Yes. The College has been part of the local community for almost two decades and our pupils horses are a frequent sight on local roads and horse trails. Horses and equestrian activities generally have been part of College life for virtually all of the time the College has been on the Estate.

What child doesn't love horses? Boys and girls alike dream and play pretend games of riding a horse. Why the attraction? Is it the power and freedom a horse represents to a young child? Maybe. Or it could be the sheer fun of having a friend who is six feet tall. There are many reasons children are attracted to horses and there are good reasons why we should introduce our children to the world of horses. Those who ride are keenly aware of the many benefits of riding. Riding is recreational and good physical exercise, but there are many intrinsic benefits as well. We know many adult riders who tell us how having an interest in riding kept them out of trouble during their teen years because they spent all of their free time at the stables.

We allow children to bring their horse to school and we provide free livery. Our horsey children have to learn to get up early to muck out and care for their horse. At 7.30am our stables are full of sleepy children doing their chores. At break times and lunch times you will find children in our stables just enjoying the company of horses. After school our horsey children are able to ride on our magnificent all-weather riding arena. There are even time-tabled riding lessons as part of the school day.

Horses keep pupils active. With so many children suffering from weight problems these days, parents are looking for ways to add healthy activity to a child's life. Riding horses is good physical exercise and fun. It gets children outdoors in the fresh air and in tune with nature. Riding improves balance and coordination. As a child progresses in their skills they develop confidence and a sense of freedom. Give the child the knowledge and skill set to do well with a horse and you've given them a life long hobby. We are proud that Karen Dixon (Olympic Eventer) is one of our Senior Instructors. We employ only professional qualified staff to assist and supervise our horsey pupils. In the past we provided inside stabling. Our need for other sports and vocational facilities has meant we needed to re-appraise our plans particularly concerning the original proposed use of the Genesis Centre being mainly for horses.

We realised that providing inside stabling was wasteful of building money, wasteful of energy due to the lighting and constant ventilation costs plus was not what normal riders utilise. The decision was therefore taken to provide normal outdoor loose boxes as you will find at every stable yard throughout the UK. During term time there could be up to 60 or so horses kept at the College and our equestrian facilities are considered by many to be amongst the best in the country. We also teach Riding and Road Safety and BHSAI horse instructor courses. One of our horsey pupils went on to become the first female professionally qualified farrier in the Country. Several of our pupils ride in National Events, for the British Junior Olympic Team and compete in the top equestrian competitions nationwide. However for many of our horsey children competing is not what it is about - it is just the love of horses.

One of the facilities we are currently creating will mean once again, as in the past, the College will have Shire Horses. The College aims to have between 2 and four of these impressive massive horses. We are also providing a true, proper, old fashioned "forge" for our farriers to use. We are based in the countryside and horses are part of the tradition of the countryside.