Westerlands Equestrian
HORSE ROSETTE AWARDS
5* LICENCE BY CHICHESTER COUNCIL | BHS & ABRS+ APPROVED | INSURED BY NFU
Inspiring confidence, skills and achievement through fun, progressive learning
Perfect for young horse lovers aged 7–15, these fun and practical 2-hour sessions teach children what it takes to care for a pony.
Each week covers a new topic through hands-on and theory-based learning, with a rosette to take home every session. It’s a great way to build skills, confidence, and experience around horses in a safe and supportive environment.
Saturdays 10am to 12pm
£35 per session
£210 for 7 sessions (get one free)
Learning Highlights
Our Horse Rosette Award Saturdays offer a structured and engaging introduction to the world of ponies. Each 2-hour session combines practical and theory-based learning, including:
★ An introduction to the principles of horse care and management
★ Understanding equine nutrition and why diet is essential to health
★ Learning the key parts of the horse and their functions
★ Exploring stable routines and the foundations of horse welfare
★ Developing confidence, communication, and teamwork skills
★ Engaging in horse-related activities that reinforce learning in a controlled setting
Each week covers a different topic, with children taking home a new rosette every session to build a colourful collection they can be proud of.
Suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders, these sessions are a fun way to learn new skills, build confidence, and spend time around horses in a safe and supportive environment.
Please note: this is a non-riding course
Recognising achievement
These fun, practical sessions go beyond the saddle and focus on the day-to-day world of horses. Every participant is recognised for their achievements through a special Horse Rosette Award System.
Each rosette reflects not only their growing knowledge of pony care and stable management, but also encourages students to keep learning, exploring, and deepening their connection with horses.
⭐ Navy Rosette – Grooming ⭐ Black Rosette – Leading Ponies ⭐ Green Rosette – Native Breeds ⭐ Orange Rosette – Points of the Horse ⭐ Lilac Rosette – Poisonous Plants ⭐ Purple Rosette – Pony Health ⭐ Copper Rosette – Saddlery ⭐ Turquoise Rosette – Tack Cleaning ⭐ Burgundy Rosette – The Foot & Shoeing ⭐ Dark Brown Rosette – Mucking Out ⭐ Fuschia Pink Rosette – Feeds & Feeding ⭐ Jade Rosette – Plaiting a Mane ⭐ Red Rosette – Washing Tails ⭐ Blue Rosette – Rugs
Please note: this is a non-riding course
How much does it cost?
Westerlands supplies riding hats and high-visibility jackets to keep everyone safe. Refreshments are available at The Hub (a cosy space where participants can take a break in a warm, dry space with comfy seating, tables, a kitchen, and toilet facilities).
Flexible Booking Options
Single session: £35
Age from 7-15 years. Attendance is 10am to 12pm on Saturdays between 6 June to 5 September 2026. The programme costs £35/session per child. Buy 7 sessions and get one session free. For the 7-week course you can book whichever Saturdays you choose (subject to availability).
Please note: this is a non-riding course
Horse Rosette Awards
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Saturday 6 June
GROOMING
🐴 Identify a grooming kit and show how to use each item.
🐴 Know the importance of grooming and what we look for whilst doing it.
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Saturday 13 June
LEADING PONIES
🐴 Know how to approach a quiet pony and put on a head collar. Demonstrate how to tie a quick release knot, and explain why we use it.
🐴 Know which side you should lead a pony from. Know and demonstrate which way to turn a pony and why.
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Saturday 20 June
NATIVE BREEDS
🐴 Identify 5 native breeds. Know where they originate from.
🐴 Know the physical characteristics of the breed.
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Saturday 27 June
POINTS OF THE HORSE
🐴 Name 10 points of the horse.
🐴 Know 8 colours. Know face and leg markings.
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Saturday 4 July
POISONOUS PLANTS
🐴 Name 3 different poisonous plants.
🐴 Describe them and how you would prevent your pony from eating them.
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Saturday 11 July
PONY HEALTH
🐴 Name 2 signs of a healthy pony.
🐴 Name 3 signs that a pony is unwell. Name 2 ailments common in ponies.
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Saturday 18 July
SADDLERY
🐴 Know parts of a snaffle bridle.
🐴 Know parts of the saddle.
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Saturday 25 July
TACK CLEANING
🐴 Know how to strip, clean and re-assemble a snaffle bridle. Know how to strip, clean and re-assemble a saddle.
🐴 Know the reasons for cleaning tack and what we look for whilst doing it.
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Saturday 1 August
THE FOOT & SHOEING
🐴 Name 4 different parts of the foot. Know how to pick out a pony’s feet.
🐴 Name 3 different tools a farrier would use. Recognise signs of a worn shoe.
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Saturday 8 August
MUCKING OUT
🐴 Know how to safely tie up the horse in the stable before beginning to much out.
🐴 Be able to remove droppings and wet bedding, using the appropriate tools.
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Saturday 15 August
FEEDS & FEEDING
🐴 Name 3 of the rules of feeding. Name and describe 3 types of feed.
🐴 What is the main feed for ponies on your yard.
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Saturday 22 August
PLAITING A MANE
🐴 Know how to prepare a mane for plaiting.
🐴 Plait a man correctly and secure with bands.
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Saturday 29 August
WASHING TAILS
🐴 Know how to approach the horse safely and where to stand to wash a tail.
🐴 Show how to clean the tail and rinse thoroughly. Know how to help a tail to dry.
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Saturday 5 September
RUGS
🐴 Name 3 different types of rug, their purpose and when is appropriate to use them. Know how to safely approach the horse for rugging.
🐴 Fit the rug on the horse safely and secure correctly, in the right order and how to remove them safely.
Our Equestrian Team
Elly Middleton
EQUESTRIAN MANAGER
Elly manages Westerlands Equestrian and has over 30 years experience taking care of horses and teaching riders of all ages and abilities. She also specialises in natural complimentary equine therapies.
Elly’s qualifications include:
BHS Accredited Professional Coach
BHS Stage 3 in Complete Horsemanship
Q Equine Behaviourist
Certified Reiki Practitioner
Safeguarding Officer
Fully Qualified BHS First Aider
Health & Safety Officer
Fire Marshall
Why Choose Westerlands?
Westerlands has been a respected centre of equine care for 120 years. We believe in fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for horses, teaching responsibility and nurturing a bond that goes beyond riding.
Our Horses
Our ponies are friendly, well-trained, and eager to work alongside you. Whether you’re brushing, feeding, or just spending time with them, each one is sure to make your day better.
Our Instructors
Our knowledgeable staff are here to teach you everything you need to know about caring for horses. They are passionate about equine care and dedicated to your success.
A Community
At Westerlands, you’ll meet other young people who may share similar circumstances to you. It’s not just about learning — it’s about building friendships, teamwork and memories.
