Getting children involved with horses just became easier with the launch of a new children’s program, Ready Set Trot.
Aiming to get more young people participating in equestrian sports, Ready Set Trot is designed to give young people more opportunity to have fun with horses whether it’s at school or at a riding club.
A joint initiative of Equestrian Australia (EA), Pony Club Australia (PCA) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), it is endorsed by the Australian Government’s Active After- school Communities (AASC) program.
Ready Set Trot provides traditional playground games to schools with a horsey twist that allow young people to further their horse skills, knowledge and ability through mounted games and activities.
Federal Sports Minister, Senator Lundy said the Ready Set Trot program would provide children aged between 5 and 12- years with participation pathways to get involved in equestrian sports.
“Equestrian is a wonderful sport, but there are some barriers to participation with the costs associated with caring for and maintain a horse.”
“What’s great about this program is that more children will be introduced to equestrian through games-based activities because you do not need to own a horse to take part,” says Lundy.
One of Australia’s elite riders and winner of a silver medal at the Beijing Games, Shane Rose endorsed the program.
“Ready Set Trot gives young people a taste of our sport and hopefully they will enjoy the experience and continue with riding lessons or go on to join their local equestrian or pony club once they’ve completed the program,” says Rose.
“The program is a great way to get more young people experiencing equestrian. I hope it inspires a new generation of young riders to take up the reins.”
__small.png)
