Alison Blackmore, Head of Changing Lives through Horses at The British Horse Society tells us how the programme is changing young lives for the better.

At The British Horse Society (BHS) we believe in the transformative power of horses—not just for riders, but for young people facing significant life challenges. That belief drives our Changing Lives through Horses (CLTH) programme, working with over 4,000 children and young people since 2016.

While not every participant enters racing, many discover fulfilling roles across the equestrian sector—as grooms, coaches, or stable managers. Others simply gain the confidence to return to school or start employment. CLTH helps each young person uncover their own passion and potential.

Retired racehorses, especially Thoroughbreds, can play a powerful role in the programme. Their energy and sensitivity encourage young people to develop calm, confident handling skills. Learning to connect with these animals helps participants regulate their emotions and build trust. Thoroughbreds, accustomed to busy environments and human interaction, are ideally suited for educational settings. For many, caring for a racehorse becomes an empowering, transformative experience.

Lenny’s journey into racing

Lenny is a young man with a background marked by exclusion and truancy. He joined CLTH at Country Treks in Shropshire with no horse experience. He quickly developed a passion for riding and proved to be a natural talent. We supported him in applying to the National Horseracing College, where he earned the student of the course award. Today, he works in the racing industry and shares his story as a CLTH ambassador—a testament to the life-changing impact of the programme.

About the programme

CLTH supports young people aged 5 to 25 across 155 trained BHS-approved centres in the UK, who may be disengaged from education or struggling with social, emotional, or mental health difficulties. Through equine-assisted learning, the programme helps them build essential life skills, improve wellbeing, and create positive futures.

Referrals come from schools, local authorities, youth services, or parents. Participants are welcomed into safe, inclusive environments where they gain a sense of belonging, confidence, responsibility, and joy through working with horses.

What makes CLTH unique is its structured, outcomes-based approach. The framework aligns with the school curriculum to support learning and emphasises core skills like communication, teamwork, resilience, and responsibility. Participants also have the chance to earn accredited BHS qualifications, such as a BHSQ Personal Development Qualification, Ride Safe Award and Complete Horsemanship Stages, opening doors to careers in the equine industry.

Why horses?

Horses don’t judge. They respond to behaviour and emotion with immediate, honest feedback. For young people dealing with trauma or low self-esteem, building trust with a horse can be the first step toward healing—and trusting themselves again.

We’re proud of the impact CLTH continues to have, but we can’t do it alone. We’re always looking to partner with equestrian centres, educators, and individuals who share our vision. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading the word, there are many ways to get involved.

Together, we can change lives—one horse, one young person, one future at a time.

Find out more: Changing Lives through Horses | The British Horse Society