Galloping Minds is The Pony Club’s community programme dedicated to inspiring young people to get curious about ponies.
As the UK’s leading equestrian youth charity, we are on a mission to educate the public and young people about horses and horse riding. While we know not everyone will own a horse, we believe all young people should be able to explore, question and wonder about these magnificent mammals.
We work with schools, youth clubs, faith groups and other community groups to co-create accessible projects where young people can learn in their usual setting and at home. We support communities with the delivery and, where possible, link them up to one of our Pony Club Linked Riding Centres to continue the journey.
In line with the British Equestrian’s Horses for All research and our own Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, we focus on developing projects for young people from underserved communities in equestrian sport. Specifically young people from ethnic minorities in equestrian sport and young people from lower socio-economic groups.
Encouraging a positive outlook on sports and physical activities in children from a young age can boost their motivation, confidence, and ability to stay active and healthy throughout their lives. By introducing equestrianism to young people, we not only nurture their interest in animals but promote valuable life skills such as responsibility, empathy and confidence.
This programme was developed in collaboration with the British Equestrian for young people of the age group 5-12 yrs through consultation sessions. The feedback from young people showed us that they truly enjoy learning about ponies through activities and sessions. We are passionate about expanding our reach and inviting diverse communities to experience the joy of working with ponies.
If you are interested in running pony-themed sessions within your school or community group, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill in the form below to join the programme that teaches young people to live harmoniously and in sync with nature.
1. What resources and equipment are needed to run the session?
A: Schools or youth centres need minimal resources for our sessions, a room or seating area and pencils or pens for the activity packs. We will also provide additional online resources that can be shared with young people at a time that best suits the school.
2. What does an activity pack include?
A: Our educational activity pack is designed to engage young people with interactive resources covering Introduction to outdoor knowledge, environmental awareness, the human – horse connection, and horse riding. Each pack includes information about horses, their care, interactive colouring pages, model horse page and a commemorative badge for children to celebrate their learning journey.
3. What level of supervision is required for the children?
A: While our staff are trained to lead and engage with children throughout the session, we encourage school or youth centre staff to be actively involved as well. Your participation in guiding and supervising the children not only enhances the experience but also ensures a supportive and familiar presence for them.
4. Will The Pony Club facilitate the delivery of the session, or will we be expected to lead it? What procedures are in place to ensure the safety of the children, including DBS and first aid provisions ?
A: The Pony Club will facilitate the delivery of the session; however, if your school or centre would like to take a lead role, we are more than happy to support this approach. All our staff hold current and up-to-date DBS checks, first aid certifications and safeguarding training to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and young people we work with. If you would like us to provide copies of these certificates or have our staff, bring them along prior to the visit to your school or youth centre, please let us know.
5. How does an initial introductory session take place in a school or youth centre setting?
A: During an initial session young people will be introduced to Galloping Minds activity pack, facts about horses and how they interact as a species. Together we’ll explore what makes horses happy and compare this to human happiness. Finally, we will introduce the group to the concept of horse riding with time for young people to ask questions
As a proud member body of British Equestrian Federation, The Pony Club is dedicated to making equestrian sport more inclusive and accessible. We actively support and implement British Equestrian’s Horses for All strategy, which focuses on breaking down barriers to participation and fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.
During National Inclusion Week 2024, we joined British Equestrian and other national governing bodies of different sports at the Greensville Trust hub in Bradford. The event provided a valuable platform to share knowledge, address inequalities and build meaningful connections with community groups.
Through initiatives like these, The Pony Club remains committed to promoting diversity, accessibility and the unifying power of sport.
Please see the contact details to the right.
