The Orchard Equine College

02/07/2025

After years of dreaming, building, learning, and quietly believing in something more — we are beyond proud to officially launch The Orchard Reins & Roots Journey.

This isn’t just a program. It’s a piece of our hearts.

It began with nothing — just a patch of earth, a few horses, and a vision that felt to big to achieve but to important to ignore. We built everything from the ground up, slowly and deliberately.

The horses have been our constant guides. They’ve taught us patience, presence, and how to truly connect. They’ve walked alongside us every step of the way — and now, they stand ready to meet the young people we created this for.

The Orchard Reins & Roots Journey is officially open. Rooted in equine-assisted learning, it offers young people the chance to grow confidence, explore emotions, reconnect with themselves — and do so in the quiet, grounding presence of horses and nature.

We’ve poured everything into this. And today, we stand proudly — not because it was easy, but because it was worth it.

30/06/2025

We've had the pleasure of welcoming two second-year veterinary students from the university of Liverpool to our little Equine College this week as part of their work experience. 🌟

They both worked incredibly hard throughout their placement — practicing safe handling techniques, developing their equine knowledge, and immersing themselves in daily yard life. 🐎

As part of their visit, they also helped learners explore career pathways in veterinary medicine and delivered a fantastic lecture on canine and equine digestive anatomy 🐶🐴 — sharing their knowledge with both staff and Learners.

It’s been a rewarding week full of learning and collaboration, and we wish them all the best as they continue their journey in veterinary medicine! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

25/06/2025

Love Horses? Learn with us!

Now Enrolling for September 2025 & September 2026 : Post-16 Diplomas in Horse Care & Management, City & Guilds Accredited | SEN Friendly

Are you 16–18 and passionate about horses? Our Equine College offers inclusive, hands-on training through our City & Guilds accredited Diplomas in Horse Care and Management – perfect for learners of all abilities, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

We provide:
✅ Level 1, 2 & 3 Diplomas tailored to your pace and needs
✅ Supportive, inclusive learning environment
✅ Experienced instructors and SEN-supportive staff
✅ Real-world, hands-on training with our amazing horses
✅ Clear pathways to employment or further education in the equine industry

Study in a professional environment and gain the confidence, skills, and qualifications to follow your passion.

📅 September places available now!
💬 Message us for more info or to arrange a visit.

18/06/2025

We’re taking the opportunity this weekend for our learners to care for the horses in hot weather conditions and we’re going to have a go at making a refreshing and nutritious horse ice lolly to help keep horses cool and hydrated during what’s set to be a super hot weekend 🥵 ☀️

Here’s some top tips and a simple recipe to make these delightful treats yourself 😊

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of apple juice (unsweetened)
- 1-2 apples, chopped into small pieces
- 1-2 carrots, sliced
- Optional: a handful of oats or a few peppermint leaves for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Liquid Base: In a large bowl, mix the water and apple juice together. This forms the base of your ice lolly and provides a sweet yet hydrating treat for the horse.

2. Add the Fruits and Veggies:Stir in the chopped apples and sliced carrots. These bits will not only add flavor but also provide some texture for the horse to enjoy.

3. Incorporate Optional Ingredients:If desired, add a handful of oats or a few peppermint leaves to the mixture for an added nutritional boost and flavor.

4. Freeze the Mixture:Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds that are suitable for freezing. Make sure the fruit and vegetable pieces are evenly distributed.

5. Freeze Until Solid:Place the trays in the freezer and allow them to freeze completely, which usually takes about 4-6 hours.

If you have a go , Show us your finished products and comment your picture of your horse or ponies favourite below ⬇️

❤️🐎

12/06/2025

If you’re passionate about horses and looking to deepen your skills, we have a range of equine programs available for different age groups and experience levels.

Our newly Developed 6-15 hour equine program, designed for ages 8-16, offers comprehensive training and hands-on learning opportunities to help young enthusiasts develop their riding, care, and management skills.

Additionally, we offer accredited equine courses for ages 11-16, as well as post-16 courses for those aged 16-18, providing a structured curriculum tailored to enhance both practical and theoretical knowledge in the equine field.

All our courses are designed to foster critical life skills such as relationship-building, resilience, and emotional intelligence, all while providing participants with a unique and engaging learning experience.

Through hands-on activities and guided interactions with horses, learners can develop a deeper understanding of communication, trust, and empathy.

Our Accredited programs ensure that the curriculum meets high educational standards, providing participants with meaningful credentials that can enhance their personal and professional development.

Whether for personal growth or professional advancement, all our courses offer a holistic approach to learning that extends beyond the classroom, helping individuals connect with themselves and others in profound ways.

If you have an EHCP and you feel these programs would be beneficial to you , reach out to us for more details on how we can accommodate your needs.

For further information, don’t hesitate to contact us.

[email protected]

01302 888139

Equestrian centre

09/06/2025

Thank you to Lesley at A Thread of Hope for doing an amazing Job as always and for the new saddle pads for the horses . 🐎

They look super smart and we all love them ( horses too ) ☺️

05/06/2025

We are proud to say that we are now ready to launch our exciting new program focusing on Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Our program aims to harness the therapeutic benefits of working with horses to enhance learning and personal development.

Through hands-on activities and interaction with horses, our young people can improve their communication skills, build confidence, and develop emotional resilience in a supportive environment.

The program is designed to be inclusive and adaptive, ensuring that each young persons unique needs are met while promoting a sense of accomplishment and well-being.

By integrating Horses and Education into the curriculum, We can now offer a unique and valuable educational experience that can have a profound impact on the lives of everyone involved .

🥰🐎

04/06/2025

We have been a little Quiet on the socials front over the last few months but we’ve got so much to share about what we have been Developing behind the scenes that I don’t even know where to start .

One thing I will say is , I am incredibly proud of my Team and we can’t wait to share with you all little by little what we've accomplished so far together.

Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork I will be forever grateful for . Each one of them has contributed something unique and invaluable and they are all amazing 🤩

Well done Team Orchard ❤️🐎

Lots of Love

Jay ❤️

22/05/2025

If you're a home-educating parent and your child is passionate about horses, there’s an exciting opportunity available for them!

Starting this September, there are spaces open for our Level 1 course in horse care. This qualification provides a solid foundation in equine management, covering essential skills such as grooming, feeding, and basic stable management.

It’s an excellent way for young equine enthusiasts to gain hands-on experience and pursue their interest in a structured learning environment.

The course not only nurtures a love for horses but also opens doors to further education and career opportunities in the equine industry.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to explore this opportunity soon to ensure your child secures a spot!

05/05/2025

Last week , our Home Ed group gave the horses a day off in the sunshine ☀️ The Group had a go at yoga & Started a little on Business. The group gave us some really great ideas on their future plans and ambitions and we ended the day making some promotional videos for marketing on Social media .

They did an Amazing job ! They were all Super confident and worked so well as one big Team . We had a good time making it all and had such a laugh between us all!

Here’s one of the Videos ..

Check out theorchardequinecollege’s video.

05/05/2025

Our Trixie has only gone and Qualified for Trailblazers 2025 too and won both of her classes today 🙌🏼❤️

So proud of them all !!



Katy Knowles

🐎

30/04/2025

This is great news for the The Orchard Equestrian Centre but also for us !

There are more opportunities now for our Home education Group and other Programmes 🙌🏼🐎