More Than a Riding School: Andrew Stennett on Changing Lives Through Horses

What if riding schools and equestrian centres are about far more than simply teaching people how to ride?

In this episode of the Animalweb Podcast, Helen Stock is joined by Andrew Stennett, founder of Grove House Stables and I-Pegasus CIC, and British Horse Society Generalist Trustee for Approved Centres, to explore the life-changing role horses can play in education, mental health and community wellbeing.

Andrew reflects on more than 40 years in the equestrian industry, beginning with one horse, one pony and a very muddy field before developing Grove House Stables into an award-winning riding centre.

Drawing on his own experiences of dyslexia, dyspraxia, bullying and feeling misunderstood at school, Andrew explains how horses gave him confidence, direction and somewhere he could thrive.

But his story is about far more than overcoming personal challenges.

Andrew shares how his experiences inspired him to create opportunities for young people who struggle within mainstream education, including those experiencing poor mental health, exclusion and a loss of confidence in the education system.

Through I-Pegasus CIC and programmes such as Changing Lives Through Horses, Andrew has seen first-hand how spending time with horses can help people build resilience, develop practical skills and begin to believe in themselves again.

Helen and Andrew also discuss the mounting pressures facing riding schools, livery yards and equestrian centres. From rising costs and limited access to land to extreme weather, staffing pressures and the challenge of keeping horses and businesses sustainable, many centres are being asked to deliver more while managing increasingly difficult circumstances.

Andrew argues that riding schools should be recognised not only as equestrian businesses but as equine health and wellbeing centres that contribute considerable social and economic value to their local communities.

Throughout the episode, you’ll discover: • How Andrew established a riding school with one horse, one pony and a muddy field • Why his experiences of dyslexia and dyspraxia shaped his approach to horses and education • How horses can support confidence, resilience and personal development • Why some young people thrive in equine and outdoor learning environments • How I-Pegasus CIC helps provide greater access to horses • The pressures currently facing riding schools, livery yards and equestrian centres • Why land availability, rising costs and climate change are becoming major concerns • The importance of investing in yourself and asking others for help • Why riding centres should be recognised for their wider community value • What the equestrian industry can achieve by working together and sharing ideas

Most importantly, you’ll hear why Andrew believes access to horses must be protected for future generations and why equestrian centres have such an important part to play within their communities.

Whether you own or manage a riding school, run a livery yard, work within the equestrian industry or have experienced the difference horses can make to someone’s life, this episode offers an honest, uplifting and thought-provoking conversation about resilience, opportunity and the future of equestrian centres.

Listen now and discover why a riding school can be so much more than a place where people learn to ride.

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