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Meet the Team
Our equine assisted learning team provides young people with the opportunities to engage in therapeutic horsemanship and riding activities in a calm and peaceful environment.
Our experienced team are here to support you learn and thrive.
We are a non-profit organisation offering equine assisted learning opportunities to children and young people. Sessions take place on our 12 acre site set in a peaceful and private location. We have a small herd of horses and ponies who enjoy lots of attention and grooming from our visitors and there are plenty of horse care tasks to get involved in for those who enjoy the practical elements. We also offer some ridden opportunities led by our British Horse Society qualified Coach and conducted in both our beautiful 60 metre x 30 metre riding arena as well as around the grounds.
All session leaders hold current DBS checks, have completed Safeguarding and First Aid training and are appropriately insured for the activities that take place.
Meet the Team
MEET THE TEAM
Julie Wightman
As the Founder of Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch, I bring a wealth of experience and passion to my role. Before dedicating myself to horses and the ranch, I had the privilege of working with the younger generation for a significant period of time. Alongside my dedication to Judo, I achieved the World Judo Master Athlete Title for the U57K category in both 1999 and 2000. I also served as a Club Coach for Barlestone Judo Club, as well as fulfilling the role of Leicestershire County Coach and Midland Area Coach.
Over the past 15 years, my passion has expanded to include horses and the profound calming effect they have had on not only my life but also the lives of our visitors. I thoroughly enjoy running the ranch and working with young people during sessions. It brings me immense joy to provide assistance in session structure and ensure a safeguarded and soothing environment for every individual at Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch.
MEET THE TEAM
Karen Brown
I’m a BHS qualified coach with 25 years experience in the equine industry. My sessions at The Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch are tailored to the individual and their family. I offer a patient, friendly pressure-free approach alongside the horses and animals in our peaceful setting in order to promote a safe space where visitors can gain confidence and feel a sense of achievement no matter what tasks or activities they are drawn to.
I also work for a large Equine College delivering to students on BTEC Technical L2 and L3 programmes.
Credentials:
•British Horse Society Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship
•Level 2 Equestrian Coaching Certificate
•Level 3 Award in Education and Training
•Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
•Current certificates in Equine Specific First Aid and Equestrian Advanced Safeguarding
•Subscribed to DBS update service
Experience:
•25 years working and teaching in the equine industry
•5+ years delivering sessions to disadvantaged, SEN and/or vulnerable children and young people
The physical benefits are apparent at all levels of ability, from improvements in athletic performance to helping those who have profound physical disabilities.
MEET THE TEAM
Cerys Wightman
Hello, my name is Cerys Wightman, and I hold the position of Yard Manager at Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch. As the Yard Manager, it is my responsibility to ensure the smooth functioning of our charity on a daily basis. In addition to this, I actively participate in conducting sessions where I share my extensive knowledge and experience in horse care, riding techniques, and the proper use of equipment with our valued visitors. With a comprehensive qualification in Horse Care and Management, and a remarkable 15 years of riding experience under my belt, I feel privileged and humbled to be a part of this organisation. The opportunity to contribute to the charity’s mission is truly overwhelming, as I wholeheartedly believe that it allows our visitors to establish personal connections with our cherished herd, eventually leading them to assisted riding experiences. Our charity has a positive impact and enriching the experiences of our visitors.
Find out more about our sessions and booking...
Find out how you can support the Ranch!
Supporting the valuable work of the Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch is a great way to show you care. You can support our work with a donation via PayPal using the link below.
Client Love
Learn more about the ranch and our equine assisted learning sessions
We are based in Leicestershire, just outside Market Bosworth. For safeguarding purposes, our exact location is only shared once a booking has been made.
- Individually tailored sessions
- Friendly & experienced team
- Sessions available 7 days a week (riding on selected days)
- Relaxing countryside location
- Schools & groups sessions
- Open all year round
Get in touch today to find out more.
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Contact Us
- Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- 07496 360937
- ranchheartfelt@gmail.com
My son Harley loves his time at the heartfelt ranch. He loves spending time with the horses and especially Buddy the sheep. He enjoys riding, leading, feeding, and grooming the horses. The ranch is a safe and calm environment, which gives Harley, the freedom to be himself and have fun. Karen is amazing, and his confidence and his ability to follow instructions is growing with each visit.
Lisa Parent