Horse specialist group helping to create child support site.
A Loughton-based charity is working with partners to develop a new learning centre in the north of England – the first of its kind.
Equine experts Ride High are teaming up with property developers Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate, Cheshire, to create that county’s first equine assisted learning centre, helping to support need there, and in the wider region for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.
Grosvenor has submitted plans for the site, in partnership with Ride High. Subject to approval, the disused Cotton Edmunds Farm in Waverton, Cheshire will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility including indoor and outdoor arenas, stables and paddocks as well as classrooms and offices.
If approved, Ride High will operate the site, creating only its second UK centre after Milton Keynes, and the first in the north of England, supporting children and young people facing challenges in their lives, including poverty, isolation and poor mental health.
Equine‑assisted services are an established, evidence‑based intervention supporting mental health, wellbeing, confidence and social connection. Children and young people – who are referred by schools, local authorities and the NHS as well as other partner agencies – will visit weekly where they will learn to ride and care for horses in addition to educational programmes.
The charity also plans to provide a limited number of public riding lessons, supported learning, sensory programmes and holiday activities, delivered by Ride High’s skilled and experienced team.
“We’ve been operating from our facility in Milton Keynes since 2010, delivering a measurable impact and improving the lives of thousands of children and young people,” said Olivia Sugdon, Chief Executive, Ride High.
“The proposed development provides the platform to grow our offering, providing greater support, at bespoke facilities in a beautiful setting.”
“If approved, the scheme will see disused agricultural buildings repurposed to develop a sympathetically designed, state-of-the-art facility that will help to support vulnerable children and young people from across the region,” added Annabel Farbon, from Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate.
