A Hammerwich-based horse riding school has completed its course to teach youngsters crucial life skills.
Gartmore Riding School was awarded a £2,810 grant from the People and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis’ People Power Fund which enabled the school to run a scheme where youngsters learnt tasks such as cleaning out the stables and learning how to ride.
As part of his commitment to local communities, the Commissioner is providing £500,000 in 2014/15 through the People Power Fund in the form of grants of between £100 and £3,000.
The fund is supporting locally-driven community safety activities in communities throughout Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The school, which is located in Hall Lane, near Burntwood, works with young people, some of whom have disabilities or are from vulnerable backgrounds, from across Staffordshire.
Six riders attended the course and two have stayed on to volunteer at weekends.
Mr Ellis said: “I am thrilled to hear how well the riding school has done and how the funding has benefited the young people.
“Schemes like this enable children to participate in positive activities and it teaches them vital skills which will help them later in life. It’s a positive programme that goes beyond learning how to ride and helps young people become responsible citizens – which is crucial to keeping communities safe.”
Wendy Jones, Family and Education Engagement worker, for Staffordshire County Council, said: “Gartmore made the children very welcome and offered them am an opportunity they would not normally be able to experience.”
Nathan Deeley, a young volunteer who attended the autumn course with the Riding of the Disabled Association, said: “I volunteer because it gives me an experience of what it will be like when I am looking for a job. Most of all I make new friends and I feel part of the team.”
