Enterprise lets children learn through fun

A PERTHSHIRE farming family has diversified to launch a new equestrian enterprise which is founded on a ground-breaking style of educating children through fun, camp-style experiences on the farm.

Pauline Alexander, who is based at Douglasfield Farm near Murthly, has set up Star Equestrian and is now running regular camps, and other children’s activities such as ‘cowboy days’on the farm.

Pauline lives at Douglasfield with her husband, Murray, and their four children.

The main enterprises on the farm are a suckler cow herd of 500 Limousin cows and 800 ewes however recent months have seen buildings on the farm adapted to form a safe and stimulating environment for children, of all levels of equestrian ability, as they learn riding and pony management skills under the expert guidance of coach Mags Coward.

The idea behind the development of the equine business was kindled when Pauline and Mags, who both trained as primary teachers, brainstormed the potential to launch a very different type of equestrian experience.

The ethos on which the new business was founded was sparked by Pauline’s admiration of Mags’ style of coaching which was very different to conventional riding tuition.

“Having previously been a primary school teacher, I valued the techniques Mags uses to encourage independence in young children,” Pauline said.

“She has a unique way of getting children to have fun while working out for themselves how to improve their riding skills.

“I am also very aware that children learn best through positive social experiences, along with some healthy competition, and last summer Mags and I held a trial pony camp which proved a great success and an unforgettable experience for the youngsters involved.”

Part of that success is down to the way the children’s day is carefully structured to ensure a great balance of informal and for mal lear ning opportunities.

A key aspect of this, Pauline observed, is devoting time to ensuring children appreciate the importance of pony care and handling, establishing a deep respect for the animals.

“We firmly believe the most important thing about working with ponies is to have fun and enjoy interacting with others and your horse,” Pauline added.

“If you achieve that everything else will come naturally.”

Another Star Equestrian objective is to give children the chance to enjoy the type of active outdoor playing experience that would have been the norm on farms a generation ago.

“Many wo r k i n g parents ideally want outdoor learning environments for their children during their holidays,” she said.

“We aim to offer the chance for children to rediscover the joys of exploring the countryside and the carefree experience of being adventurous.”

Star Equestrian has also been working hard to redress the traditional gender imbalance when it comes to young children taking an interest in ponies.

“We’ve been exploring different activities that can capture a boy’s interest — for example we’ve developed ‘cowboy’ days which have really caught their imaginations.

“The idea for that came from my experience of living on a farm and having a husband and two sons, along with farm staff, who have an avid interest in cattle farming.”

She continued: “We are also in the process of developing a three-day intensive course for parents who can remember the fun they had riding horses many years ago but have become very rusty in recent years.

“I am signed up for the first of these courses.”

For further information about Star Equestrian, including the dates of for th- coming camps, visit www.starequestrian. co.uk.

Mags Coward, left, and Pauline Alexander.