Teenagers at Ebony Horse Club, South London, 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 Ebony Horse Club Young Equestrians group launched the programme with a riding lesson and ice breaker, where they got to know each other a little better and discussed ideas for the future; including activities such as tree climbing, bike riding, horse riding on the beach, hacking out and cookery to name but a few!

The group also put together a list of essential qualities and interview questions  for a new youth worker for Ebony Horse Club, and discussed the Youth Council they are setting up to act as the voice of clients.

Natasha, aged 14, a member of the Ebony Horse Club Young Equestrian group said:

“It was a fun and factual afternoon and I enjoyed being able to spend some time getting to know the rest of the group. I am looking forward to trying out Polo and Polocrosse.”

Khadijah, also 14, agreed:

“I enjoyed the afternoon because I learnt more about The Pony Club and options for the future. I have already applied to be part of the Youth Council; I am now looking forward to starting the Young Equestrian Leaders Award and Pony Club Progressive Tests.”

Linda Hinds, Ebony Horse Club Operations Manager, said:

“We are really excited to structure our current youth provision through Young Equestrians in order to offer more opportunities for our teenagers.”

The Young Equestrians group finished their inaugural session by helping to put the stabled horses away for the night.

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.