Equine Wellbeing & Activity -Harness Change
Harness Change
A summary
Our HAF programme at Harness Change offers a structured, fun and supportive holiday experience for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Set in a safe rural environment at Bigland Hall, the programme combines hands-on horse care, practical activities, outdoor exercise and wellbeing-focused sessions, alongside a healthy meal each day. Children develop confidence, teamwork, responsibility and resilience through meaningful interaction with horses, while enjoying active, engaging days during the school holidays.
Tickets
HAF Eligible child
£0HAF Eligible child
£0What to Expect
Each day begins with a warm welcome and group check-in, helping children feel settled and ready for the activities ahead.
Children will take part in hands-on horse care sessions, learning how to safely groom, handle and care for the horses. They will explore topics such as stable management, feeding routines and understanding horse behaviour, developing responsibility, teamwork and confidence through practical tasks around the yard.
Throughout the programme, children will also learn about horse nutrition and hygiene, understanding what horses need to stay healthy and why cleanliness, routine and care are so important. These sessions link to discussions about their own wellbeing, including healthy eating, personal hygiene and self-care, helping children make positive connections between caring for animals and caring for themselves.
Additional activities may include team challenges, problem-solving exercises, educational games, creative tasks and structured wellbeing sessions focused on communication, resilience and goal setting. All activities are delivered in small, supportive groups to ensure children feel included and encouraged.
A healthy meal is provided each day in line with HAF guidance, and children will leave with new skills, greater confidence and a sense of achievement from contributing meaningfully to the care of the horses.
SEND accessibility checklist
1:1 care
2:1 care
Qualified to administer medication
Epilepsy trained
Secure environment
Accessible toilet
Assist with personal care and toileting
Hoist and changing bench
Wheelchair accessible site
Autism awareness trained
Sensory or quiet spaces
Makaton trained
PECS trained
Please note:
If you see a question mark, please contact the Mentor to discuss your specific needs regarding this item.
About your mentor
Harness Change
Harness Change
At Harness Change at Cumbria Rural Academy CIC, based at Bigland Hall, we are a community-focused equine centre dedicated to improving wellbeing, confidence and life skills through structured, horse-based activities. We support children, young people and families across Cumbria, including those with additional needs or facing barriers to access. Our experienced team delivers safe, inclusive and engaging programmes that combine practical learning, outdoor activity and positive mentorship, while also providing a lifelong home for many of our veteran horses. Through our HAF programme, we aim to give children a fun, active and nurturing holiday experience in a supportive rural environment.
Learning aims
Aim 1
Aim 2
Aim 3
Location
What's provided
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Basic DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Smoke Detector
Please note:
It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the measures provided above and any other details represented in this listing. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.
Cancellation policy
Free bookings do not require refunds but as places are limited, please cancel if you cannot attend so that your place can be offered to someone else.
My experience is an educational activity, and the ‘14-day cooling period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 therefore applies. After the 14 day period my standard policy will apply.
