Moments of Reflection and Growth

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Educational Provision: Equestrian Pathways for Personal Growth and Career Development.

We are proud to offer an Alternative Education Program that serves as a pathway to skill development, personal growth, and career opportunities in the equestrian field. Our program is designed for young people in our community, particularly those not engaged in full-time education, providing them with valuable qualifications and life-changing experiences.

Program Overview:

Our Equestrian Pathway is delivered through one-on-one sessions or small group settings, ensuring each participant receives the personalized attention they need to succeed. The program aligns with the British Horse Society (BHS) Pathway of Excellence, offering a structured, accredited curriculum that begins with the Junior Challenge Awards and progresses through to the BHS Silver Awards. Participants can further advance to the BHS Stages, and even pursue professional qualifications, including Jockey or Coaching Certificates.

About The British Horse Society (BHS)

The British Horse Society (BHS) is a membership-based charity and the largest equine membership organization in the UK, with over 110,000 members. Founded in 1947, the BHS is dedicated to promoting the education, welfare, and safety of horses and riders through training, advocacy, and community engagement. Its qualifications system offers opportunities for professional development in the equestrian field, while its advocacy work focuses on improving access to riding and driving routes. The BHS also supports the prevention of horse cruelty and the welfare of horses in need.

Key Benefits:

• Skill Development: Participants will develop essential equestrian skills, knowledge, and qualifications that can open doors to numerous career paths in the equestrian field.• Personal Growth: The program fosters a sense of achievement, builds self-confidence, and supports the development of life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and teamwork.• Career Pathways: Graduates of the program will have access to various professional qualifications, creating opportunities to pursue careers in areas such as horse-riding instruction, coaching, and jockeying.

Focus on Community Engagement:

We are committed to delivering this program for the benefit of the community, especially for people of all ages and abilities in the Northeast of England, with a special emphasis on Hartlepool. Our mission is to promote physical health and well-being through education and therapeutic practices, including therapeutic horse riding, equine-assisted therapy, and outdoor creative therapy.

The Facility:

Our small, licensed horse-riding facility, Four Acres Equestrian is located just outside Hartlepool in the village of Dalton Piercy. It is as a safe, outdoor, and therapeutic space for learning, growth, and emotional healing. The facility caters to all levels of ability, from beginners to advanced riders, and is designed to support both recreational and therapeutic activities. Whether for physical exercise, emotional healing, or skill development, our programs provide a welcoming environment that encourages individuals to connect with nature, horses, and their personal well-being.

Who are we?

The Four Acres Equestrian Centre is owned and operated by Head Instructor Jennifer Forder, a BHSAI-qualified instructor with over 20 years of experience in teaching and coaching. Joanne Carter, a qualified Equestrian Sports Coach, Psychotherapist, and Equine Therapist, also brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Jenny and Joanne have been friends for more than two decades, having trained together as apprentices at the Stotfold Crest Stables in Hartlepool.

Now, as directors of Hoofprints Community Interest Company, they have come together to share their passion for equestrianism, helping young people connect with horses in meaningful ways. Both Jenny and Joanne are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the local community through their expertise and dedication to equestrian education, sports, and therapy.

Our Commitment to the Community:

We strive to create a positive impact on the community by providing access to a facility that supports personal well-being and fosters community engagement. Through our program, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, giving them the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in their future careers and in life.

Program Goals:

Our primary goals for the Equestrian Pathway Program are:

1. Enhance Personal Development: To help participants develop confidence, resilience, and essential life skills such as responsibility, communication, and leadership.2. Promote Educational Achievement: To provide young people, particularly those disengaged from formal education, with an alternative pathway to gain recognized qualifications in the equestrian field.3. Foster Career Readiness: To equip participants with the skills and qualifications required to pursue careers in the equestrian industry, including coaching, horse riding instruction, and related professions.4. Support Physical and Mental Well-being: To offer therapeutic benefits through equine-assisted activities, helping individuals improve their physical health and emotional well-being.5. Increase Community Engagement: To strengthen ties within the local community, especially in Hartlepool and the Northeast of England, by offering accessible educational and therapeutic services to people of all ages and abilities.6. Provide Inclusive Opportunities: To ensure that individuals from all backgrounds and with diverse abilities can participate, learn, and benefit from the program.7. Create a Sustainable, Long-Term Impact: To establish a thriving equestrian facility that will continue to serve the community, offering lifelong learning, recreational, and therapeutic opportunities.