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Horse Rangers
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Our programmes

We offer four programmes, all based around practical, outdoor activities with our horses. While each programme has a different focus, they all provide opportunities to build confidence, develop skills and connect with others.

Two young Horse Rangers in riding hats grooming a black and white horse on the track in the evening sun.
Two Horse Rangers checking over a bridle together in the tack room.

Weekend Sessions

Every weekend we welcome 229 children and young people to learn how to care for and ride horses. During these 4-hour sessions, our Rangers work through our badge syllabus, at their own pace and supporting each other through peer-to-peer learning. Working with our horses helps develop practical skills, grow in confidence and build lasting friendships.

More about Weekend Sessions

When it runs

Every weekend, 51 weeks a year, in four squadron sessions.

  • Squadron 1 Saturday, 08.15 to 12.30 (10 and over)
  • Squadron 2 Saturday, 12.30 to 16.45 (10 and over)
  • Squadron 3 Sunday, 08.15 to 12.30 (10 and over)
  • Squadron 5 Sunday, 13.30 to 16.30 (8 to 10 years)

Who it is for

Children and young people from the age of 8 who want to learn how to care for and ride horses.

How to join

Start with the Become a Ranger page, which walks through a session, what joining involves and how to register your child.

Become a Ranger

A young RDA rider on a grey cob in the sunshine, with a volunteer walking beside them holding the lead rein.

Riding for the Disabled

Specialist sessions for 30 children, young people and adults, led by qualified coaches. Each session is user-led and built around the rider’s own goals, from muscle tone and core strength to confidence and communication. £70 a month.

More about Riding for the Disabled

When it runs

Term time only. Sessions run on Wednesday evenings, Thursday mornings and Friday daytimes.

Who it is for

Children, young people and adults from the age of 6 with physical, neurological and learning disabilities.

How to join

Ask about a place and we will talk it through with you. Enquiries reach our Riding for the Disabled team at RDA@horserangers.org.uk.

Two Horse Rangers sitting in the sun on a pallet, practising knots with red lead ropes.

Stable Minds

A five-week wellbeing programme of structured, non-riding sessions with horses, led by equine-trained staff. Calm, relationship-based activities that build confidence, emotional regulation and resilience.

More about Stable Minds

When it runs

A five-week course, term time only.

Who it is for

Children and young people facing challenges, including financial disadvantage, involvement in the care system, being on an Education, Health and Care Plan, or living with autism and other learning or emotional needs.

How to refer

Stable Minds takes group referrals through schools or youth development groups. Please enquire for costs and we will take the details.

A young Horse Ranger holding out an apple to a horse leaning in over the field at sunset.

The Healing Horse

Therapeutic, ground-based sessions with horses, led by Anna Hopkins, a Mental Health Nurse and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. A structured four-week group course, or 1:1 and paired sessions for those who may not benefit from a group. £100 an hour, or £50 for a 30-minute taster session.

More about The Healing Horse

When it runs

A four-week course, term time only on Monday afternoons.

Who it is for

Children and young people aged 8 to 18 experiencing challenges with their mental health.

How to refer

Enquiries about The Healing Horse go straight to the practitioner who runs it. Use the button and we will make sure it reaches her.

Horses are at the heart of every programme: they demand trust, mirror emotions, and offer a safe, non-judgemental setting.

Why horses?

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