Bad weather didn’t dampen spirits at Follifoot Park Riding Centre where sixteen pony-mad teens held their inaugural Young Equestrians session.

Young Equestrians provides informal social and training opportunities for people aged 13-18 to connect and re-engage with equestrian sport; perfect for the participants who have weekly riding lessons but wish to increase their participation in a fun and unique way, or for those who have always wanted to give riding a try but don’t know how to get into the sport.

The group kicked off with a high energy Zumba session, before having a fun riding lesson and learning how to trim the horses’ manes and feathers to make them look smart.

Julie Pedley, Follifoot Park Riding Centre Proprietor said:

“The staff and riders are very excited about Young Equestrians; it’s great to start a new project!”

Julie continued to say that they hope this fresh approach will help maintain the enthusiasm of teenagers, who often lose interest in riding as other priorities come along, and encourage others to take up the sport:

“There has always been a drop off with teens and I think the Young Equestrians scheme will help keep interest.”

The group finished their session by discussing ideas for the future, which will include launching a second phase so membership can be extended to non-riders who may want to get in the saddle for the first time, or simply want to join in some of the non-equine activities.

Other suggestions included fundraising for local charities, trying new activities such as riding side-saddle and vaulting and developing their equine knowledge to gain formal qualifications. Julie Pedley commented:

“Young Equestrians has made us consider new activities and ideas. We are looking forward to our group developing and seeing them learn new skills whilst having fun!”

Sixteen year old Steph Parry took part in the Young Equestrians session. Steph said:

“I had lots of fun! I can’t wait to learn new skills and spend more time with the horses.”

Hayley Francis, 15, agreed:

“I really enjoyed the friendly buzz in the air and having a laugh. Playing games and doing Zumba was a great idea!”

The Follifoot Park Young Equestrians group has received funding from North Yorkshire Sport through their Satellite Club scheme. Satellite Clubs are extensions of community sports clubs, and are usually run by sports clubs who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to places where young people already meet and feel comfortable. Sarah Stephenson, Development Manager for North Yorkshire Sport said:

“Research has shown that the step from school or college sport to community sport can be too great for young people and is one of the main reasons that so many 11 – 25 year olds drop out of sport. Satellite Clubs aim to make it easy for young people to stay in sport, try a new activity or start playing sport for the first time.”

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.