Police-run horse care course builds bridges and opportunities for Glasgow school pupils

A unique equestrian education course, set-up by a Glasgow police officer, is proving to be life changing for a group of East End secondary pupils.

A group of 22 youngsters (age range) from five schools have been taking part in a project established by Sergeant Lauren Semple, who works in Shettleston and is a keen horsewoman.

Lauren, who has 18 years' police service, applied for support from the Scottish Racing Academy (SRA), which she has volunteered with for four years. Securing the backing of the SRA meant the project was fully financed, facilitated and supported by the sporting body.

Having worked with campus officers to identify young people who were willing to get involved and would be most likely to benefit from the project, Lauren secured the support of several other agencies and stables, as well as additional funding to kit out the youngsters.

During taster sessions, participants built trust and confidence around the horses and local police officers, as campus officers from their schools also took part.

As the weeks went on, the youngsters undertook a Scottish Qualifications Authority qualification in horse care as part of the programme, forging potential future career pathways and opportunities.

The programme focused on four learning outcomes; horse identification and care, grooming, tacking up and stable management, with further opportunities to develop on to the level 5 and 6 qualifications.

To date, four participants have progressed to these higher levels, with a 100% success rate for all participants on the original programme.

Sergeant Lauren Semple said: “I have been in the East End of Glasgow for 18 years and through a few incidents that happened we learned there was no diversionary work happening for girls throughout the city. We staffed a project to provide this as an educational and an employment opportunity, expanding into all the local secondaries.

“It's really hard in the East End of Glasgow - we never deliver good news. I wanted to have a different kind of relationship with them and breakdown barriers, and the best way is to start when they're younger, build that relationship and hopefully it continues on throughout their life. I really want them to take away something so positive from it and hopefully that's what we've achieved.

“It's such a journey for the young people, and when you see how it happens in front of you, it is just phenomenal. It's the power of the horse, of the animal, it's amazing to see what these animals can do to help these kids, and show them different parts of themselves. The horses accept them for who they are, what they are, they never judge, and you can see the kids thriving on that."

Naomi, a pupil at All Saints Secondary, completed this year's course. She said; “I've actually learned quite a lot, how to take care of a horse, and we've learned how to do a saddle, do a bridle, how to clean a stall. I feel free, I don't feel bothered or rushed at all. Obviously in school I need to study for exams for next year and my grades, but here it means that I'm kind of free."

Fellow All Saints Secondary pupil, Sajjad, had never been around horses before the course. He said; “This had been a good experience. I've like that horses, like all animals in general also have feelings and we just talk to them as if they're another human being."

Laylia attends St Andrew's Secondary was thrilled to get the opportunity to learn in such a hands on manner. She said; “My friend started doing it, and I thought that does sound fun. You can wear your own clothes, you can work with animals, and this farm has puppies and cats, and I'm glad I've done this. It gets me out of school for a wee while in the week as well."

The pupils' experiences have been appreciated and echoed by their teachers. Anne-Marie Lamont from All Saints Secondary said; “There's been a massive improvement in attendance. Some of the pupils who have been taking part of the programme really struggled with attendance at school, but this has encouraged them to come in. They make sure they attend every week, so it's been really positive in terms of that.

“We've also seen they're developing skills they would need for later on in life which they don't even realise. For example, teamwork, stepping outside their comfort zone, so it's been really great."

Lisa Murphy, who works at St Andrew's Secondary, added: “The relationship between our police and our school community has grown a lot stronger. I don't think they actually separate it to be Police Scotland and the school; they just see it as one big community initiative. I think it's really refreshing for schools in any part of Glasgow to have that opportunity, and we're so grateful for the police for this course, for last year, this year, and hopefully to continue beyond."

In February, Sergeant Semple was recognised for her work, winning the Community Award at the annual Godolphin Thoroughbred Employee Industry Awards.

Work is underway with the aim of extending the project to all areas of Scotland, from the Highlands to the Borders, with a course already secured for the Stirling area for the next academic year.

To view a video about the project, please click on the picture below.