Changing Lives Through Horses at Quarry Farm
Changing Lives Through Horses is a programme of regular sessions, taking place in a BHS Approved Riding Centre with qualified and experienced BHS Accredited Professional Coaches.
The programme is suitable for young people, aged 5-25, who are either permanently excluded, at risk of permanent exclusion or who have special education needs or disabilities (SEND) and those who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). They may also be at risk of becoming socially excluded with income below the poverty line and without the skills to improve their economic situation.
The programme utilises a range of awards and achievements to create a community for development, learning and celebration.
The programme awards are structured around promoting the holistic development of all involved and nurturing six life skills for all young people:
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Building relationships
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Communication
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Confidence
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Responsibility
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Teamwork
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Perseverance
Empowering young people through equine-assisted learning
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A Unique Learning Experience – Transforming education through the power of horses.
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Supporting a Wide Range of Learners – Ideal for:
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EOTAS (Education Other Than at School)
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Home-educated children
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NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people
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Those excluded from school or facing barriers to learning
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Individuals with disabilities or additional needs (with or without an EHCP)
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Ages 5–25 Welcome – Tailored programs designed for different developmental stages.
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Personal Development Qualifications (PDQs) – Available from age 11, building confidence and skills.
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BHS Career Pathways Available – For those interested in a future in the equestrian industry.
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Half-Term Blocks, Term-Time Only – Structured yet flexible learning opportunities.
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Expert Guidance – Sessions led by dedicated, BHS-qualified coaches.
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Safety & Professionalism – All staff DBS-checked for peace of mind.
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Education-Driven Approach – We collaborate with education professionals and schools to create bespoke, targeted support plans.
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Proven Impact – Participants show greater engagement in life and unprecedented academic progress.
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More Than Just Horses – A safe, inspiring space where young people develop confidence, resilience, and life skills.
Ten reasons to choose Quarry Farm:
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Quarry Farm offers a unique, equine-assisted learning environment where young people can develop confidence, resilience, and essential life skills outside of a traditional classroom setting.
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Our tailored programs provide individualised support for children and young people, including those who are home-educated, excluded, NEET, or facing barriers to learning.
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With BHS-qualified coaches and a fully DBS-checked team, we ensure a safe, structured, and professional setting where every participant can thrive.
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We work closely with education professionals and schools to create bespoke learning plans, ensuring that each young person receives the right level of support and challenge.
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Personal Development Qualifications (PDQs) from age 11+ provide tangible achievements that boost self-esteem and open doors to future opportunities.
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For those interested, we offer British Horse Society (BHS) career pathways, but our focus remains on holistic personal growth, not just equestrian skills.
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Our structured half-term blocks allow for consistent progress, while the calm, outdoor environment promotes emotional well-being and engagement.
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The results speak for themselves—our participants show greater enthusiasm for learning, increased emotional resilience, and improved academic outcomes.
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More than just an alternative provision, Quarry Farm is a supportive community where young people are valued, encouraged, and empowered to reach their potential.
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Through the power of horses, we help young people rediscover their strengths, build positive relationships, and take meaningful steps towards a brighter future.
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1-1 sessions
These sessions involve participants working towards either the explorer or achievers framework depending on their age. We can do these as ridden or non-ridden sessions. These can be a good introduction if someone is slightly nervous around horses or working i groups. This can be privately funded or funded by the local authority.
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Explorers group
We are running this group on Thursday afternoons 1-3 pm. Our explorer group is for young people aged 11+ and to provide opportunities for those who are NEET. These are 2 hours long and involve work towards the explorer awards and a half hour riding lesson. We are also able to incorporate the BHSQ Personal development qualification into this. This can be privately funded or funded by the local authority.
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Achievers group
These sessions will run on a Wednesday 1-3 pm. these are for our younger participants aged 5-11 years and helps them learn new skills and awards along the way. This a great opportunity for children to make friends and explore teamwork and leadership skills, incorporating links to the national curriculum. This can be privately funded or funded by the local authority.
We do not have facilities to host guests accompanying participants. The majority of our sessions do not require parents or carers to stay, although you are welcome to wait in your vehicle. We will discuss your individual requirements with you before beginning a programme to ensure that all stakeholders are happy.
Referrals can be made by anybody wishing to gain additional support for their child or young person. We have considered referrals from schools, parents or guardians, social services and local authorities. The best way to begin your journey with us is to email quarryfarmchanginglives@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.
Our availability is very much linked to your needs. All participants are carefully scheduled to ensure their needs are fully met and we also have to consider our equine friends wellbeing too. Get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.