Teenagers across the country are benefiting from the Young Equestrians scheme, delivered via Pony Club linked riding schools, giving them more choice and freedom in how they take part in equestrianism, as well as a focus on skill development.

March has seen more Young Equestrians launches, including Burrows Lane in Merseyside where participants enjoyed a jumping lesson in preparation for the start of the show season, before planning ideas for future sessions. Trips out to equestrian events, a stud farm, and Alton Towers will form the basis of the group as well as a photo-shoot to create a Young Equestrians calendar for 2016!

“I really enjoyed Young Equestrians as I got to ride with my friends and have fun” commented Ysobella Cox aged 16. “I am looking forward to future trips, including visiting a stud farm, which will be very interesting and something new than what I have experienced.”

Ivanhoe Equestrian Centre, in Leicestershire, enjoyed a fun launch day with 14 participants who discussed their aims, goals and created mood boards to represent what they want to try out, learn or achieve through Young Equestrians.  To finish the day participants saddled up to work out their own “drill ride” which was videoed and will later be edited to music. Plans are also in place for a Bring and Buy Sale, complete with homemade cakes, to raise funds for the team representing Ivanhoe Equestrian at the BHS National Riding School Championships in April.

“We are really excited about Young Equestrians because it will allow us to try new things and learn about different stuff that you wouldn’t normally come across in a riding school, such as horse dentistry and care of hooves” commented Danielle and Lucy, aged 17, from Ivanhoe Equestrian Centre.

“Young Equestrians has fitted in really well with our existing programme of activities at Ivanhoe, and has encouraged our helpers to think more about their involvement with horses beyond the regular riding school routine” comments Emma Lebutt, Centre Manager at Ivanhoe Equestrian. “I hope that by giving young people the chance to follow their own goals and aims, exploring the areas of equestrianism that really interest them, we can help to produce the equine professionals of the future”.

Young Equestrian’s 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.

Riding schools who deliver Young Equestrians are given access to virtual tools to help them establish their group, including 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.