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Horse Rangers
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A parent’s guide to Horse Rangers

Weekends outdoors, in a safe and supportive space, learning to care for horses and to ride. Your child goes at their own pace and builds confidence, resilience and self-esteem along the way.

Rangers work through four badge stages as they go.

Badge syllabusHow to join

Rather talk it through? Call 020 8979 4196, Monday to Friday.

Two Horse Rangers in riding hats grooming a black cob together on the track beside the field

What to expect

Horse Rangers is hands-on and outdoors. Your child will be working with the horses, not watching them.

Three Horse Rangers in green polo shirts standing on the muck heap with pitchforks under a blue sky
Yes, really, mucking out

  1. Caring for our 23 horses and ponies

    Your child will learn responsibility, confidence, and practical horse care skills.

  2. Stable management and safety

    Your child will learn routines, safe practices, and how to work effectively as part of a team.

  3. Riding

    During designated weeks, your child will develop riding skills, balance, and confidence as part of their overall learning; sessions typically include riding opportunities approximately twice a month.

  4. Badge work

    Your child will earn badges that celebrate their progress, achievements, and personal growth.

  5. Peer-to-peer mentoring

    Your child will support and learn from others, developing teamwork and leadership skills.

Safety and safeguarding

Our Safety value, who holds safeguarding for us, and what we will go through with you before a first session.

What we go through with you before a first session

  • Our safeguarding policy

    Our safeguarding policy can be found here.

  • DBS checks

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  • Insurance

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  • Medical and consent forms

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  • Designated safeguarding lead

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  • Raising a concern

    If

A group of Horse Rangers sitting on mounting blocks with an adult leader, working through a bridle together in the sun
Creating safe and welcoming spaces where everyone is valued and feels a true sense of belonging.Our Safety value

What to wear and bring

When starting with Horse Rangers, there's no need to purchase uniform straight away. For the first few weeks, members can wear:

  • Jodhpurs, leggings or comfortable joggers
  • A polo shirt or t-shirt
  • Suitable footwear
Footwear
Appropriate footwear is essential for safety around horses and when riding. Jodhpur boots or long riding boots are recommended, and wellington boots should not be worn for riding. Riding boots are widely available from equestrian retailers and online stores, often at a range of price points. , opens in a new tab. admin@horserangers.org.uk
Riding hats
At the beginning of their journey with us, we can lend members an adjustable riding hat during their first few weeks. After this, members will need their own correctly fitted hat. When purchasing a riding hat, we strongly recommend visiting a reputable equestrian retailer and having the hat professionally fitted. A properly fitted hat is essential for comfort and safety. , opens in a new tab. admin@horserangers.org.uk
Uniform
Once your child is ready to join fully, our uniform can be purchased online through our official supplier: pslteamsports.com, opens in a new tab. We also have a small selection of good-quality second-hand uniform available. Please contact us at admin@horserangers.org.uk for details.
What to bring
As our sessions last between 3 hours (Ponies) and 4½ hours (Seniors), members are welcome to bring a named drink bottle and a snack to enjoy during their break. To help keep all children safe, please do not bring any food containing nuts or other common allergens. You may also wish to send your child with appropriate clothing for the weather, such as a waterproof coat, sun hat or extra layer, depending on the season. , opens in a new tab. admin@horserangers.org.uk

Anything else?

Short answers to the rest. Where something is not settled yet, we say so rather than fill the gap.

Does my child need riding experience?
No previous experience is required before joining. The first badge, Tenderfoot, is about settling in, building confidence, and having fun learning about horses, and it covers the foundations of riding from the beginning.
How old does my child need to be?
Children can join Horse Rangers from the age of 8. When your child turns 12 they will be encouraged to take on additional responsibility and support our younger members.
How long can my child stay a Ranger?
A Ranger can stay with us into adulthood, supporting sessions for the next generation.
Is there a waiting list?
We have replaced our old waiting list with a Registration List. This simply means your child is registered with us, and we’ll be in touch as soon as a suitable place opens. The length of time before a place is offered varies depending on your child’s age and availability within our groups.
My child has additional needs. Can they take part?
Horse Rangers empowers, develops and encourages children and young people through hands-on outdoor activities with horses in a safe and supportive space, building confidence, a sense of responsibility, and lasting friendships; regardless of their physical, mental, or financial challenges. We also run a Riding for the Disabled programme for children, young people and adults with physical, neurological and learning disabilities. The right route for your child is a conversation, so please get in touch.
How do I apply?
To register your child, please complete our Registration Form. Once we receive your completed form, your child will be added to our Registration List and we will contact you when a suitable place becomes available. You can also call the office on 020 8979 4196, Monday to Friday.

Registering, the Registration List and how long a place takes are answered in full on the joining questions on Become a Ranger.

For Rangers already with us

This part of the page is for current Rangers and their families: the places you use between sessions. Everything above it is for parents deciding whether to join.

Where to go next