Trustees:

Jean Sharratt
Tracy Pearson
Daphne Paige

Ride Leaders:

Kerrie Bundock (Yard Manager)
Alice Elliott
Gemma Page
Emma Bennett
Alison Jackson

Young Persons Commitee:

Ellie Andrews
Samantha Bradshaw
Elena Wilse
Amy Jackson
David Pearson
Fiona Tonry

Guidelines

The title of the organisation is The Paddocks, a Registered Charity.

The aims of The Paddocks are:

To relieve physically or mentally impaired, disabled or people with social economic, behavioural difficulties (SEBD), by providing as a therapeutic, remedial, or educational activity, facilities for riding horses and ponies.

Meaning

People who are affected by social issues, (e.g. Have drug/alcohol dependant parents),have physical disablement, have behavioural difficulties which would prevent them from accessing normal riding facilities, have a diagnosed hidden disability, (Autism, hearing impaired, ADHD), have a mental illness, or a life changing event that has caused personal trauma (e.g. Bereavement, parent in prison), or are normally excluded or are unable participate in horse riding due to their personal circumstances.

The nature of The Paddocks is to provide a welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly environment for children, young people and adults of all ages and abilities with a safe, caring and fun experience riding ponies. Opportunities to train and gain qualifications to work in the industry will be offered to participants that express an interest in learning. Riders will be provided with all the safety equipment and asked to wear suitable clothing for riding in. Workers and volunteers will receive training and their own speciality in caring for certain client groups and it is the aim of The Paddocks to ensure that no rider will be excluded due to their personal circumstances.

The Paddocks will provide horse and pony trekking facilities with qualified staff and volunteers who have been trained or are training to Ride Leader and First Aid qualification. Some will hold or be working towards their British Horse Society Instructors Stage exams. All staff and volunteers will be trained in awareness of helping children and young people with behavioural problems to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment for all. Riders will be given basic information on safety issues and will be encouraged to help care for the horses by grooming and some stable management.

Riders will be given the opportunity to ride in woodland and the sand school depending on ability. At the end of a defined period, participants will have completed their time with us and will be given a certificate of achievement to certify their achievements and mark their successes. We will also aim to organise small gymkhana events where past participants will be invited to compete and other minority groups take part.

The Paddocks also aims to train young people of working age on day release basis, on the management, care, and riding of horses; with the specific aim of giving these young people a qualification in which to enter employment. This is aimed at young people who find living at home problematic and yet lack the personal skills to make their own way in life. Stable and groom work often comes with board and lodgings in a family environment where they are likely to forge links and be cared for. This helps the young person develop personal, social and practical skills to empower them to find gainful employment within a supportive environment.

The Paddocks are open all year round to visitors who are interested in its achievements by appointment with the yard manager.

Participants and Eligibility

All potential users of The Paddocks facilities will in the first place be required to complete an application form. All forms will be treated confidentially at all times as per the Data Protection Act, which will be closely monitored by the trustees.

Potential children and adults will be accessed as to their suitability to ride with us. If for some reason it is found that we cannot offer riding, we will endeavour to find another establishment who can.

When it is found that a person is eligible, then the next available riding time will be allocated.

As we are not funded for the maintenance or keep of our ponies, all participants will be invited to make a donation towards our work at the time of their ride.

Safety

Riding horses and ponies by its very nature can be a hazardous activity. Animals however well trained or schooled can be unpredictable. Safety is paramount and all possible steps are taken to eliminate risk of accidents. Risk assessments will be made as per centre manager�s guidance.

Our Health and Safety Policy is available to read in the tack shed. We provide all BHS standard safety equipment and adhere to the BHS guidelines on riding establishments. The Paddocks is a BHS approved centre. All participants are requested to disclose any medical or behavioural problem that will affect their ability to ride or follow instructions including allergies and phobias. Medical forms must be signed to give consent for first aid treatment.

Where a child needs specialist care The Paddocks will endeavour to provide a suitable experienced person to help.

Parents and Carers remain responsible for children under 18 years of age in their care.

The Paddocks operates a green policy promoting clean use of the countryside by not littering and respecting the countryside and its laws. Wildlife studies are encouraged, and city dwellers and country dwellers alike, are encouraged to gain a greater understanding of our ecosystems and diversification of the rural economy.

We operate a No Smoking policy in all areas of our premises.