schools accredited to a British Equestrian Federation Member Body, such as The Pony Club, or within Pony Club Branches. To learn more about Young Equestrians and find a Club near you visit: http://youngequestrians.club/find-a-group/ and follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @youngequestriansofficial