BHS welcomes the Sikh Community to Bourne Vale Stables

Last Sunday (19 May), The British Horse Society were pleased to welcome members of the Sikh Community to BHS Approved Bourne Vales Stables, in the heart of Walsall, to increase accessibility to the equine industry.

Providing many participants with their first experience of that special horse/human bond, this is the second of such events run by the equine charity, having held a participation day last year at a BHS Approved riding school in Romford. 

Funded by Sport England’s Together Fund, through British Equestrian, these are important initiatives that help to ensure more people have access to horses and equestrian activities. They too reinforce, as well as showcase, the united ways in which all communities can share a love for horses.

The day included rider taster sessions, with over 50 participants joining in, as well as an opportunity to experience riding via a mechanical horse. A variety of other activities were also on offer including horse care education, grooming and hobby horse showjumping, along with the chance to learn more about riding equipment with a qualified saddler.

Jasmeet Singh a member of the Khalsa Panth UK community said: “Khalsa Panth UK are delighted to be partnering with The British Horse Society (BHS) to put on another fantastic event, this time at Bourne Vale Stables. Horse Riding was historically part of the Sikh way of life. Our hope is to re-establish this horse human bond which has been lost by many of today’s generation.

Working together enables us to break down the barriers to horse riding, making it accessible for all communities. We are very grateful to the BHS team for their commitment towards diversity and inclusion, in particular their efforts to educate riding centres on the Dastar (Sikh turban).”

Sarah Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at The British Horse Society, added: “We are so pleased to welcome members, and their families, of the Sikh community to Bourne Vale Stables, and want to extend a big thank you to Jasmeet Singh as well as the team at Bourne Vale for supporting us to run such important initiatives.

It was wonderful seeing the excited faces of both children and adults as they interacted with the horses and ponies on the day. This is testament to the horse/human relationship, that the BHS advocate, and how it can be transformational for people’s wellbeing.

It was a fantastic event to support that mission and to celebrate the joy of horses; we look forward to working further with Jasmeet Singh and the Sikh Community again in the future.”   

Adam Hughes, Strategic Lead for Relationships at British Equestrian commented: “We are delighted to help fund projects like this one to open the equestrian community to more groups and allow people to experience building relationships with horses, as well as enjoy the benefits of getting active outdoors.”

As the lifeblood of equine participation, riding centres such as Bourne Vale Stables play a critical role in supporting all future generations to engage with horses. 

For those who don’t have direct access to horses, these facilities help to ensure everyone can benefit from equestrian education, horse care and welfare, practical riding tuition and most importantly, an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Established over 60 years ago, Bourne Vale Stables play a large role in their local community. Fourth generation owner of Bourne Vale Stables, Anna Cooper adds: “It was a privilege to host the Sikh community this weekend and showcase the important role horses can have in all our lives. Since 1962, Bourne Vale Stables has helped thousands of people learn to ride, build friendships and enjoy the sport of riding.

I’ve been fortunate enough to witness countless of individual’s love for horses flourish here and it’s important that we continue to work hard to make sure more people, from all communities, are able to experience this magical feeling.”   

To learn more about The British Horse Society and how you can help the charity to increase accessibility to equestrianism, click here.

Discover more about Bourne Vales Stables and how they support people of all ages, and from all backgrounds, in the local community.