Alternative Education Provision

Changing Lives Through Horses

Empowering Young People in Dorset through Equine-Facilitated Learning

What is Changing Lives through Horses (CLtH)?
At RAC Saddle Club in Bovington, we provide a unique opportunity for children and young people to learn in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Led by our highly trained coaches, participants engage in equine-facilitated learning at our BHS Approved Riding Centre, helping young people who may struggle in traditional educational settings.

Who Can Benefit?
The CLtH programme is open to children and young people aged 5-25 who would benefit from additional support. This includes individuals with special educational needs, social and emotional mental health needs, those disengaged from school, or those who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences.

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.

Key Life Skills Developed
Through CLtH at RAC Saddle Club, participants develop vital life skills including:

• Communication
• Confidence
• Teamwork
• Building Relationships
• Perseverance
• Responsibility

How It Works at RAC Saddle Club
We offer 2-hour weekly sessions (Tuesday to Friday) in private or small group settings, focusing on horse care, riding (optional), and life skills development.

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.

Personal Development Qualifications
We also offer Personal Development Qualifications (PDQ). These are available for anyone who is 11+ years old.

• The PDQ’s are GCSE Equivalent qualifications.
• They are offered in three stages - Entry L3, L1 (GCSE 1-4) and L2 (GCSE 5-9)
• Each of the PDQs are assessed against six life skills of the programme.

Proven Success
Since 2019, 140 children have successfully completed the CLtH programme at RAC Saddle Club, gaining valuable skills that help them progress in education, training, and employment. 88% of participants improve at least one key life skill, providing a solid foundation for their future.

Why Choose RAC Saddle Club?

• Local & Accessible: Conveniently located in Bovington, Dorset, we offer a supportive and familiar environment for local children and young people.
• Flexible & Tailored: We offer both private and group sessions that can be personalised to suit each participant's individual needs.
• Proven Impact: Our programme has shown positive results, with young people gaining confidence, improved social skills, and clearer pathways for their future.

Funding Options Available
The BHS offer several funding options for families and schools:

• Schools and Local Authorities: Can fund sessions for children with additional needs or those out of school.
• Bursaries: Available on occasion, depending on charitable donations.
• Private Funding: Parents and carers can privately fund sessions.
• Other Local Charities: May assist in supporting access to the programme.

Next Steps for Your Child
Upon completing the programme, participants are supported in their next steps, whether it be further education, apprenticeships, or employment:

• Education: College courses, BHS Recreational Awards
• Employment: Apprenticeships with the British Horseracing Authority or local BHS centres
• Other Pathways: Volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association, or opportunities within local equine industries.

How to Get Involved

For more information or to refer your child to our CLtH programme at RAC Saddle Club in Bovington, please contact us directly - details below.

We will work closely with you to ensure the programme is a perfect fit for your child’s needs.

Transforming Lives Through Horses at RAC Saddle Club
Providing skills, support, and opportunities for a brighter future in  Dorset.

Contact RAC Saddle Club:

Phone: 01920 403 580
Email: office@racsaddleclub.co.uk

Changing Lives Through Horses – Empowering young people through the British Horse Society.

Meet the CLTH Coaches

To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment the RAC Saddle Club has established several guidelines.  These policies ensure that we uphold high standards for safety, respect, and fairness. Please click the button below to view the policies:

The Wey Valley Academy

As the lead for Alternative Provision at a large secondary school I have the privilege to work with a number of young people from all backgrounds.

Discovering The Changing Lives Course through horses has really allowed us to expand our provision to offer a course that is unique and powerful, especially for female students who often do not have as much choice in what is on offer for alternative provision.

The feedback from the students so far has been outstanding, their attendance has increased, and they cannot wait for the course to come around again. We test self esteem and worth pre and post courses and these have improved. The students are excited about learning, feel valued and supported and are slowly building resilience. In addition, the older students have an opportunity to explore different careers options in equine studies. It really has been a brilliant course.”

Mark Salmon Head of Alternative Provision at The Wey Valley Academy

Karls Story

Karl left school at the age of 15 as he was struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. He found it difficult to find the confidence to leave the house which led to Karl feeling very isolated and alone.

Karl was introduced to Steph at RAC Saddle Club and the horses to see if it would help Karl. He soon realised that being around the horses he felt less anxious, and he gained the confidence to be more sociable.

Karl to signed up to the BHS Changing Lives Programme and he achieved all stages and has now gone on to take and pass his BHS Stage 1 in Care and Riding. Karl did all this with no stress, no anxiety and with a big smile on his face.

Karl also received the Pamela Almond Changing Lives Through Horses Achieve Award from The British Horse Society for showing exceptional commitment to his personal development.

The transformation has been amazing and in September 2020 Karl was invited to join the RAC Saddle Club team full time as an apprentice and he is a very valued member of the team to his colleagues and liveries.

Karl says, “Since being at the RAC Saddle Club I have had to put myself out there and talk to people that I don’t know and socialise with such amazing people! It has improved my confidence drastically and has focused my mind elsewhere as well as getting me out of the house and out of the sticky situation I was getting myself into.”

“The equestrian community has given me such a sense of belonging. With being given the opportunity to work and learn with and about these amazing animals is wonderful. I truly feel as though I can now achieve things and complete tasks regardless.”

“I feel brighter not just in my thoughts but as a person. RAC Saddle Club has given me a sense of belonging – it is like a second family, and I have so much pride in the horses and in the way I look after them.”

We must congratulate Karl who was awarded The Pamela Almond Changing Lives through Horses Achieve Award at the The British Horse Society Annual Awards Ceremony at Newbury Racecourse in November 2021. The award is for showing exceptional growth and commitment to their personal development and was presented by BHS President Martin Clunes and in the presence of HRH Princess Anne.

The RAC Saddle Club is accredited by the British Horse Society and has instructors trained in the delivery of the Changing Lives through Horses programme. Horses are a powerful way of inspiring young people to reconnect with society.

When working with horses we discover natural talents and strengths we didn’t know we had.

Changing Lives through Horses is a BHS structured programme designed to improve the lives of disengaged people, using horses as the inspiration for change.

For more information please contact us:

Email: office@racsaddleclub.co.uk

Tel: 01929 403580

or complete the enquiry form or download the BHS Changing Lives Through Horses referral form below.