More than just a riding school!
Lower Stonehouse Farm
Brown Edge
Stoke on Trent
ST6 8TF
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01782 505664
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Changing lives
through horses
FAQs
This national BHS Programme offers alternative provision for SEN youngsters aged 9-16.
It is an educational and character building programme designed to not only give experience with horses but develop life skills such as Communication, Confidence, Relationships, Teamwork, Responsibility and Personal achievement.
The programme itself consists of ten BHS Achieve stable management awards, six BHS Achieve riding awards and a number of BHS Achieve skills. Each young person will receive a workbook that contains a learning resource for each award to support them through the tasks involved. A BHS Achieve certificate will be provided upon successful completion of each award. The Achieve awards do not require any experience of working with horses or the outdoors; the young person simply has to show a desire to be in this environment. It is also not necessary for the young person to learn to ride as part of this programme, although this certainly is an option and has been a big attraction.
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For participants who already have experience with horses, there is the possibility of higher level awards, including the British Horse Society Examinations.
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The awards are primarily practical in nature but we incorporate written work as appropriate. However, the nature of that work is entirely up to the participant and there is no pressure to do any written work whatsoever. Our whole ethos is to get the participants achieving the awards and thereby starting to believe in themselves more.
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How many days per week can a participant attend? And what are the times?
The minimum is 1 day and the maximum is 3. The days start at 10.30am and finish at 1.00pm.
What happens in school holidays?
If they attend as part of school provision, we generally operate on a termly basis. For those home schooled, we offer holiday sessions as well.
How much does it cost and how is the scheme funded?
The cost is £52.50 per day. This is payable in advance per half term.
Usually, funding is from the referral school, however, we can accept funding directly from the LEA, related charities or private individuals. There is some funding available from the BHS for participants who have tried to get funding elsewhere but have been unsuccessful.
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Do you take people with Disabilities?
Yes, depending on the level of disability. Participants need to be able to ride without a side-walker and generally physically mobile. This is something we are happy to discuss in confidence prior to applying.
How do I apply to join the scheme?
The first step is to get in touch. We can discuss the young person's needs and what availability we have.
riding lessons
We are very happy to accept SEN people for individual riding lessons.
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Riding is beneficial for everyone's mental and physical health and particularly so for those with ADHD and autism.
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Riders need to have reasonable sight, hearing and mobility. They also need reasonable cognitive and communication abilities, although they do not need to be age specific. In essence, we need to be able to communicate effectively with the rider for health and safety reasons.
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If you are unsure whether you or your child would be able to take part in lessons, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
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