Many children ride horses & ponies as a hobby, many at riding schools, some have their own. Large numbers of them compete regularly at local competitions and yet schools rarely know anything about these activities. Recent changes to GCSE PE mean that Equestrian 'disciplines' (show jumping, cross-country, dressage, mounted games, polo and horseball) can now be counted as part of the PE practical portfolio.

To help promote horse riding as a recognised sport in schools, we have set up, with help and support of the BHS and BEF, the Leicester-shire & Rutland Schools Equestrian Competition. We hope that through this we will start to raise the profile of equestrian sport in schools and bring equestrianism to a more prominent position in the list of 'National Sports'

Aims
1. To organise and run an equestrian competition between volunteering schools in Leicestershire & Rutland as a pilot for a National schools equestrian competition.
2. To encourage children to take a more active role in sport to improve health and well-being.
3. To encourage children to continue riding after leaving school by joining local riding clubs.
4. To identify children with the potential to become Olympic champions and open pathways for them to become successful.
5. To encourage disabled children to take up competitive equestrian sport.