The sun was shining on Good Friday for the launch of Young Equestrians at Rookery Team Pony Club Centre in Ettington, Warwickshire.

Thirteen excited teenagers started their group off in style with a photo shoot to show off their newly purchased Young Equestrians polo tops. There were smiles all round as snaps were taken on the yard and in surrounding fields – a perfect backdrop for a country photo shoot!

Besides a ton of posing, the afternoon was an opportunity for the group to decide their next activities over afternoon tea, sandwiches and, of course, cake.

“It will be good to meet up with everyone and do different activities to our usual lessons” remarked Zoe, aged 14, who would like to have a go at Gymkhana. Holly, nearly 17, agreed “it will bring together people the same age who you wouldn’t normally get to talk to that have the same interests.”

For Natalie Burrows, proprietor, the afternoon was a chance to build on friendships. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing them all working well together today. There’s a lovely buzz within the group and you can tell that they are all excited about it. Our job now as team leaders is to channel that energy into something productive as they could be the next generation of equine professionals.”

The Young Equestrians would like their future meet ups to involve dog agility practise, polocrosse and shooting. The gang will also be going out and about in Rookery’s new 7 seater bus which has been acquired especially for Young Equestrians’ outings!