NEWS CHANNEL
Published: 14/07/2009 00:00 -
Updated: 23/02/2010 13:35
(media 1842)
Troubled young people are being taught to overcome their obstacles by a new horse riding charity.
Ride High, supported by the BBC's Jeremy Vine, has been set up to help Milton Keynes youngsters develop social, personal and academic skills by teaching them to ride and care for horses.
The young people who take part are referred to the charity by a social worker, youth worker, school or doctor.
Charity founder Rachel Medill, who is director of the British Equestrian Federation said: "Those children may well be in social services care, they may be caring for a parent so they can't be at full-time school, they may be bullied very badly at school and have very low self esteem, they could have been in trouble with police, they may be living in an environment dominated by poverty, alcohol or drugs.
"We are trying to help them develop skills that will help them for the rest of their lives."
A pilot project has been run at Loughton Manor Equestrian Centre since April with six young people taking part.
In a launch event on Thursday they demonstrated what they have learned to a group of local business people and supporters and were presented with certificates by Mayor of Milton Keynes Euan Henderson.
The mayor also opened the charity's new club house, where the youngsters learn through group exercises such as memory, trust and writing games.
Mrs Medill added: "I've ridden all my life so I have seen first hand the pleasure and joy that horses can bring. It is a special experience that most people only dream of, so for those children who are lacking in self esteem or are unhappy it is truly a special thing to do."
"It really means a lot to them, we have seen huge improvements in behaviour in the time they have been with us. They are acting as a team together, they are enjoying each other's company, they are making bonds with the horses and altogether its just been a thoroughly positive experience."
The charity hopes to expand to provide sustained support to 50 children by this time next year. It will then cost around £70,000 a year to run.
In a recorded message to supporters at the charity's launch Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio Two and Panorama presenter and patron of Ride High, said: "To enable children without necessarily the stable, loving and nurturing background that so many of us took for granted to come and do something that is completely unusual for them and to see a different vista and a different horizon is so exciting. It is such a brilliant charity to be involved in."
Mrs Medill is calling for people or businesses who can offer financial help or volunteers who can give their time to get in touch.
For more information visit www.ridehigh.org.
Troubled young people are being taught to overcome their obstacles by a new horse riding charity.
Ride High, supported by the BBC's Jeremy Vine, has been set up to help Milton Keynes youngsters develop social, personal and academic skills by teaching them to ride and care for horses.
The young people who take part are referred to the charity by a social worker, youth worker, school or doctor.
Charity founder Rachel Medill, who is director of the British Equestrian Federation said: "Those children may well be in social services care, they may be caring for a parent so they can't be at full-time school, they may be bullied very badly at school and have very low self esteem, they could have been in trouble with police, they may be living in an environment dominated by poverty, alcohol or drugs.
"We are trying to help them develop skills that will help them for the rest of their lives."
A pilot project has been run at Loughton Manor Equestrian Centre since April with six young people taking part.
In a launch event on Thursday they demonstrated what they have learned to a group of local business people and supporters and were presented with certificates by Mayor of Milton Keynes Euan Henderson.
The mayor also opened the charity's new club house, where the youngsters learn through group exercises such as memory, trust and writing games.
Mrs Medill added: "I've ridden all my life so I have seen first hand the pleasure and joy that horses can bring. It is a special experience that most people only dream of, so for those children who are lacking in self esteem or are unhappy it is truly a special thing to do."
"It really means a lot to them, we have seen huge improvements in behaviour in the time they have been with us. They are acting as a team together, they are enjoying each other's company, they are making bonds with the horses and altogether its just been a thoroughly positive experience."
The charity hopes to expand to provide sustained support to 50 children by this time next year. It will then cost around £70,000 a year to run.
In a recorded message to supporters at the charity's launch Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio Two and Panorama presenter and patron of Ride High, said: "To enable children without necessarily the stable, loving and nurturing background that so many of us took for granted to come and do something that is completely unusual for them and to see a different vista and a different horizon is so exciting. It is such a brilliant charity to be involved in."
Mrs Medill is calling for people or businesses who can offer financial help or volunteers who can give their time to get in touch.
For more information visit www.ridehigh.org.
