What is the Changing Lives Through Horses programme?
The British Horse Society Changing Lives Through Horses is an alternative education programme where children and young people can learn in a safe and nurturing environment alongside highly trained coaches at British Horse Society Approved Riding Centres. The BHS believes that horses and equine facilitated learning can have a remarkable role to play in
impacting on a young person’s life.
When was the programme developed?
The Changing Lives Through Horses programme was developed and piloted in 2016 with excellent feedback from the twelve centres involved. Since then the programme has grown, with over 70 trained centres nationwide and with over 1000 young people accessing the programme to date. Our coaches receive support to run the programme and regular training
from our dedicated Changing Lives Through Horses team at the BHS.
Who is the Programme for?
The programme is aimed at children and young people aged 5-25 years who have become, or are at risk of becoming, disengaged or excluded from education or training, or those with additional needs that mean they need more support to maintain their school placement. Participants who have benefitted from the programme include those with special
educational needs, including social and emotional mental health needs, and those who may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
What does the programme involve?
The main aim of the programme is to develop and support 6 key life skills: Communication, Confidence, Teamwork, Building Relationships, Perseverance, and Responsibility. The programme is structured around two frameworks aimed at younger and older participants. Both offer horse care and ridden modules (some centres only offer horse care) with structured awards and certificates that recognise and reward achievement. Activities contained in each award provide opportunities for the participant to develop in the six key life skills that are transferable back to school or further education opportunities, practice learning skills linked to their school curriculum and build a portfolio of equine knowledge and experience that could lead to a pathway of further industry qualifications.
From September 2022 we are also able to offer accredited Personal Development Qualifications integrated within the programme at Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2.
How can your school get involved?
Our approved Changing Lives Through Horses centres all offer the programme differently – from full school days for small groups to 1:1 sessions at certain times depending on the needs of the individual and what the referring school is looking for. To find out more about what the programme offers in your area please contact:
Natalie Brown
07770331557
info@bffec.co.uk
