A week in the life of… pupils at a horsey school

Connie is a 16-year-old day pupil at Milton Abbey who studies a Level 2 BTEC in Horse Care alongside her GCSEs. She loves to study horses at school and wants to continue this course in Sixth Form. At home, she has a 12-year-old skewbald horse called Texas who she events. Travelling to school each day, looking after Texas and helping out at home gives Connie a very busy week!

MON

I was up at the crack of dawn to help my parents with the horses this morning. I’m at school by 8.20am and today I have loads of GSCE lessons, plus my first Horse Management BTEC lesson of the week.

TUE

My lessons this morning were focused on my GCSE subjects but I also had a BTEC Sport lesson – we learnt about the science and attitudes of professional athletes. For two out of the three afternoon sport sessions we have each week I get to go home and ride Texas. But today, I’m at school because I’m playing for the netball team which is always fun and competitive.

WED

Today I’m taking part in a volunteering and leadership activity. Afterwards I have Farm Club, too! This is where I spend time with the school horses and help look after the other animals, including Shetland ponies and sheep – it’s my fave part of the week. When I get home, I’ll take Texas for a ride and complete my homework.

THU

On Thursdays I have my second Horse Management lesson of the week. Our lesson today was at the school stables learning practical skills then afterwards I rode one of the school horses. Having the chance to ride loads of different ponies is great because it helps to improve my confidence and riding skills.

FRI

It was my busiest day for lessons at school today but once I’d finished, I went straight home to ride and then relaxed with my family for the evening.

SAT

Today, I’ve got three lessons this morning then I need to rush home because I’m taking Texas competing. Last weekend we came second in an NSEA eventing comp! Sometimes I stay at school in the afternoon if I’m playing in a hockey match but I prefer to be out and about with Texas.

SUN

I’m spending time at home today having a BBQ and chilling out with my family. I’m super-excited about next Sunday, though – we’re going on a school trip to the water park! Even though I’m not a boarder, I get to join in with my friends so I don’t miss out.

Lily is a 12-year-old year seven boarder at Stonar School. She keeps her 14hh eight-year-old New Forest Pony, called V, at school with her.

MON

I popped down to the school yard before tutor time to check on V. She’s having a day off today because we were out competing on the weekend. She was very relaxed and enjoying a snooze – I was super-jealous!

TUE

This is my fave day of the week because I have a riding lesson in the afternoon with Miss Halsey, the Director of Riding. Today, we worked on elements of my next dressage test for our comp this weekend. My best pal, Olivia, has her pony at school as well and she was super-busy today so I mucked out her stable for her. I can always rely on a friend to help me when I’ve got a busy day, too!

WED

Today I had another riding lesson, we focused on relaxing V in the warm-up – she was awesome! After the school day had finished, we took part in the accumulator, it’s a fun weekly comp where we build up points. Pupils from the year’s above mark our dressage sheets and give out rosettes. Before supper I gave V some hay and water – I love how she can enjoy her dinner while I enjoy mine, too, and we’re only one building away from each other!

THU

I popped down to the yard after my academic lessons had finished, V had another day off so I turned her out for the night.  She was happily grazing with her pals so I headed off to finish my history essay. Depending on which field she’s in, I can see her from my boarding house – it’s the best view ever!

FRI

Today I took V for a hack after school around the grounds and up a track to the local village. I watched the beautiful sunset through V’s ears – the perfect way to end my school week.

SAT

Today we went to our local comp venue, West Wilts, with three other riders to compete for the school team. V was on her best behaviour in our dressage test, and we all had a super-successful day!

SUN

There’s no riding clinic on today so I’ll set out a pole exercise with my friends and have some fun. I gave V a fresh bed in her stable, which I know she’ll enjoy tomorrow when she has her usual lazy Monday!