Changing Lives Through Horses

Changing Lives Through Horses is a programme that is split into two frameworks, the achievers framework is aimed at 5-11 year olds and the explorers framework is aimed at 11-25 year olds. It is matched to the National Curriculum for KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4. The national programme is delivered only at BHS approved centres. The CLTH programme is aimed at all young people who are either permanently excluded, at risk of permanent exclusion or who have special education needs or disabilities (SEND). It is also aimed at young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), therefore at risk of becoming socially excluded with income below the poverty line and without the skills to improve their economic situation.

The amount a child attends is flexible, there is a number of hours that children can't exceed (I will confirm this tomorrow) but it is flexible dependent on the child's needs/educational setting. Cost is £60 a day

Changing Lives Through Horses have a simple goal, to build young people’s resilience, confidence and self-esteem and support them to develop the drive and ambition to be a productive member of our society through re-engaging with education or employment. Changing Lives Through Horses has the ability to reach these young people at a critical point in their lives.

Our vision ‘To inspire individuals classified as disengaged and/or disadvantaged to reconnect with society through working with horses.The mission ‘To empower young people, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge enabling them to return to education and/or employment.’ Who is The Changing Lives Through Horses programme for? Our aim at Wirral Riding Centre ‘Together, with horses, we can change the way you see the world.’ 

Who is The Changing Lives Through Horses programme for?

It is suitable for:

• Young people (5-15) who are either permanently excluded, at risk of permanent exclusion or who have special education needs or disabilities (SEND).

• Young people (16-25) who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), therefore at risk of becoming socially excluded with income below the poverty line and without the skills to improve their economic situation.

What does the programme look like?

The Changing Lives Through Horses (CLTH) programme is an educational and character-building programme which encompasses the development of Life Skills and academic achievement within an equine environment. There are six fundamental Life Skills which are the foundation for helping young people flourish. These life skills are weaved through the programme for all ages of participants:

• Building relationships

• Communication

• Confidence

• Responsibility

• Teamwork

• Perseverance

There are two bespoke frameworks within the programme, depending on the age of the participant.

• 5-11 years old Achievers Framework Aim: To return to education

• 11-25 years old Explorers Framework Aim: To return to education (school or college) or continue to employment

Each CLTH Framework has been linked to the National Curriculum (NC). The Achievers Framework has been mapped to the NC for KS1 and KS2 and The Explorers Framework has been mapped to KS3 and core subjects within KS4.

Each framework involves numerous awards which the participant can work towards and achieve in manageable timeframes. The award ensures there is simple progression as well as a change for personal achievement and recognition at regular intervals. They allow for regular and clear feedback between the CLTH centre, the school and the parents or carers.

What experience is required?

The programme does not require the participant to have any previous experience of working with horses or the outdoors; they simply have to show a desire to be in this environment. It is also not necessary for the participant to learn to ride as part of this programme, although this certainly is an option and could potentially be a big attraction.

What does a normal day look like?

Our days are flexible and work around our children, young people and horses. However, a usual day looks like this...

9am - arrive at WRC and start the day with a visual timetable

9.30am - mucking out as a team

11am - first equine lesson/activity of the day

12-1pm - riding lesson & lunchtime

1-2.30pm - second equine lesson/activity of the day

2.30/3pm - look back at the activities, set targets for the following day and collection

Each child/young person can attend for up to 18 hours a week. The cost is currently £55 per person, per day. In Sept 2024 the price will be increasing to £60 per person, per day.

British Horse School Qualification (BHSQ) - Personal Development Qualifications 

These Personal Development Qualifications are suitable for learners who are age 11+ and are delivered through the CLTH programme. The qualifications are suitable for those who are either permanently excluded from or at risk of permanent exclusion from education. Or who have special education needs or disabilities (SEND) and those who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). 

The Personal Development Qualifications: 

• Aim to support the development of knowledge, skills and behaviours for life

• Focus on aspects that are essential for all such as building relationships, working with others and developing new skills

• Are inclusive and accessible for all learners

There are three qualifications: 

Qualification Level – Entry level 3 Total Qualification Time (TQT) for this qualification is 30 Credits – 3 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 30

Qualification Level – Level 1 Total Qualification Time (TQT) for this qualification is 50 Credits – 5 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 50 (Equivalent to GCSE 1-4)

Qualification Level – Level 2 Total Qualification Time (TQT) for this qualification is 60 Credits – 6 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 60 (Equivalent to GCSE 5-9)

BHSQ qualifications are: 

1. Nationally recognised 

2. Quality assured 

3. Vocationally-related 

4. Mapped to national occupational standards (NOS) where appropriate 

5. Designed to meet the needs of employers 

6. Regularly reviewed by industry practitioners. 

BHSQ qualifications provide valuable opportunities for learners to: 

1. Develop new skills 

2. Develop existing skills 

3. Gain underpinning knowledge and understanding 

4. Progress to further study, education and training 

5. Progress into employment.

Assessment will be carried out by an appointed assessor in an assessment centre/venue approved by the BHS (Wirral Riding Centre). All learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be met for achievement.

This April 2024 we registered 11 of our Young People for a Level 1 PDQ and we had 11 successful applications! It was an absolute pleasure to register these assessments and we are delighted that 11 of our Young People now have a GCSE equivalent 1-4. For this assessment period the BHSQ received 24 applications and 11 of those were from Wirral Riding Centre. This shows how dedicated we are to the success of our Young People!

For the next assessment period in June we are going to put forward the same 11 Young People for a Level 2 PDQ and another 8 Young People for Level 1 PDQ.

Click here to read the BHSQ Personal Development Qualifications Specification
Click here to find out more about Wirral Riding School