Teenagers at Horseshoes Riding School, Kent, 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 group braved the weather to take part in a ridden clinic with guest coach, Alex Wyatt. Alex, who is a Dressage rider, trainer and event rider, introduced the group to the first level on the Scales of Training; an internationally recognised method of training horses by building on six elements, ensuring that the first is in place before the horse is ready to work on the next.

Following their ridden session, the Young Equestrians took part in a Pilates taster where they learnt some exercises which will help develop their suppleness, core strength and balance to improve their riding position and stability in the saddle.

The group finished the evening with a target setting workshop to help decide on their short, medium and long term goals, and discussed how the Young Equestrians scheme can help with achieving them. They then tucked into a well deserved barbecue supper!

Horseshoes Yard Manager, Sophie Byfield, said: “Young Equestrians will give our riders the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experiences outside of their normal environment, and will highlight the positives in choosing an equine career in the future.”

Olivia and Megan were two of the riders who took part in the inaugural session. Olivia commented “Young Equestrians allows strong friendship to be made. I enjoyed the guest instructor as he was very helpful.” Megan added “I loved being surrounded by people that have the same passion as me! The friends I made at Young Equestrians gave me encouragement, loyalty and focus that my school friends sometimes do not understand.”

Originally developed by Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme, the Young Equestrians scheme is being delivered through The Pony Club and targets 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.