On Air Now David Francis 7:00pm - Midnight Jessie J - Price Tag Schedule

Isle Of Wight Youngsters Eligible For Free School Meals Praise Island Riding Centre Initiative 

Island Riding Centre

An initiative at the Island Riding Centre (IRC) over the Easter holidays has given youngsters - eligible for free school meals - a one of a kind experience.

More than 100 young Island children aged between eight and 14 have been offered a free opportunity to meet and work with horses and ponies.

In partnership with the IOW Council and Wight Horse CIC, the free Easter Activity Club was available to youngsters who receive free school meals.

HTP Apprenticeship College supplied free hot meals during the days to the young Islanders.

The children learnt how to care for a horse, stable management and nutrition and the day to day chores of looking after horses and ponies as well as horse themed crafts.

They were given the opportunity to ride ponies and horses and the feedback from parents and carers has been extremely positive.

One parent said:

“He came home buzzing and saying how much he enjoyed himself. It’s an experience that he's never had before, and one he is pleased to have had. He has asked to come again which is not something we hear often from him”

Louise Buckner, Island Riding Centre Director added:

 “After a long lockdown where children haven’t been able to socialise and meet, this has been the perfect way to get the kids out into the fresh air, work with a great focus and to improve their wellbeing”

She says the Island Riding Centre hopes to run more activity sessions for the local community alongside Wight Horse CIC.

Posted by Wight Horse CIC on Wednesday, April 7, 2021

As previously reported, the IRC recently rescued two horses Bonsai and Apache- from the World Horse Welfare charity and they will now be living in the lap of luxury. 

More from Isle of Wight News