Group Activities at Scropton Horse Centre
Horses are amazing animals and through them we have opportunities to make real and lasting differences to the lives of local adults and children with additional needs.
Our horses and activities offer opportunities to develop a wide variety of life skills, improve wellbeing, expand abilities and all whilst having fun.
We offer a variety of activities with horses to suit different needs and abilities. Activities are run in small groups with a maximum of 6 participants.
Larger groups may be able to be accommodated by offering different activities side by side. Participants can focus on one particular activity or a mix of activities
Why horses?
Horses are social animals with their own personalities.
They are unbiased and don’t judge, and so people feel at ease with them.
This allows unique and positive relationships to build enabling skills to develop.
Horses help life skills
Participants might think they’re coming to take part in a fun activity with a horse, but they’ll be going home with a variety of life skills they’ve developed along the way:
Tracking participant progress has shown that:
• 74% of participants demonstrated physical improvement
• 77% developed greater confidence
• 75% experienced more enjoyment.
• 65% showed a greater willingness and ability to communicate
• 72% showed improved relationship building skills
• 78% demonstrated clear advances in horsemanship
Horses help mental wellbeing
Just being with horses can make you feel better. Sessions can be relaxing and calming. Confidence develops and trust grows.
Resilience, self-esteem and empathy can all be improved through activities with horses, supporting mental health needs.
It’s all about Teamwork
Working with or riding horses is very much a team thing.
Participants work alongside the coach, helpers, other participants and of course their horse.
This helps develop both their own skills and ability to take part in shared activities.
Learning with horses
As well as learning horse related skills, there’s lots of scope for activities with horses to support the national curriculum.
Exercises can help develop numeracy, language skills or focus on particular topics of interest.
We are always happy to look at ways our sessions can support other learning
Learning about horses
If it really is all about the horses we can offer a programme more focussed on horse related skills; riding, handling or care based.
There are a variety of RDA and BHS certificates that can be worked towards for both ridden and non-ridden activities.
Rewards for Achievement
Our participants have a wide variety of abilities, so we aim to tailor goals to each individuals’ needs.
We have a variety of ways of recognising achievements from ‘Scropton Stars’ for that one-off achievement in an individual session through to ‘Endeavour Awards’ earnt over a period of time for reaching agreed goals.
These all give the participants something to take away with them so they can share their achievements with others
Which Activity?
Riding
This involves working in a cooperative partnership with a horse.
As trust and confidence grow, new skills can flourish.
Communicating and following instructions are key skills that are developed.
Agility
Horse Agility involves working as partners with a horse on the move.
A trusting relationship is built as you learn to overcoming obstacles together.
Spatial awareness and motor skills develop as you work together.
Care
Horse care sessions encourage empathy and a caring relationship to develop.
Grooming is a calming and relaxing activity that builds confidence and trust.
It can be a very sensory experience and helps develop motor skills.
We are currently gathering information about groups & individuals interested in trying out ground based activities at our centre. If you can spare a few minutes please complete our short questionnaire - thank you.
If you would like to know more about the activities we offer please email us at enquiries@scroptonequestrian.com