Today, Tuesday 10 September, Keswick’s much-loved Calvert Stables launched their newly expanded activities programme for local horse riders of all ages, abilities and experience. As the new academic year gets underway, Stables Manager Lou Hogan and her team of highly experienced instructors and dedicated volunteers are excited to welcome back regular and new riders to the Keswick stables.
Also ready to greet participants is the latest addition to the team – Buster. Buster joined Calvert Stables over the summer and now he’s ready to get to work. Bringing the herd to a total of 12, Buster is a Piebald gelding born in 2011 and stands 15 hands high. He is kindly on loan to Calvert Stables and has settled in really well. He loves to meet new people and is a super friendly chap.
So what’s on offer to Cumbrian riders in this newly expanded offering?
In addition to the highly specialist residential breaks run in conjunction with Calvert Lakes and the popular Mindfulness sessions, there are four new strands to the Calvert Stables line up:
The Stables are now offering blocks of six lessons after school from Tuesday to Friday by arrangement. Children can work towards nationally accredited schemes such as the Riding for the Disabled grades and British Horse Stars awards programme.
Regular Kids Club at the weekends and during the holidays, where children 14 and under can learn to tack up and take care of their pony as well as the opportunity to ride in the outdoor (or indoor) arena and maybe even hack out on to the fell. Plus regular ‘Picnic Ride Outs’ – a 3 hour horse adventure with a picnic.
School group lessons
Calvert Stables welcomes Cumbria schools! They offer bespoke Group lessons (up to 12 riders) during term time – all abilities and experience welcome.
Trot and Tea: Adults’ social session
Aimed at adults, no matter their experience (no, you don’t have to trot!), these sessions give adults (18 years+) the opportunity to ride out together under the supervision of Calvert’s instructors, enjoy time in the fresh air with like-minded horse-lovers as well as benefit from the calming effect that ponies can have, all helping to improve wellbeing and followed by a cup of tea, company and conversation
Calvert Stables Manager, Lou Hogan commented:
“We’re so excited to launch this new line-up of activities. I really do hope that we’ll be seeing lots of new faces alongside our regulars around the Stables over the coming year. Our ponies are such social creatures, made particularly special by their extremely calm temperaments – they just love seeing people, having their nose scratched and snaffling the odd treat – as well as obviously stretching their legs and keeping busy with all our regular sessions for local riders.”
The expanded programme comes on the back of the popular ‘Sponsor a Pony’ scheme now being made available online. Now, in just a few short clicks, supporters can choose their pony, choose the length of sponsorship and for those wishing to sponsor for a loved one, they can choose to have a gift certificate delivered direct to their inbox. Sponsorship starts from just £10 a month.
To learn more about the new Stables offering, sponsor a pony online or find out more about the work of Calvert Stables visit www.calvertstables.org.uk. If you are an organisation interested in Premium Pony Sponsorship packages, please email fundraising@calvertlakes.org.uk
