Ride High is a registered charity based in Loughton, Milton Keynes, supporting children across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
Many young people in the community face huge challenges as a result of poverty, neglect and abuse, isolation and poor mental health, which makes them vulnerable to a number of risks and can have a detrimental impact on their future.
Ride High address these challenges by offering vulnerable young people a fun and educational programme that boosts their wellbeing and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Through physical activity and the creation of positive relationships with people and animals, children develop the skills and self-confidence to thrive.
Around 120 children come to Ride High every week for 3 to 12 months, dependant on need, and follow a programme of structured learning which includes learning to ride and care for horses and associated clubroom projects. The children are driven to Ride High in the free minibus service and attend a two-hour session the first hour is spent riding, the second in the clubroom.
Time spent with the horses promotes confidence, responsible behaviour, respect and trust, and positive mental wellbeing. It provides the children with a challenge, the opportunity to do something special and to develop a sense of pride as they overcome challenges. The horses are invaluable but they are just the start of the programme.
Structured activity in the clubroom drives the biggest transformation in the children and makes Ride High’s service unique. In this safe and secure environment the club leaders work with the children to build their confidence and life skills required to go out into the world and participate fully in life. In addition to weekly sessions Ride High organise educational trips and visits during the school holidays and provide members with volunteering and work experience opportunities.
When first referred most children are underperforming at, or not attending school, and are unable to see a future for themselves. By the time they leave Ride High over the majority are thriving in full time school, college or work experience.
Contact details:
01908 696169
