Squirrells Riding School

Today we spent some special time with our amazing horses who are retiring or semi-retiring. ❤️

They have given us everything and truly owe us nothing. Their job was never an easy one — teaching riders of all ages and abilities, helping people learn, grow and progress — yet they did it all with such incredible patience, kindness and grace.

We thank you for simply being yourselves and for always giving your absolute best. You have been such a huge part of our riding school and have created memories that will stay with us forever.

Here’s to the beach rides, the countless riding school lessons, the cross-country trips, the hacks through the woods and all those special show days. 🐴❤️

Now it’s time to enjoy a well-deserved rest. You’ve earned it.

Thank you for everything. Here’s to the next chapter — and to the next generation of horses. 🥂🐎❤️

Something tells me these are going to be big boots to fill 🥺😞❤️

Pony Ride spaces Bank holiday Monday 10 am till 11 am
£6 a ride
Call and book or go online
Nutkins Tea shop Open Bank holiday Specials Open
9 till 4 pm

What an amazing turnout for our End of Summer Show! 🥹💛

Thank you so much for all your support tonight and throughout the summer. 🫶🏻 We hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have!

Tonight we also saw some of our eldest and longest-serving horses take part in our Best Veteran Class — a very bittersweet moment. 🥹❤️ They’ve given so much to our Squirrells family over the years and it was so special to see them celebrated.

There were so many successes, proud moments and achievements tonight, alongside a few things for us to work on — exactly what shows are all about! 🐴✨

Well done to every single one of you. We’re so proud of you all! 🫶🏻

Good luck heading back to school, everyone! 📚 We’ll see you all very soon. 💛

Wise words 🫶🏻

**LET THEM CARRY THE SADDLE 🐴**

It can be tempting to make things easier for young riders.

Carry the saddle for them. Catch the pony while they wait. Do the grooming because you're running late. Tack up so they can spend more of their lesson actually riding.

But here's the thing: **some of the most valuable lessons horses teach children happen before they ever put a foot in the stirrup.**

Walking across a muddy field to catch a pony teaches them that riding begins with responsibility.

Grooming teaches patience. They learn to slow down, notice the smallest changes in their horse and understand that caring for an animal comes before enjoying it.

Mucking out teaches them that worthwhile things aren't always glamorous.

And carrying that heavy saddle?

Let them struggle with it a little.

Let them figure out how to balance it in their arms. Let them become strong enough that something which once felt impossibly heavy eventually doesn't.

Because they're carrying more than a saddle.

They're building strength, independence and confidence.

Horses have an incredible way of teaching children that effort comes before reward. You don't simply arrive, climb aboard and have fun. There's an animal depending on you first.

Feed them. Groom them. Clean their stable. Check their feet. Carry the tack. Put everything away when you're finished.

Then ride.

Of course, children sometimes genuinely need a helping hand, and keeping them safe always comes first. But there's a difference between **helping a child do something and routinely doing it for them.**

The child who learns to care for a pony properly isn't just becoming a better rider.

They're learning that responsibility can be tiring. That confidence is earned through repetition. That animals aren't sporting equipment to be handed over when it's time for fun and handed back when the work begins.

One day they'll pick up that saddle they once struggled to carry and barely notice its weight.

And perhaps that's one of the quietest gifts horses give children:

**While they're learning how to carry the saddle, they're also learning how to carry themselves. ❤️**

Seniors are ready for their turn at the Pony Club Championships! 🏆🐴 Good luck to our members — go out there, enjoy every moment and show everyone what you can do! 🩷🤞🏻

Pony Club Championships today with our mini team competing in Horse & Pony Care 🤠🐴 Well Done, team! 🏵️💪

The Seniors have their turn on Saturday — wishing everyone the very best of luck! 🍀🏵️

Morning folks
We are uploading the lessons for next term today and tomorrow
Keep an eye
Also a few late ones for next two weeks
Cheers
Hayley

Confidence isn’t built overnight; it takes time, patience and effort from both horse and rider. This week at Confidence Camp, we’ve worked slowly and steadily to help our riders build their confidence.

The riders have had the opportunity to spend quality time with their horses, building a strong bond and learning to truly trust one another. As that trust has grown, so has their confidence in their own ability.

It’s been wonderful to see their progress throughout the week and watch them become more confident, capable and willing to challenge themselves. 🐴❤️

Some gorgeous photos captured Sally Scott Photographyphy of some of our wonderful customers with our gorgeous horses 🩷🐴

It’s moments like these that make you truly pinch yourself 🥹 Seeing the smiles, confidence and special bonds our riders create with their horses makes everything we do so worthwhile.

We’re so lucky to have such amazing people and ponies as part of our Squirrells family 🫶🏻✨

📸 Sally Scott Photography