We are currently exploring the opportunity to launch a Post-16 Horse Care & Management programme here at Harness Change from September. We are seeking expressions of interest from young people aged 16+ who would like to study horses locally in South Cumbria. If there is sufficient demand, we will work with a college or training provider to create a recognised qualification pathway delivered within our practical, hands-on equestrian environment. Completing this form is not a commitment to enrol, but it will help us demonstrate demand and shape the future of equine education opportunities in the area.
Our Approach
We use equine-led learning to support outcomes commonly identified in EHCPs, particularly in SEMH, communication, emotional regulation, and engagement.
Learning is practical and purposeful, built around real tasks on the yard. Functional skills, including maths, English, and problem-solving, are naturally embedded through activities such as feed calculations, measurement, sequencing routines, time management, and communication. This enables pupils to access learning in a meaningful, relevant way.
Horses play a central role in supporting emotional regulation and behaviour for learning. They respond immediately and non-judgementally to changes in focus, energy, and emotional state, providing pupils with clear feedback they can recognise and reflect on with staff support. This helps young people develop coping strategies, self-awareness and responsibility, building confidence through positive experiences rather than sanctions.
Education Pathways
We deliver the Changing Lives Through Horses programme in partnership with the British Horse Society, supporting children and young people to re-engage with education by developing six key life skills: confidence, communication, teamwork, responsibility, emotional regulation, and engagement with learning. Progress is monitored throughout the programme to support readiness for reintegration or progression.
For learners aged 14–16, we partner with Haddon Training to offer OFQUAL-regulated vocational qualifications, including Work-Based Horse Care, Employability Skills, and Personal Progress. Functional maths and English are embedded across delivery to support transferable skills and future pathways.
Within this partnership, Haddon Training provides the accredited qualification framework and assessment oversight, while Harness Change leads on the specialist, EHCP-informed educational and wellbeing delivery.
Our Expertise
Harness Change has a strong track record in delivering specialist, individualised provision for young people with SEND and SEMH needs. Our work is bespoke rather than cohort-based, with progress measured through improvements in emotional regulation, behaviour for learning, confidence, engagement and readiness for reintegration or progression, alongside educational outcomes.
Provision is delivered through small groups or individualised support, with high staff consistency and outcome-led planning tailored to each learner.
Our multidisciplinary team brings expertise across education, wellbeing and equine practice, including qualified teachers, specialist Functional Skills delivery, therapeutic support through a qualified Art Therapist, and experienced equine practitioners. Our lead coach was recognised with the National Coach of the Year Award (2024), reflecting the quality, professionalism and safeguarding standards of our provision.
