Our youth development sessions aim to teach your child every aspect of horse care and riding through our four-stage badge system: Tenderfoot, Bronze Spur, Silver Spur, and Golden Spur. Progression is encouraged at your child’s own pace, helping them build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
The badges run in order, Tenderfoot to Golden Spur. Every Ranger begins with the Tenderfoot badge, although children who join with previous horse experience may progress through it more quickly.
Badges are achieved at your child’s own pace during regular sessions. The Horse Rangers programme is designed to support long-term learning and development. Rangers work towards each badge at their own pace, with most children taking around two years to complete a badge before progressing to the next stage.
Your child’s progress is recorded and can be monitored through our Online Club Management (OCM) system. Login details will be provided when you register, allowing you to follow their development and achievements. Badges and certificates are awarded throughout the year by Session Leaders, with promotions and accomplishments celebrated at our annual Awards and Achievement Afternoon.
Four badges, from Tenderfoot to Golden Spur. Pick one to read it in full.
To celebrate your child’s progress and achievements, we have a range of badges that they can work towards. These can be done at your child’s own pace during each session.
“Helping young people discover Horses”
Start to settle-in, build confidence, and have fun learning about horses
Your child will build their confidence around horses, grow a strong awareness of safety, and learn the basic knowledge and practical skills needed to care for and handle horses responsibly. Your child will learn the foundations of riding, developing balance, confidence, and control in walk and trot.
“Helping young people become independent”
Feel confident, be part of a team and take on key tasks independently
Your child will confidently care for and ride horses independently, carrying out key tasks safely and responsibly. They will confidently ride independently in walk, trot, and canter, developing greater balance, accuracy, and independence both in the riding school and out in the park.
“Help young people learn responsibility”
Take responsibility, help others and develop specialist skills to support horse welfare
Your child will be responsible for complex tasks and become a role model and mentor to younger members. They will become a more skilled and thoughtful rider, refining their balance, accuracy, and effectiveness.
“Helping young people Lead”
A capable and confident young leader, demonstrating responsibility, and skill in all aspects of horse care and riding.
Your child will be a confident leader. They will have extensive knowledge in horse care, be able to identify concerns, and use their knowledge to support decision-making and high standards of horse care.
