Horse training scheme 'changing lives'

The Princess Royal met students and BHS staff involved in the Changing Lives Through Horses initiative

A scheme to encourage young people to take up horse riding is "helping kids who have fallen through the net", British Horse Society (BHS) president Martin Clunes has said.

The actor and the Princess Royal were visiting the British Horse Society's inclusive riding centre in Bovington, Dorset.

The BHS Changing Lives Through Horses initiative is an alternative education programme designed for those with additional needs.

During her visit, the princess, who is vice-patron of the BHS, watched riding demonstrations before meeting students of the Royal Armoured Corps Saddle Club.

The scheme allows young people, aged from five to 25, to ride, groom or interact with horses, developing skills and helping with education and training.

The stables in Bovington in one of 600 riding centres around the country approved by the BHS.

Chief executive James Hicks said: "Of course, access to horses is not something everyone can do throughout the whole country very easily.

"What we're here to do is to help as many young people, and people of all different backgrounds, have the opportunity to be involved with horses."

The Princess Royal spoke to some of the students and handed out certificates.

Among those taking part, Olivia,15 said: "In my middle school I was having quite a rough time after Covid - so it ended up helping me getting back to how I was before."

Layla, 15, said: "They have a great personality. They're lovely creatures."

Doc Martin star, Clunes said those taking part in BHS programme were finding it was "just changing their lives".

"It's improving the conditions of young people who have slipped through other nets and haven't been picked up on other radars.

"It gives them so much - I see it all the time."