Two new groups of teenagers from the North of England are benefiting from the Young Equestrians scheme, giving them more choice and freedom in how they take part in equestrian sport.
Young Equestrians provides informal social and training opportunities for people aged 13-18, helping them to connect and re-engage with horses and riding, and focus on skill development.
Groups from Bowlers Riding School, Merseyside, and Wrea Green Equitation Centre, Lancashire, launched their groups on Friday 29 May 2015; and both kicked off with a side saddle taster lesson.
The teens at Bowlers Green also learnt how to plait horses’ manes and tails, with Young Equestrian group member Amelia commenting:
“It’s been a fun afternoon learning new skills and I have made some new friends.”
Sophie agreed:
“It’s been a fantastic afternoon. I think Young Equestrians is a great idea – it’s different and fun and we can be involved in what we can do in our sessions.”
The group at Wrea Green Equitation Centre also learnt about the history of side saddle, including what to wear.
Tilly Baron, a Young Equestrian at Wrea Green Equitation Centre said:
“Side saddle was so much fun! We loved trying something different that we wouldn’t normally be able to do. We all had a great time together and it was a great experience. I’ll definitely do it again!”
Young Equestrians Participants can log their sessions at www.youngequestrians.club, where they can record their activities and achievements as well as access training materials offered by The Pony Club.
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, riding schools who deliver the Young Equestrians programme will be given access to virtual tools to help them establish their 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.