
Course Introduction
At HorseBack UK, we are always moving forward. We constantly plan new courses and new ways of expanding our reach. We are now in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, an organisation we have long admired, to deliver their Team Programme.

Team Programme
This is a twelve week course for young people between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five. The aim is to inspire and empower the participants, helping them to realise their strengths and think about their future with confidence and purpose.
On this course, they will learn the importance of resilience, teamwork, community, environment, and wellbeing, develop their talents and make real and lasting change to their lives.
We also incorporate the following qualifications
- Prince’s Trust Team Programme.
- SQA Level 4 Personal Development Through Horsemanship.
- SQA Level 2 Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- John Muir Award (Discovery Level).
2 weeks
Of residential team-building activities
2 weeks
Of work experience
2 weeks
Working as a team on a community project
6 weeks
Helping on site
TEAM PROGRAMME
Participants work with the horses for some time each day, developing unique bonds which enhance confidence and self-esteem. Horses provide instant and honest feedback on behaviour in the moment, creating a powerful, memorable coaching experience.
As well as working with the horses, the participants will be involved in other outdoor activities. Through skilled teaching, interpretation or facilitation, outdoor experiences readily become a stimulating source of personal growth and breakthroughs in learning. Some of the activities will include archery, mounted archery, mountain biking, mountaineering, rock climbing, fishing, bushcraft, and orienteering. The programme will culminate in planning for and participating in a wilderness expedition.
With regards to the work placements and community projects, we have built up strong relationships with many local organisations and companies within the local area, for example the Rotary Club, and all are keen to help this particular age-group progress with their lives.
The Prince’s Trust states that three out of four people who complete their Team Programme go on to work or college courses within three months. Last year we had 21 course participants. Of these, 5 have gone into further education, 15 have gone onto employment and 1 is now volunteering. All are still engaged with each other and HorseBack UK.
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Delivering the Prince’s Trust Team Award adds another stage to the personal development of our young people. This is a life-changing programme, designed to boost confidence and open the door to work or further training. It is exactly what HorseBack has evolved to do, and it is something that means a great deal to the whole team here.
Testimonials
“I would like to say a big thank you to HorseBack UK for all the help and support given to my son over the past 12 weeks during the Programme. The change in him is unbelievable from Week One to Week 12. Taff and the team do an amazing job and I would highly recommend to others with hidden disabilities.”
“Thank you. I could not have done it without the likes of you. Like you said face the situation and go for it, so thank you so much for encouraging and pushing me to do something I dream of doing so thank you Taff and everyone else I could not have done it without your support.”
“I have great news I am starting the Health & Social Care on the 29 Oct I have had an induction and start 29 Nov thank you. I cannot thank the staff enough.”
“I wanted to thank everyone for everything on the Course, absolutely enjoyed it and will miss you all, take care definitely need to stay connected. I have a job at the local Dry Cleaners, which will be a start for my future, would not be able to do it without you all. Started on Monday never thought I could have done it without you.”
“With zero confidence, struggling to leave the house, talking to people, socialising and being out in the public, I didn’t know what my future was going to be like. Something needed to change and with encouragement from my family, friends and the team at Horseback UK, I decided to go on the 12-week youth development programme. It involved a range of things, from helping in the community, hill walking, mountain biking, a residential week away from home and a lot of other things I never thought I’d ever do!
It turns out that this was the best decision I have ever made! It was the best experience in the world and I have met friends for life. We have all achieved so much and I am so, so proud of all of us! HorseBack UK is a life saver, it is the Best Medicine the world has to offer. For anyone who has or has not heard of HorseBack get yourselves up there, it will change your life for the best”
“I came to HorseBack UK from CBT therapy. I was in the mindset for change and wanted to pursue anything that may bolster my wellbeing and help me on my journey back into the light. I was shocked how quickly they got back to me, and I fell in love with the course immediately. Everyone seemed to understand me well, and their wisdom was worth more than gold to me.
The course was like a tutorial for life, we went places, did fun things, stressful things, hard things, we socialised with people of all backgrounds and learned the Decider skills to help us keep our heads high in all of these situations and potential ones. There were moments I felt amazing, and moments I felt horrible but me and my fellow students made it to the end.
I learned that being happy isn’t all about achieving some future goal which would make everything better or easier – happiness is a present experience which we choose to feel regardless of what life throws at us. I also learned that therefore, the only thing that ultimately holds us back from that brighter existence is well…us.”
“My experience at Horseback UK was excellent. For many years, I was stuck at home in my room dealing with serious grief, anxiety and depression. I wasn’t doing anything with my life, and I did not see a future for myself.
One day I was told about Horseback UK by someone who had been on one of the 12-week courses, and I immediately wanted to take part in one of the courses for myself. My experience was excellent because it gave me the opportunity to work, be productive and socialise again after years of doing nothing at home. It helped get me back on my feet again. It pushed me. It’s taught me to keep pushing and never ever give up especially when times are tough.
The entire Horseback team and the friends I made while on the course were so kind and friendly and I will never forget them or the course. It wasn’t easy and it did get tough at times but overall, it was fantastic.”
“HorseBack UK, is one of the most amazing charities, helping and supporting others, no matter who you are or where you have come from. At the start of our Prince’s Trust Course none of us wanted to go, we were all scared of who was there and what we would be doing, but by the end of the first week we were a little team, we were inseparable!
We managed to do what seemed was the impossible! As a team! All of us learned a wide variety of skills and day to day life necessities. From as little things as helping around the farm, to cycling up Morven, we completed it as a team helping and supporting each other at our best days and our worst.
We would all like to say a massive, massive thank you to HorseBack UK, from all the help and support they have given us throughout the course.”
“Horseback UK completely changed my life even my family say I’m a completely different person. I’m no longer really anxious about leaving the house, all the team are so supportive and help with your struggles. When we all first started we didn’t really want to talk to each other but by the end of week one it was like we knew each other our whole life. We became like a little HorseBack family and I wouldn’t be who I am now without them.
I’m so proud I got to be part of the team and I can’t believe everything we’ve accomplished. I am so thankful that I decided to go in the end because it really helped with my mental health struggles, and I have made lifelong friendships that I hope I never lose. HorseBack UK is an amazing charity, and they really care about you and how you are doing. I am so thankful for everyone at HorseBack UK, and I will always be grateful for their support.”
“HorseBack UK changed my life, it made me realise my potential and how far I could go in life. I met so many amazing people that supported me when I attended, and still continue to support me. I made friends I know I can always count on, no matter what. I will always be grateful to HorseBack UK, and the change they made in me personally. Life before HorseBack was tough.”