Harwich Horse Rangers Association

26/08/2026

If you have a moment please can you nominate us!

Nominate a charity for a Movement for Good award now.

24/08/2026

**LET THEM CARRY THE SADDLE 🐴**

It can be tempting to make things easier for young riders.

Carry the saddle for them. Catch the pony while they wait. Do the grooming because you're running late. Tack up so they can spend more of their lesson actually riding.

But here's the thing: **some of the most valuable lessons horses teach children happen before they ever put a foot in the stirrup.**

Walking across a muddy field to catch a pony teaches them that riding begins with responsibility.

Grooming teaches patience. They learn to slow down, notice the smallest changes in their horse and understand that caring for an animal comes before enjoying it.

Mucking out teaches them that worthwhile things aren't always glamorous.

And carrying that heavy saddle?

Let them struggle with it a little.

Let them figure out how to balance it in their arms. Let them become strong enough that something which once felt impossibly heavy eventually doesn't.

Because they're carrying more than a saddle.

They're building strength, independence and confidence.

Horses have an incredible way of teaching children that effort comes before reward. You don't simply arrive, climb aboard and have fun. There's an animal depending on you first.

Feed them. Groom them. Clean their stable. Check their feet. Carry the tack. Put everything away when you're finished.

Then ride.

Of course, children sometimes genuinely need a helping hand, and keeping them safe always comes first. But there's a difference between **helping a child do something and routinely doing it for them.**

The child who learns to care for a pony properly isn't just becoming a better rider.

They're learning that responsibility can be tiring. That confidence is earned through repetition. That animals aren't sporting equipment to be handed over when it's time for fun and handed back when the work begins.

One day they'll pick up that saddle they once struggled to carry and barely notice its weight.

And perhaps that's one of the quietest gifts horses give children:

**While they're learning how to carry the saddle, they're also learning how to carry themselves. ❤️**

22/08/2026

Thank you so much to those who have sponsored these ponies for their annual check up and vaccinations all have been given clean bill of health for another year so we are very grateful. There are still some who need your support. If I have forgotten your name on chart do please let me know I try to keep up with sponsors 👍🏽

19/08/2026

This year we bring you an exciting new category at the Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria Equine Insurance. We know how special riding schools are, so help us celebrate them by nominating your favourite for the Team Spillers Riding School of the Year category. Visit the link below.

14/08/2026

First aid training children and adults on 20th August at 2 if anyone needs it . There are still
Spaces available contact 07798898702.

12/08/2026

What a start to rangers week 2026. Day 1&2 have included boot camp, gymkhana and plenty of pony pampering. It’s looking like it’s going to be a close competition with points being neck and neck. Well done for all you hard work so far it’s been fab watching you all achieve so much this week!

12/08/2026

11/08/2026

Saddle racks £4 each collection only

10/08/2026

We’d like to invite you to the 2026 Rangers show @ 11:30 Saturday 15th August. Followed by awards to celebrate all the children ‘s achievements this year. We’re very proud of them all and excited to see them put on the show!