LANCING EQUESTRIAN – ALTERNATIVE PROVISION
We are excited to introduce you to an alternative provision programme available in our area, developed by Britain’s largest equine charity, The British Horse Society. This initiative is called Changing Lives Through Horses, and we invite you to read on to learn more about this fantastic programme. At Lancing Equestrian Centre, we are able to deliver this program, providing young individuals with a unique opportunity for growth and learning through equine facilitated experiences.
What is the Changing Lives Through Horses Programme
The Changing Lives Through Horses programme is an alternative education initiative where children and young people can learn in a safe and nurturing environment alongside highly trained coaches at British Horse Society Approved Riding Centres. The BHS believes that horses and equine-facilitated learning can have a remarkable impact on a young person’s life.
Why Choose Lancing Equestrian Centre
Our Centre Manager brings years of expertise in safeguarding and pastoral support from within the educational sector, ensuring that each participant’s wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do. This extensive experience allows us to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can truly flourish.
When was the Programme Developed
Since the program’s launch in 2016 by the British Horse Society, it has empowered over 3,500 young people across the UK. At Lancing Equestrian Centre, we are proud to be part of this transformative initiative, offering tailored sessions that develop vital life skills within an equine setting. Our coaches receive ongoing support and training from the dedicated Changing Lives Through Horses team at the BHS.
Who Can Benefit
We welcome children and young people aged 10-25 years who may be facing challenges such as special educational needs (SEN), social and emotional difficulties, disengagement from education, or those who have been impacted by trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
The course can be condensed down to suit college students into half-day sessions. This course meets the criteria for government funding for key stage 5.
Program Details
Our program focuses on building and reinforcing six essential life skills:
– Communication
– Confidence
– Teamwork
– Building Relationships
– Perseverance
– Responsibility
Participants engage in structured horse care and riding modules, with opportunities to achieve awards and certificates that acknowledge their progress. These activities not only enhance their equine knowledge but also equip them with skills applicable to various aspects of life, including education and future employment. Supported by a referral process that ensures personalized care, our sessions run up to two days per week, between Tuesday and Thursday. This schedule allows individuals to immerse themselves in the program, benefiting from the tranquillity and empowerment that comes from working with horses.
How Can Your School Get Involved
Lancing Equestrian Centre offers the programme in various ways—ranging from full school days for small groups to termly places to personal development qualifications (PDQ) . To find out more about what the programme offers in your area, please contact:
– Amy Baker – info@lancingequestrian.co.uk
– Lancing Equestrian Centre, Hoe farm court, Lancing College, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 0QX.
– 01903 251171
We have a robust referral process where our centres and coaches will collaborate with you to ensure that the programme is suitable for your pupils and that all safeguarding measures, risk assessments, and expected outcomes are addressed. The programme can be offered over a set period, as part of a wider package of support, or as an open-ended referral that is regularly reviewed by the school and the centre.
Course Details: Changing Lives Through Horses Programme
This alternative provision placements are ideal for students who may struggle to access standard timetabled lessons full-time. This programme has demonstrated great success in rebuilding low attendance and supporting students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
No Prior Experience Required
Students do not need any prior equine experience to participate; however, a passion for animals and the outdoors is essential to fully benefit from the career and qualification opportunities available. The Pathway is specifically designed for students aspiring to have a career as a professional groom. This qualification opens doors to various career opportunities, including: Foundation Groom, Senior Groom/Head Groom, Riding Centre Manager, Stud Manager, Yard Manager in different disciplines, Equestrian Business Manager.
Course Schedule
The course will run weekly from September to July, from 10am to 3pm. Students can access the course up to two days per week. The morning session will focus on yard skills and horse care practice, followed by a lunch break (students should bring a packed lunch). The afternoon, from 1pm to 3pm, will be spent with the centre’s BHS coaches, where students will learn the theory and practical skills necessary for their end-of-year assessments.
Price
– Full academic year: £2,998.00
– Per full academic term: £1,066.00
– Per session price: £89.00 (This is available for a 2-week trial period, and the fee will be deducted from the term price if you decide to continue.)
Personal development qualification (PDQ)
Students will work through various stages and aim for a Personal Development Qualification that carries UCAS points, enhancing their educational qualifications. Please note students must be with us for 2 years for this award.
Additional Educational Opportunities
We also offer further educational courses that can accompany this programme, including:
– BHS Level 1 & 2 Care
– BHS Level 1 & 2 Riding
– BHS Stage 2 Lunge Assessment
– BHS Stage 1 & 2 Coach Training
Our Commitment
Lancing Equestrian Centre is committed to delivering this program through a team of dedicated coaches who partake in continuous professional development. Our mission is to boost young participants’ self-confidence, communication skills, and overall employability by fostering a supportive learning environment. We aim to inspire participants to manage their education confidently and cultivate discipline, all while experiencing the therapeutic and rewarding world of equestrian activities.
For further information about the “Changing Lives Through Horses” program and our specific offerings, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be thrilled to share how we can support the young people in your community.
Best wishes
Amy Baker – Director
Changing Lives Through Horses team at 02476 840545 or via email at changinglives@bhs.org.uk.
Alternative Provision Testimonials
PARENT / CARER
I have the pleasure of taking lessons at Lancing Equestrian Centre and it has truly been an outstanding experience. The quality of teaching is exceptional — the instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and always take the time to explain techniques clearly, making learning enjoyable for all levels. The horses are clearly well-cared-for, with their health and happiness being a top priority. It’s evident that they are treated with great respect and attention. The grooms are equally wonderful, always friendly, approachable, and willing to answer any questions. The whole atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and professional, with lots of activities to choose. I highly recommend this riding school to anyone looking to improve their skills in a positive and supportive environment!
Would just like to say that I started riding with you at the end of last year, having not been in the saddle since 1964! I found your Instructors to be extremely helpful and understanding and the whole experience was really therapeutic. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to ride since August due to my health, but I’m aiming to return in January – can’t wait to see the lovely Cookie again!
My girls have both been riding at Lancing for nearly a year now. They have thrived in their riding since.
My eldest has been attending the alternative school provision one day a week since October and it’s lovely to see her grow into her self and in confidence with her peers and her abilities with the horses.
Both my girls have created so many great memories and given them some great new experiences with the horses with the horse ball and equitation. Thank you!
Since riding at Lancing Equestrian my technique has improved so much thanks to the excellent instructors there. I’ve had a chance to try horse ball (something I’d never even heard of!) and feel like a teenager again by practicing equitation!
The centre has some fabulous horses to ride and I look forward to my lessons each week. The staff are friendly and the horses & ponies are very well looked after.
We had been learning with another local riding school for a few years after a long break in riding after having children. Its was wonderful to find a centre where I could track my progression and set goals whilst not able to commit to owing my own horse. I really enjoy the variety of lessons types and the hacking with coach who are so passionate about teaching.
My daughter rides with Lancing, I have no clue about anything to do with horses – bit scary really. She has gone through the group levels and now attends stable days where I can drop her off with a lunch and over priced horsey outfit and pick her up a few hours later wet smelly but absolutely buzzing from a day with her mates and riding ponies. I don’t know what it is about horses but she hasn’t mentioned boys once so I’m a very happy customer!
I have the pleasure of taking lessons at Lancing Equestrian Centre and it has truly been an outstanding experience. The quality of teaching is exceptional — the instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and always take the time to explain techniques clearly, making learning enjoyable for all levels. The horses are clearly well-cared-for, with their health and happiness being a top priority. It’s evident that they are treated with great respect and attention. The grooms are equally wonderful, always friendly, approachable, and willing to answer any questions. The whole atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and professional, with lots of activities to choose. I highly recommend this riding school to anyone looking to improve their skills in a positive and supportive environment!
We joined lancing equestrian a little over a year ago. I have 2 children that ride, they quickly progressed through their grades improving their ability and confidence as little riders. Each lesson is different and new and there are so many opportunities to take part in different activities both team events and individuals. All the staff are kind and knowledgeable and take time to get to know their students personally, their strengths, their ability and even who their favourite pony is! The ponies are the stars of the centre. Each pony providing a different set of skills for each rider. There are lots to choose from varying in height and ability meaning the centre can cater for all abilities All the ponies are happy and very much loved by everyone. My children love it here, if they could they would spend every waking moment here. They particularly enjoy the stable days which are inclusive of complete beginners and more advanced riders. Lancing is a family run business and with that it doesn’t feel like riding school, it’s a family.
We just wanted to say that we love coming to Lancing Equestrian for lessons and stable management sessions. Everyone is so friendly. The instructors; Katy, Amy, Matteo and Carla are all lovely and so knowledgeable and patient . And the horses are beautiful ! It’s our happy place!
We’ve had horses at Lancing Equestrian on working livery over 7 years now. We’ve always been so impressed with the quality of care our horses have received and always felt they were so safe there. The working livery package has been set to the perfect level for our horses and helped improve them and keep their fitness levels up. Lancing equestrian has become more than a yard to me now, it’s like a second family. Everyone knows each other and is always so friendly and supportive. It’s incredible how many different disciplines they offer from horseball to equitation!
Since Amy Baker took over last year the yard has gone from strength to strength. I have had so many more opportunities to go out and about and achieve some goals I’ve had for years and Lancing has been behind me every step- thank you!
Words couldn’t describe how much I love lancing xx all the staff are so friendly and will always be there to help you when you are struggling 💖 I met my heart horse and so many other ponies and I couldn’t wish for a better yard 💓 I love lancing 💙🐴
My daughter has had the best time ever! You guys literally made her summer! She’s been beaming from ear to ear! Biggest thank you to all the instructors and the girls and boys and also to the amazing ponies/horses! You’re all incredibly special! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! From one very grateful and happy mum! See you all again soon!
My girls have both been riding at Lancing for nearly a year now. They have thrived in their riding since. My eldest has been attending the alternative school provision one day a week since October and it’s lovely to see her grow into her self and in confidence with her peers and her abilities with the horses. Both my girls have created so many great memories and given them some great new experiences with the horses with the horse ball and equitation. Thank you!
SCHOOL/PROFESSIONAL
The learner continues to love their days at Lancing Equestrian. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow and to observe such a positive mindset when working with the horses. Their skills and talents have developed significantly, and it is always a pleasure to see the progress made during their time at the centre.
The learner’s wellbeing and confidence have grown considerably, particularly since their time at Lancing Equestrian Centre increased. They appear happier and more at ease and are more confident in articulating how they are feeling. Attendance has improved, and feedback from teaching staff has been consistently positive. Engagement in lessons has also increased, alongside growing confidence and pride in achievements outside of school.
This external provision has been an incredible support for a learner who has struggled with attendance. The opportunity to attend Lancing Equestrian provides an alternative environment while maintaining engagement with education. It breaks up the week and offers a meaningful pathway for future education and post-secondary options.
Having the opportunity to attend Lancing Equestrian as part of an education provision and next steps back in has been extremely beneficial. The day provides valuable opportunities for social interaction, meeting new people, and supporting emotional regulation.
The learner has had a very positive start at Lancing Equestrian. They appear happy and confident and have built strong relationships with staff. The provision has had a positive impact on motivation and future aspirations.
The learner has made positive progress this term through participating in activities centred around their interests. They have also begun working towards Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English.
We are delighted by the learner’s enthusiasm and engagement with this placement. Attendance has become more consistent, and the learner understands the link between attendance, achievement, and their placement. The provision has helped them focus on something positive during a challenging period.
The learner has continued to grow in confidence since starting the programme at Lancing Equestrian. They enjoy the day spent at the provision and have developed greater confidence in social connections and skill-building. Moving to a new group has been managed well, demonstrating increased resilience.
