Grooming and horse care as well as horse riding was a big hit with the kids
Skyla Dearlove had a brilliant time at the activity clubs and received a rosette and certificate for all of her hard work.
Island Riding Centre has opened the stable doors to island children aged 8-14 and given them the opportunity to meet and work with horses and ponies during the Easter Holidays. It is a strong belief of Island Riding Centre that everyone should have the chance to ride no matter your background, ability or age.
In partnership with the IOW Council and Wight Horse CIC, the free Easter Activity Club was available to children receiving free school meals and HTP Apprenticeship College supplied free hot meals daily to the kids.
The children learnt how to care for a horse, stable management and nutrition and the day to day chores of looking after horses and ponies as well as horse themed crafts. The kids were given the opportunity to ride ponies and horses and the feedback from parents and carers has been nothing but positive.
Working with horses is known to improve confidence and boost self-esteem and Wight Horse CIC alongside Island Riding Centre are keen to run more activity sessions for the island’s community.
“He came home buzzing and saying how much he enjoyed himself. It’s an experience that he’s never had before, and one he is pleased to have had. He has asked to come again which is not something we hear often from him” A foster carer said of her little boy who took part in our activity club.
Louise Buckner, our director added “After a long lockdown where children haven’t been able to socialise and meet, this has been the perfect way to get the kids out into the fresh air, work with a great focus and to improve their wellbeing”
