A Pioneering Pair of Young Equestrian Groups Launch
Teenagers at Ebony Horse Club, South London, and Red Piece Stables, Northamptonshire, 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 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!
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.”
The eighteen teenagers at Red Piece Equestrian Stables kicked off their Young Equestrians group with fun Mounted Games and Show Jumping competitions.
The riders plan to give Polocrosse a try at their next fortnightly session, and have already made plans for the future which include a gymkhana, archery and a mud-filled obstacle course.
Lydia, who took part in the event, commented: “Young Equestrians is a great new experience. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to try new activities; especially when you don’t own a horse so would never be able to try these things by yourself.”
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.
