During a very wet morning in May half-term holiday, a group of Beavers and Cubs from 6th Rugby visited CJ at Woodbine Stables in Grandborough to start their horse riding badge with a special session.
CJ showed us how to safely approach a horse, how and why we groom them and all about their teeth and ears. Then our young people spent some time getting to know the ponies, grooming them and then got to feed them too - the ponies loved an apple as a treat.
Everyone wore a helmet around the yard for safety, and we learnt that horses have very sensitive ears and don’t like it when we shout/scream. Another important lesson was not to run - to avoid scaring the horses - this took a bit of practice for some excited Beavers and Cubs.
Then on to the most exciting (and wet bit) - riding the ponies. The Cubs and Beavers were paired up and supported to mount their pony safely - one riding whilst the other led the pony (supported by the stables’ team). Everyone practiced how to start and stop and steer their pony - and then had a go at trotting - very bouncy!
Everyone had a great time and were thoroughly soaked by the end of the session. We’re very grateful to CJ and the Woodbine Stables for looking after us so well (although we’d like better weather next time please).
Both the Cubs and the Beavers have done a lot of work towards their Cubs Equestrian Badge and have just a couple more things to achieve to obtain this badge.