Riding at Sidcot is about so much more than taking part in sport; through our Equestrian Centre, students gain new skills, grow in confidence, improve their wellbeing and more! Our yard, which is in the heart of our co-ed school, offers riders (whether new or experienced) a welcoming place to learn and make new friends. The skills they build in the saddle and around the stables follow them into the classroom, their friendships and, eventually, their working lives.
Growing in Confidence in the Saddle
We understand it can be nerve-wracking when any young person is faced with a new, potentially daunting, situation. That is why our equestrian teaching team take a supportive and encouraging approach, helping young riders build their confidence one step at a time. Our yard offers a nurturing environment where students can learn safely at their own pace and gradually overcome any fears.
Horses can be unpredictable at times, so learning how to cope with a refusal at a jump or a tricky session on the flat is all part of the process. This teaches our riders the value of patience and perseverance; rather than giving up when something feels challenging, students learn to reflect on what has happened and approach the situation with renewed determination, helping them become more resilient.
These experiences can have a lasting impact on confidence beyond the yard. As students become more comfortable navigating challenges on horseback, they can begin to apply the same resilience to their schoolwork, relationships and other new experiences.
Learning How to Be Responsible as a Rider
Caring for a horse requires patience, consistency and a sense of responsibility. At Sidcot, students can bring their own horses, learn with our school horses, or even enrol in stable management if they don’t ride, allowing every student the opportunity to learn what it takes to care for another living thing.
Horses rely on people to treat them with care, consideration and respect. For young people who spend time around horses, learning to appreciate their needs is an important part of the experience. From grooming and exercising to mucking out the stables, our young people are shown how to best care for their horses and gain an understanding of why this is important. This allows our equestrian students to develop the key skill of recognising another’s needs and making thoughtful, empathetic decisions.
Beyond stable management, our riders also develop responsibility through self-management. It is each student’s responsibility to arrive for their lessons promptly, ensure their horses are prepared, and listen to guidance from their instructor. Students are encouraged to appreciate that the commitment and consistency they show for their learning are just as vital to success as natural ability. Over time, our riders become exceptionally attentive, developing self-organisation skills that follow them into the classroom.
Being Part of a Team
When students become part of our equestrian community, there's a real sense of teamwork and camaraderie that emerges. Keen riders are encouraged to join Sidcot Equestrian Team, where they can develop their abilities and compete regionally and nationally with others who share their passion. Sidcot Equestrian is affiliated to both the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) and British Showjumping Just for Schools (BS JFS).
Being part of a team also teaches students to encourage one another, recognise each other's achievements and offer support when things do not go to plan. Every rider has their own strengths, ambitions and challenges, and learning to appreciate these differences helps build mutual respect.
At Sidcot, we place great value on the friendships and connections that develop through shared experiences. Equestrian gives students a common interest around which they can build friendships, learn from one another and feel part of a wider community. These relationships can be just as rewarding as the achievements made in competition.
Improving Wellbeing & Health of Our Students
Looking after the wellbeing of our students is extremely important to us, and we know that while school brings many opportunities for growth, it can also come with the pressure of navigating both friendships and schoolwork. Riding can offer a unique chance for our students to step away from their everyday routine and enjoy a welcome break from screens and study. Studies have shown that over 80% of those asked report that horse riding made them feel increasingly cheerful, relaxed, and happy. This impact can be seen reflected in our students who ride; the fresh air, physical activity and steady rhythm of the yard provide ample space to unwind and reset.
Beyond mental health, many of our riders find our equestrian centre contributes to their physical health in a fun way, from developing mobility and cognitive skills, to building core strength, cardiovascular health, and balance. These benefits are incredibly important to the development of a young person. Within school, it can lead to an improvement in academic achievement, with physical activity strongly linked to improved test scores. Beyond the classroom, it is vitally important for all young people to develop and maintain their physical health, taking this forward into their adult life. At Sidcot, we strongly believe this is most likely when children discover a passion for a sport; having the opportunity to experience riding at school provides yet another pathway for our students to become healthy young people.
Why We Love Equestrian at Sidcot
At Sidcot, we believe education extends well beyond the classroom. The experiences our students enjoy, the challenges they overcome and the relationships they build all play an important role in shaping the people they become.
Equestrian brings these opportunities together in a particularly rewarding way. It encourages students to become more confident, resilient and responsible, while giving them the chance to pursue a passion, make lasting friendships and feel part of a supportive community. The skills they build feed directly into academic success, helping our students thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.
Whether joining as a new rider, or coming to Sidcot with an abundance of experience, we are proud to see our riders continuously develop and feel truly at home within our Equestrian Centre. Discover more about equestrian at Sidcot or get in touch for more information.