Established in 2013, our award-winning Supported Volunteer programme is tailored especially for volunteers who need some support with their volunteering journey at the Centre.

The goal-orientated programme provides participants with practical horsemanship skills, knowledge, and increased life skills while they are volunteering at the Centre. Supported by qualified Support Workers, the volunteers can work towards an accredited Asdan qualification.

Aims are set for communication, confidence, enjoyment, working with others, physical improvements and of course horsemanship skills. They’re tailored to meet individual needs, reviewed regularly and used as a stepping stone to further training, employment or to independent volunteering.

As well as working on the yard, caring for our horses, educational visits out, riding lessons, cookery, art and sewing are some of the sessions offered and we have an outdoor classroom and raised beds enabling our Supported Volunteers to grow fruit and vegetables and then cook and eat them!

Fees are charged on a daily basis, with volunteers offered places of up to five days a week, 9:30 – 3:00pm depending on availability and need. There are four weeks of holidays, two in August and two over the Christmas period.

Our SVs love being part of the SV Programme and play an active part in the life of the Centre. They really enjoy the opportunity to work on the yard and interact with our riders, volunteers, visitors and staff, helping with fundraising events and Tea with a Pony. They work tirelessly on the yard helping out the staff and volunteer team and bring a smile to everyone’s faces.