Cotswold Riding Opportunities Project

Do you know any children, teenagers or adults who are looking for new ways to spend their time?  Perhaps they have an existing interest in horses and animals or could benefit from some fresh air!  Cotswold Riding Opportunities Project (CROP) is an emerging Community Interest Company based at Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre.  CROP offers opportunities for all ages, which promote physical and mental wellbeing in the great outdoors!

CROP’s popular Saddle Club for primary school aged children (Fridays 4-5pm term-time only) is a practical, non-riding club, which teaches the basics of pony and general animal care in a safe and fun environment.  It is a confidence building chance for children to make friends, play games and learn in the fresh air! 

For secondary school aged children, CROP runs a Young Equestrians club  (Mondays 4-5pm) which provides opportunities for teenagers to further develop existing skills or gives them a first time introduction to horses.  It is also a good place to taste a career in horses with lots of advice and guidance available, as well as experiencing the amazing therapy of horses and the social benefits of a youth club.

For adults, CROP offers a monthly meet up (11-12.30 on the last Wednesday of every month) to experience the peace and magic horses can bring.  Whether you have never touched a horse before or are rekindling a past love you can join them for tea and cake!

CROP clubs run throughout the year whatever the weather so wellies/boots and waterproofs are a must.

For more information search Cotswold Riding Opportunities on Facebook or email cropsocialenterprise@gmail.com

Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre in its current form celebrates its 20^th birthday on the 1^st April, but has actually been active as a riding establishment for the last 25 years. The stables have always advocated the use of animals (horses and ponies in particular) as a way to encourage youngsters to get active, take on responsibility and develop empathy. Being a Pony club centre for over 15 years and developing clubs to get young people from every background involved in what has always been perceived as an elitist sport, we are delighted to announce a new project that we hope will further benefit our community. CROP – Cotswold Riding (and Rural) Opportunities Project aims to continue and further develop the opportunities that have been provided and subsidised by BVEC over the last 5 years. Our clubs for children attract a regular attendance of over 30 each active week. These are consist of (free of charge) hands on but non riding activities for our youngest members and 6 week riding courses starting from only £30 (per course) for the older ones. Our success stories are numerous and are what have driven us to find a way to keep these opportunities going which has led us to the development of CROP because we believe ‘from tiny seeds, big things grow’. We are now actively seeking sponsors to support this project – Please get in touch to find out more and discover how you might be able to help!

Leanne Launchbury