‘Changing Lives Through Horses’ programme
We recently came across the work of Calvert Stable in Keswick and were in touch with Charlotte Ditchburn, Coach and Trustee about the ‘Changing Lives Through Horses’ programme that they run from their specialist equestrian centre near Keswick.
The programme has been developed by The British Horse Society and is designed to support children and young people aged 5–25 who may benefit from an alternative to traditional classroom-based education. It blends ridden and non-ridden horse activities with structured, goal-focused learning. They welcome participants who may be disengaged from education, facing social, emotional or behavioural challenges, or living with SEND or SEMH needs. Their sessions are highly individualised, enabling young people to learn at their own pace in a calm, supportive, and non-judgemental environment.
What we really liked the sound of was that there are two delivery options for the programme, both helping a participant develop key life skills, but one with measurable outcomes which often lead to vocational qualifications, and the other a more flexible approach without the pressure of formal assessment.
This approach is supported by a testimonial from a parent “The programme has given our daughter the opportunity to gain the social communication, perseverance, responsibility, and confidence skills she needs to take her onto the next steps in her educational journey. This achievement is absolutely incredible and one that would never have been possible without the support of all the staff at the Calvert Trust.”
If this programme sounds like it would benefit you or someone you know then do get in touch with Calvert Stables and Charlotte and her team will be in touch.
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