TEENS LEAD
THE WAY!
I
f you’re aged between 13 and 18
and want to get more from your
riding, or if you’re the owner of a
riding school who finds it difficult
to engage riders in this age group, Young
Equestrians could be just what you need!
Read on to find out more about some of
the centres across England which play
host to Young Equestrians groups, and
how they are providing informal social
and training opportunities for young
people to connect and re-engage with
equestrian sport.
Launched in 2014, Young Equestrians
is a social and training programme
which provides participants with
more choice and freedom in how they
take part in equestrianism, as well as
providing a focus on skill development.
Originally developed by Hoof,
the British Equestrian Federation’s
participation programme, Young
Equestrians is delivered in riding schools
across England through The Pony Club.
Thanks to Sport England funding, over
300 participants are already benefitting
from attending sessions at one of the 50
centres who have signed up to deliver
the scheme since its launch last summer.
One of the first riding schools in
the country to offer Young
Image below: Kemberton Show - With younger member
Equestrians was Kemberton
Riding Stables in Shropshire,
which hosts a weekly Young
Equestrians session attended by
20 teenage participants. All keen
to have fun, make new friends
and learn more about horses
and riding, the group also hold
a meeting every month to plan
future events and discuss which
activities they would like to do.
The group’s biggest
achievement so far came in
May when they held an Open
Day; a project which was led
entirely by them with support
from Kemberton Riding School
proprietor, Hannah Lloyd. The
Open Day was deemed a huge
success, and the homemade
cakes and refreshments, quiz,
treasure hunt and guess the
weight of the lamb competition
alongside the main attraction of
a fun Horse Show was enjoyed by
those taking part and the large
gathering of friends and family
who came along in support.
The classes in the Horse Show
were suitable for riders of all
50
abilities; from novices on the lead rein
just starting out to the more experienced
horsemen and women. For some of the
younger Pony Club Members it was
their first opportunity to take part in
a competition, and several went home
proudly clutching their very first rosette.
“Organising the Open Day was a
fantastic idea created by the whole
team” remarked Becky, aged 15, a Young
Equestrian who helped organise the
event. “We gained a lot from the Open
Day including the oppor