At Centaur Cornwall, we passionately believe that horses can have a remarkable impact on young people's lives, particularly when traditional approaches have not been successful.
The equestrian environment provides a powerful way to help young people connect, build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop practical life skills through routine, structure and responsibility.
Our aim is to help young people develop the resilience, confidence and coping skills they need to succeed in education, employment and adult life.
We provide alternative education and equine-assisted services for young people who may need additional support, are disengaged from education, disadvantaged, or at risk of exclusion.
We support young people with a range of SEND and additional needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, low confidence, communication and social difficulties, and emotional or behavioural needs.
Our practical, horse-based learning can include:
Horse care and grooming
Stable management
Horse handling
Feeding and horse welfare
Tack and equipment
Riding activities
Teamwork and communication
Personal development
Confidence and resilience building
Life and employability skills
Our programmes are tailored around the individual and focus on developing:
Communication • Confidence • Relationships • Teamwork • Responsibility • Perseverance
Centaur Cornwall delivers the British Horse Society's Changing Lives Through Horses programme.
The programme provides an alternative and complementary learning environment to mainstream education. Young people can develop practical equestrian skills while working towards personal and educational goals.
The programme offers both horse care and ridden activities, with frameworks for young people aged 5–25, adapted to suit individual needs and abilities.
We accept referrals from:
Schools and colleges
Local Authorities
SEND and alternative education teams
Social care and other professionals
Parents and families
An EHCP is not always required. Each referral is considered individually based on the young person's needs and the support required.
Placements may be funded by schools, colleges, Local Authorities or through agreed EHCP provision. We can also offer privately funded sessions for families where appropriate.
We work with the referring organisation or family to agree the young person's needs, programme, outcomes, timetable and funding arrangements.
Please contact Centaur Cornwall to discuss our current availability and how we may be able to support a young person.
Changing Lives Through Horses – building confidence, skills and futures.
Join the Changing Lives through Horses programme | The British Horse Society (bhs.org.uk)
Referral form for Centaur Cornwall, Changning lives through horses
Yard Manager & Riding Coach
Debbie was born and raised in Cornwall and has been fortunate to have horses and ponies as part of her life from a young age. Having experienced first-hand the positive impact ponies can have, Debbie understands how horses can provide structure, predictability, responsibility and support through the ups and downs of life.
Debbie studied Animal Management at college before joining the British Army as a Combat Medical Technician. During her time in the Army, she developed valuable skills in routine, teamwork, communication and working as part of a team — skills that she now brings into her work with horses and young people.
After returning to Cornwall, Debbie joined Centaur Cornwall to pursue her passion for horses. She is now a Yard Manager and is continuing her development by studying to become a riding coach.
Working closely with horses and young people, Debbie has seen the difference that a supportive equine environment can make. She has watched young people grow in confidence, develop new skills and discover strengths that they may not have had the opportunity to explore through mainstream learning.
Debbie is passionate about making learning accessible and enjoyable. She adapts her teaching style to suit different learning needs and enjoys finding creative ways to help each young person engage and succeed.
Describing her approach as creative, fun and adaptable, Debbie is passionate about creating an environment where young people feel supported, valued and able to be themselves.
Debbie is delighted to be part of the Changing Lives Through Horses programme and is looking forward to meeting and supporting the young people who take part.
Founder & Director | Changing Lives Through Horses
I have worked with and ridden horses all my life. Horses have always played a huge part in my life, and I truly appreciate the incredible way they can shape, influence and change our lives. Without horses, I’m not quite sure where I would be!
My journey with horses began in my early years as a local Pony Club member, where I enjoyed competing, learning new skills and, most importantly, learning how to care for my ponies.
After leaving school, I attended college and completed an Advanced Equine Business Management qualification, with the ambition of developing my passion for horses into a career.
I went on to achieve my BHSAI qualification and began teaching riders of all ages and abilities. Seeing riders develop their skills, overcome challenges and grow in confidence was incredibly rewarding. The feedback from my customers was priceless and continues to inspire me to make sure that everyone who wants the opportunity to experience horses has the chance to do so.
My own competitive career has given me first-hand experience of the determination, perseverance and hard work that horses can teach us. One of my proudest achievements was riding for the British Endurance Team, where I was fortunate enough to win an individual Gold medal.
Over the years, I have enjoyed competing in a variety of disciplines, including eventing up to Intermediate level and dressage up to Elementary level.
More recently, my heavyweight hunter James and I have enjoyed success at County level, with our sights firmly set on competing at international level. We have also enjoyed success in side saddle, which has been one of my most recent challenges and something I have thoroughly enjoyed learning.
From the age of 19, I became a partner in a riding school, where I taught many young people, coordinated riding holidays and developed horses for competition. These experiences gave me a wealth of knowledge not only about horses and riding, but also about working with people and helping them to achieve their goals.
Alongside my equestrian qualifications and experience, I have also completed my CACHE Diploma in Pre-School Practice, further developing my understanding of working with children and supporting their learning and development.
I am incredibly excited about the Changing Lives Through Horses programme and the opportunities it can provide for young people.
I have seen throughout my life just how powerful the relationship between a person and a horse can be. Horses can teach us patience, responsibility, communication, resilience and confidence — often without us even realising that we are learning.
I truly believe that my horses and ponies will be the stars of the show. I am incredibly thankful to have such wonderful horses and ponies, and my team and I go to great lengths to make sure they are happy, healthy and cared for to the highest standard.
I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive and positive environment where young people can develop, learn new skills, build confidence and discover what they are capable of — all through the incredible partnership between humans and horses.
Instructor & Pony Club Coach
Georgina Thomas is one of our experienced instructors and Pony Club Coaches at Poldice Valley Equine & Events Arena.
Georgina is passionate about helping riders develop their confidence, knowledge and riding skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. She enjoys working with riders of all abilities and takes pride in helping each individual progress at their own pace.
As a Pony Club Coach, Georgina also enjoys supporting young riders with both their riding and their wider understanding of horse care and stable management. She believes that learning to ride is about much more than simply getting in the saddle — it is about building a strong partnership with the horse and developing good horsemanship along the way.
Whether working on riding skills, preparing riders for Pony Club activities or helping children gain confidence around horses, Georgina brings patience, enthusiasm and a friendly approach to every session.
Georgina's aim:
To help every rider feel confident, supported and proud of their progress — both in and out of the saddle.
High-Performance Equestrian Coach
Senara Caddy is a highly qualified and experienced equestrian coach who has coached internationally, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to Poldice Valley Equine & Events Arena.
Senara holds BEF UKCC Level 4, BHS APC Coach and EQ Bands Coach qualifications, alongside Centre10 training and an MSc in Sports Coaching. Her extensive coaching experience allows her to work with riders across all disciplines and at a wide range of levels.
As part of our Changing Lives Through Horses programme, Senara will be working with our young people, using her coaching experience and knowledge to help them develop their riding skills, confidence and understanding of horses.
Senara believes that coaching is about more than just improving performance. She enjoys helping individuals set goals, overcome challenges and recognise their own progress, creating a positive environment where everyone can develop at their own pace.
Known for being fun, bubbly and knowledgeable, Senara brings energy and positivity to her coaching. She is passionate about helping people unlock their potential, build confidence and develop a lasting, positive relationship with horses.
We are delighted to have Senara as part of our Changing Lives Through Horses team and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on the young people she works with.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. Any local businesses please get in touch via email, or call in and see us
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Poldice Valley Equine And Events Arena, Carharrack, Redruth, Cornwall, TR165RB
Monday |
09:00 – 17:00 |
Tuesday |
09:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday |
09:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday |
09:00 – 17:00 |
Friday |
09:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday |
Closed |
Sunday |
Closed |
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