Opening Times

By arrangement

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Bitless Bridle Equestrian Centre is situated in beautiful mid-west Wales, very close to a Red Kite feeding centre on the B4337 main road between Lampeter & Aberystwyth. The horses at the centre are managed holistically and though fun to be around are all safe & calm. The visiting students will be taught by friendly, knowledgeable, qualified staff who are experienced in managing horses without resorting to metal bits, shoes, chemicals or dominance.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Bitless Bridle Equestrian Centre is believed to be the only Centre in Wales, and probably in the whole of the UK, where all of the horses are ridden in treeless saddles, without bits in their mouths and without metal shoes nailed to their hooves.

The Centre specialises in 'Horse Whispering' also known as 'Natural Horsemanship' where the emphasis is on understanding how a horse's mind works and how we can communicate with them using our own body language. As far as we know we are the only establishment teaching natural horsemanship with horses kept as naturally as possible – for example chemicals are never used where there is a natural alternative; horses are never stabled, and rugged only in exceptional circumstances. Students will learn not only of the benefits to the horses, but also that keeping horses holistically is easier & generally less expensive for the horse-owner - a win-win situation!

There are tremendous benefits to working with horses 'on the ground' (ie not ridden) - horses are great teachers and students can learn a great deal about themselves and their interactions with others.

What are the activities?

Visits are tailored to individual requirements but will always begin with an explanation & demonstration of natural horsemanship, usually with the opportunity for students to practise 'hands-on'. The visit can then proceed with one or a combination of the following (depending on size of group, these can be talks only or practical if feasible):

• Investigating the Dr Cook Bitless Bridle: Its Uses & Benefits. Other equipment used for teaching natural horsemanship

• Further insight into Natural Horsemanship & why horses act & react the way they do

• Holistic Horse Management including:

• The fundamentals of nutrition of the naturally kept horse

• Principles of keeping horses barefoot

• Horse Riding (from beginner to experienced) – not compulsory

• Field walks & nature talks

• Hacking (small group only)

What is the age range of the activities?

From 5 yrs upwards

Sample programme of the activities:

Bespoke

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

Please bring outdoor clothing, sensible footwear and waterproof coats; notebook & pen. For those taking part in horse riding activities footwear should have a small heel. Riding hats can be provided.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

5 - 30 – wholly dependent on activities chosen. Free supervising adult with every 10 children. Please contact us to discuss prices depending on activities chosen.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Please call regarding pre-risk assessments: 01570 471541

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

coffee machine, cold drinks, snacks

Is specific clothing required?

Please bring warm outdoor clothing, sensible footwear and waterproof coats. For those wishing to take part in horse riding activities footwear should have a small heel. Riding hats can be provided.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No restrictions