'Learning with Horses' course for young people is a galloping success

SPORT NI recently funded the British Horse Society (BHS) Ireland's 'Learning with Horses' course at Laurel View Equestrian Centre, Templepatrick, for eight teenage students from Rosstulla School. Taught by Shelagh Laird BHSAI Reg, the 'Learning with Horses' course ran for six weeks and finished in March.

Instruction included basic skills in riding, horse knowledge and care.

Based on the success of the course, Rosstulla School is now planning to offer more equestrian opportunities to its students.

Heather Hoffman, BHS Ireland Participation Officer said: “Our ‘Learning with Horses’ (LWH) course is aimed at young people who have little or no experience of horses.

“Having run this pilot course, we are now ready to roll out LWH courses across Northern Ireland over the next two years.”

Head Teacher at Rosstulla, Fiona Burke said: “I cannot speak highly enough of the benefits of this course to my students.

“They have had an amazing experience. The course encouraged the individual to think constructively about themselves, their social interaction, and the impact that this has on one another. I have long held the belief that working with horses is an excellent way of learning about human relationships and developing the individual. Participation in the course has reinforced this.”

The British Horse Society Ireland is keen to see the ‘Learning with Horses’ course made available in the future to other schools which recognize the many opportunities for personal development that arise from interacting and working with horses.