Shropshire Teens Get in The Saddle
Horse enthusiasts at KA Horses Equestrian Centre, Bridgnorth, are the latest to launch a Young Equestrians group; the initiative which allows teenagers to connect and re-engage with equestrian sport through a fun and informal social hub.
The group of fifteen Young Equestrians kicked off by discussing ideas for the future, and what they would like to achieve through the scheme.
Suggestions included fun activities such as zorbing, improving their riding with clinics and raising money through bakes sales and car washes. The group also talked about trying new equine activities such as vaulting and going on a fun ride.
They finished their evening with a taster Show Jumping lesson from event rider Eleanor Biggs, daughter of Dressage rider and trainer John Biggs, giving some the opportunity to try jumping for the very first time.
Although the scheme is user-led, Eleanor will be mentoring the group; using her vast experience to guide them. Eleanor said: “I think Young Equestrians is a brilliant idea! As a teenager I always found it hard to balance my social life and my horses as the two didn’t really cross over. Young Equestrians gives teenagers the opportunity to indulge in social activities while maintaining their passion for the sport.
“As a coach and young rider myself I believe that it is important to guide and offer all the support we can to up and coming young talent, and this scheme is especially beneficial to teenagers that haven’t been lucky enough to own their own horses or regularly compete.”
Eleanor went on to say how important she feels the Young Equestrians scheme is to young riders who often drift away from equestrian sport when priorities shift and social and educational pressures begin to rise. “I believe a scheme that combines horses and socialising will be an invaluable tool in helping to keep teenagers involved in the equestrian industry. It offers the chance for members to experience training, competitions and activities that wouldn’t normally be obtainable to them.”
Young Equestrian Courtney, aged 17, said: “The best bit about Young Equestrians is all of us being able to get together and work towards shared goals. I’m looking forward to seeing how our group develops over the next few months.” Keano, aged14, agreed “It’s a good opportunity for making new friends and team building. Thanks to Young Equestrians we are going to get to know each other better and take part in some fun, different activities that we wouldn’t normally get to do as a group.”
Kerry Parker-Davies, owner of KA Horses Equestrian Centre, was delighted with how well the launch evening ran and the larger than expected group who joined in. She said: “I really enjoyed watching them work as a team. They were full of enthusiasm and I look forward to seeing the Young Equestrians grow and develop.”
Next up for the group is the Alveley Donkey Derby in August where the riders have been invited to take part. They will also have a stall where members of the public can buy cakes and enter fun competitions, with all of the money raised going towards future Young Equestrians activities. Pop along to see them at the Recreation Ground from 10am on Sunday 14 August 2016.
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, 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
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.