About the programme
Changing Lives through Horses aims to improve the lives of young people who, for various reasons, may need additional support, are disengaged, or disadvantaged, or at risk of becoming excluded from education.
Using horses as the inspiration for change, the programme provides an alternative and complementary learning environment to mainstream education. The skills developed through the programme meet the requirements of ongoing education and training, employers and participants.
The programme works to develop six key life skills through equestrian activity:
- Communication
- Confidence
- Building relationships
- Teamwork
- Responsibility
- Perseverance
There are two frameworks – the achieve awards aimed at 5-11 year olds and the explorers wards aimed at 11 –25 year olds, although participants can follow the framework most appropriate to them regardless of age. Both offer horse care and ridden modules.
Requirements
To deliver the Changing Lives through Horses programme a centre would need to meet the following criteria:
- Be a BHS Approved Centre which ensures we can maintain a secure and safe environment for young people to be working in.
- We would also require the Lead Changing Lives through Horses Coach, to be qualified to BHS Stage 3 Care and BHS Stage 2 teach and recommended to be an approved professional coach. This ensures we are delivering with coaches who have up to date safeguarding training, first aid and are criminal record checked according to their national requirements (other centre staff can be involved in the delivery of the programme, it is just the lead coach that needs to hold the above requirements).
- The Lead Changing Lives through Horses Coach and your centre staff will be required to attend 2 initial group virtual training sessions and the three further bespoke training sessions.
How to apply
If you’re interested in delivering Changing Lives through Horses at your Approved Riding Centre, please contact the Programme Manager for more information on: Tel: 02476 840545 or email: changinglives@bhs.org.uk.
