Youngsters learnt about horses, had a go at riding them and took part in races during a special half-term treat at the Newmarket Pony Academy – a community project at the British Racing School.
The day was organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) for children who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care at Milton, The Nook or The Treehouse.
Thirteen eager youngsters took part – a mix of boys and girls – and, after settling in with a colouring activity, they got kitted out with boots and riding helmets.
They then met six horses and learnt about grooming them, finding out about different brushes and combs and the tools used to clean hooves.
“The horses were thoroughly spoilt, and it became a bit of a pamper session,” said Ceri Dobson, EACH’s Groups and Events Coordinator at Milton.
“After learning how to care for them, we spent time in the British Racing School’s jockey training suite and had a go on two simulators. It was great fun and gave the children a taste of what it’s like in the saddle.”
After lunch, it was time for the children to pick their racing silks, before splitting into groups and having a chance to ride the horses. One of them was a former racehorse, called Army of Stars.
The children learnt how to use their reins, building up to a trot, and had a chance to test their steering skills by weaving around cones.
“We had some fun races, where the children had to trot to one end, then climb off their horse and run back,” added Ceri.
“It got competitive but all in a great spirit and good-natured. There was lots of cheering and a strong team mentality.
“Then, for the final part of the day, the children had an opportunity to learn about mucking out the horses.
“They used brooms, rakes and wheelbarrows and worked together, getting stuck in.
“As ever, the children were so well-behaved. They had a great time, and it was lovely to see new friendships emerge, including two girls from The Nook and The Treehouse. They didn’t know each other at the start but became inseparable, and that’s one of the great things about tri-site events.”
All the children went home with certificates, and Ceri said she was grateful to Grace and Kathryn, from the Newmarket Pony Academy, as well as volunteers Sophie, George, Annette, Aisha and Amelia.
“It’s a pleasure to have the team from EACH visit us each year and be able to provide a brilliant day out,” said Grace Allan, from the Newmarket Pony Academy.
“The therapeutic benefits of working with horses and ponies are well known and we were so pleased to have been able to offer the chance to ride and work with our horses to their young people.”
