A group of teenagers from New Hill House Riding School, Lancashire, are benefitting from Young Equestrians; a Nationwide project launched by The Pony Club in partnership with Hoof.

Young Equestrians groups provide participants with the choice and freedom to try different disciplines and sporting activities as well as the opportunity to develop their equestrian skills and time to socialise with friends.

The group at New Hill House has been popular from the start with teenagers taking part in mounted games practise, dressage competitions, a trip to Liverpool Horse Show and even a Mannequin Challenge! The group is open to all, you don’t have to be a Pony Club Member or even be able to ride to join.

Mia Busby, 13, is excited for future Young Equestrians events “I love coming to Young Equestrians because we get to do something different every week and we get to choose the activities.”

The group’s immediate success led proprietor, Danielle Perez, to apply for some Satellite Club Funding offered through their County Sports Partnership, Lancashire Sport. This funding will enable the group to go on to explore three key disciplines in the equestrian world; show jumping, dressage and eventing, starting with 10 weeks of show jumping activities.

Danielle is full of enthusiasm for the scheme: “It’s something fun and different for us to offer that has filled a gap in our calendar. It doesn’t have to be structured and it has enabled us to gain input from the riders to shape the club.”

There are currently over 90 Young Equestrian clubs in the UK, with new ones opening every month. The clubs can be set up by riding schools accredited to a British Equestrian Federation Member Body, such as The Pony Club, or within Pony Club Branches. Thanks to Sport England Funding, those that sign up will be given support with their club through marketing materials, session ideas and audience insight.