Equine Minds CIC logoEquine MindsCommunity Interest Company

Equine MindsYoung people

Under 18

Built for young people

The under-18 pathway brings together interest-led learning, practical equine knowledge, personal development, employability and opportunities for accredited progression. It is a deliberately designed learning environment in its own right, created to help young people build confidence, knowledge and meaningful next steps.

See the age bands Register interest
A girl gently stroking the face of a dark cob with a white blaze in a sunlit sand arena

Who this is for

Could this be the right fit?

Equine Minds is open to all young learners. It was created with neurodivergent young people in mind, offering a flexible and unique way to learn.

It may suit young people who:

  • Are curious about horses and want to explore the subject further
  • Want to work towards recognised certificates that could support future college or work goals
  • Are home educated and want engaging, interest-led topics to support learning at home
  • Enjoy practical activities and having a go
  • Like to read, listen, watch or learn by doing, and want the freedom to try different options
  • Have lost confidence and want to enjoy learning again
  • Want to build knowledge and skills at their own pace, without pressure or fixed expectations

Age bands

How learning changes with age

  1. 8 to 11

    Explore

    Fun, interest-led horse learning through short lessons, themed units, projects and activities. Learners choose how they learn, whether that is reading, listening, watching or having a go, and can earn certificates and badges along the way.

    The ages 8 to 11 lesson screen, What Horses Need, with a video of a girl and a pony beside short lesson steps.A small herd standing together in a field: a chestnut mare and foal, a grey horse and a skewbald pony
  2. 12 to 15

    Develop

    Building deeper knowledge and practical skills, with a learning space of their own. Learners choose how they learn and how they are assessed, and can begin accredited learning, subject to each course's own standard. Always an option, never expected.

    A laptop showing the ages 12 to 15 lesson screen, Lesson 3 of 8, Reading Horse Body Language, with a video, a list of what the lesson covers, a Next button and a bottom bar reading Read to me, Calm screen and Quick settingsA young person sketching horse logo ideas beside photos and colour swatches
  3. 16 to 17

    Launch

    Stronger employability and vocational focus, with greater learner independence. Learners still choose how they learn and how they are assessed, with the option of valuable recognised certification. Always an option, never expected.

    A tablet showing the ages 16 to 17 dashboard, reading Welcome back, Isla, with the current course Reading Horse Behaviour at lesson 4 of 8, panels for learning progress, completion readiness and achievements, and an Explore next row including Employability, beside a phone showing the 16 to 17 wellbeing hub with Calm Space, Practical Tools, Future You and Real ConversationsA teenager presenting a business idea with a horse photo and a chart

A higher minimum age stated by an individual course standard or accrediting body always overrides these bands.

What you can expect to see

Useful visibility

01

Progress

Current enrolment, progress through modules and lessons, and what is still outstanding.

02

Achievement

Assessment status, tutor feedback, certificate-readiness and downloadable achievement records where relevant.

03

Next steps

Key dates, practical requirements and support routes, so you always know what happens next.

A teenager at a laptop showing an Equine Minds course list for ages 12 to 15

A Guide for Parents and Guardians

Does your young person need a more flexible way to learn, built around their interest in horses?

Flexible learning built around a genuine interest in horses, helping young people build practical skills, confidence and a clear record of progress.

  • Neuroinclusive learning
  • Practical skill development
  • Tutor-supported pathways
The Parent and Guardian Guide front cover Download the guide (PDF)

For 8 to 11 year olds, parents or guardians have greater oversight of purchase, consent and progress. For 16 to 17 year olds, safeguarding, consent and payment authority remain with the parent or guardian where legally required.