Pupils from Wallacetoun Primary
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A group of sixty young people from Wallacetoun have recently been learning how to ride and care for a horse, thanks to an initiative, supported by SAC's Community Safety team and run in partnership with Newton Primary School and Riverside Evangelical Church.
Called "Only Schools and Horses" the 6 week programme was funded through the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities programme and taught groups of the young people to respect the horses through 5 weekly sessions teaching skills such as grooming, feeding, saddling and riding a horse at Craigengillan Estate in Dalmellington.
At the end of the programme there was one full day session where the young people put everything they had learned together for a ride out into the countryside.
Councillor Nan McFarlane, chair of the Community Safety Partnership said: "South Ayrshire Council's Community Safety Team identified a number of young people who would benefit from a boost to their self esteem and confidence by learning new skills and interacting with animals.
"The team provided transport and, working closely with Newton Primary and Riverside Church, managed to access funding through the Cashback for communities programme, so the project was free of charge to each of the sixty youngsters.
"The initiative has been a great success and every one of the young people involved has taken something positive out of their experience."
Roslyn Fyfe who runs the stables at Craigengillan said: "We were delighted to take part in this initiative and all of the Newton pupils have been very respectful of the horses here.
"During the six weeks I've seen some very quiet young people come alive around the horses and I've also found some naturally gifted riders. The horses have loved the extra attention and treats too!
"I'm sure the range of experiences and the skills these young people have learned will be a big boost to their self confidence and I really hope to see some of them come back to us and develop their talent further."
Julie Miller deputy head teacher at Newton Primary School said: "This has been a fantastic opportunity for the pupils and I would like to thank everyone involved for giving the children this experience at the Craigengillan stables."
Ian Gall, Associate pastor at Riverside Church said: "We were pleased to work alongside Newton Primary and the Community Safety Partnership to help meet some of the needs of the local community.
"The project has been a great success and it's been exciting to see the personal development and growth in confidence among the young people involved."