The Paddocks learning programmes

The Paddocks has an excellent record of engaging young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from school. Our placement program enables young people to attend for either a full day or half day per week. Whilst on placement they gain real life work experience, getting involved in all the different aspects of working in the equine world, from horse care to field maintenance. Horses need feeding, exercise and mucking out and are reliant on the young people for their care. Working with our horses helps create an environment of quiet and calm as loud noises or sudden movements frighten them. Young people develop life skills in this environment as they realise the importance of punctuality and personal conduct when it is applied to a real-life setting. Young people who lack self confidence and social skills show the most dramatic improvements after spending time with the horses. They quickly gain confidence through acquiring completely new skills. Learning to communicate with the horses through body language improves their communication skills both with horses and humans. Our placements help young people also receive structured training sessions and exams that are registered on the National Database Accredited Qualifications.

Information for schools

Please contact Jean Sharratt on 07734189902 to discuss a potential placement. Placements are arranged on a half term basis. Demand can be high so it is advisable to call at least 2 weeks before the start of a new half term. Potential students may apply through their schools and teachers can refer students by telephoning the above number. When the young person attends they will be asked to commit to attending either a half day or full day each week for the duration of a half term. After the first half term the placement will be reviewed and renegotiated for the following half term if all parties agree.

Cost

Young people require a high level or supervision, support and training whilst at the project and donations are always welcome from schools and parents but not essential. Our priority lies with the student and funding applications are ongoing.

Accreditation and Exams

Our training sessions can be accredited to AZDAN GCSE . We also work to training to Britsh Horse Society stage 1 in Riding and stable management. We also train and exam to progressive riding test 5, These exams are a very good way to measure learning as they have a slyibus to work from that can be used to accredit learning for exams.

Activities

The Paddocks promotes equal opportunities and encourages its students to take part at local competitions. We also have a long term group of volunteers who receive ongoing further education in equine studies. As our students grow and mature we encourage them to become volunteers. The paddocks funding applications endeavour to keep its volunteer force learning and actively involved in local sport participation.

Educational visits

Once a year, The Paddocks volunteers try to visit the west coast of Ireland for a visit to the Connemara mountains. Whilst there they ride the ponies and visit the local sales. This trip is very educational and gives people the chance to see the industry through breeding, producing ,purchase and final destination of the horses. Ireland is a wonderful place to visit with beautiful countryside and it�s interesting to see how tourism has become a great part of its industry. Our volunteers take 6 young people a year to see the Irish horse industry at work.