Thanks to Friends of the Family’s 5s to 13s Befriending Project, a group of ten Winchester children have been given the opportunity to enjoy a range of horseriding activities on an experience a day at Quob Stables, Durley.
The Project was set up in 2009 after receiving a Big Lottery Grant and works to support children and families across the Winchester district who are in need of support and friendship. Each year it organises an activity day each year which aims to build the children’s confidence by giving them the chance to try new activities, learn new skills and overcome challenges.
Taking place on 1 September, the horseriding day enabled the children to learn to ride, groom and take care of the horses. Accompanied by staff and 6 volunteer befrienders they also took part in team games, had fun playing horse bingo and created their own decorative horse shoes to take home. At the end of the day, each child was presented with a certificate for their riding achievements and a rosette.
Sam Hunt, 5s to 13s Befriending Manger, said “This was a fantastic opportunity for the 5s to 13s children to try something new. I was so impressed by how confident and attentive the children were when riding and was touched by the bond that developed between the riders and their horses by the end of the day.”