We’re proud to partner with Hartwell Riding Stables, a family-run equestrian centre in Buckinghamshire, to deliver work-based horse care qualifications for young people with SEND.
Based at Foxglove Farm in Dinton, the centre offers a supportive, hands-on alternative to traditional learning, helping individuals aged 14–16 build practical skills, confidence, and independence. We spoke to Ashleigh Faulkner, Director and Alternative Provision Manager, about their work and partnership with Haddon Training.
Can you tell us a bit about Hartwell and your role within the organisation?
My name is Ashleigh Faulkner and I am a director of Hartwell Riding Stables Ltd, which is a family-run riding school near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. We have been trading for nearly 20 years, and we pride ourselves on delivering a friendly yet professional service to our clients of all ages and abilities.
In 2023, we set up an Alternative Provision centre, which is located at our base near Aylesbury, and have been providing alternative provision for children and young people who cannot attend school. I am the Alternative Provision Manager and absolutely love being able to help the children and young people who have a passion for horses. We support them to achieve their dreams in an environment where they can thrive.
What motivated you to partner with Haddon Training, and what has been your experience so far working with us?
We have been involved with Haddon since 2020 through the apprenticeship programmes and have always had a good relationship. I reached out to Frankie in 2023 to discuss alternative provision, and she has been absolutely fantastic at helping get this side of the business off the ground. Cait is our tutor, and she provides an amazing service when she visits, nurturing and encouraging the clients through their learning.
What skills and knowledge do you hope learners will gain from this partnership to prepare them for their future careers?
I hope all of our learners can complete their courses and gain their qualifications, and enjoy the experience of learning different skills and techniques when working around the horses. I want them to be able to develop confidence and improve their self-esteem so they feel more prepared for employment. We have beautiful facilities and wonderful horses who give the students positive experiences and opportunities.
What are your hopes for the long-term impact of this partnership – both for your learners and the wider community?
I really hope we can continue to work in partnership with Haddon Training, so we can continue to support these learners together to help them achieve their goals, which will improve their futures. Many learners come to us with zero qualifications (including GCSEs) and have mental health conditions because they are lacking in confidence and self-worth, as they have struggled to achieve in mainstream school.
My favourite part of what we do is giving them the confidence and knowledge to develop their skills, and therefore improve their mental health so they are ready for employment. I hope we can continue to deliver this service and opportunities for a long time, as it makes such a difference and changes lives.
I would like the wider community to realise there are options out there to suit everyone and feel they can explore these opportunities to help young people build their futures.
Location & Contact Details
Foxglove Farm,
Gibraltar,
Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire,
HP17 8TY
To apply, contact Hartwell Riding Stables:
📞 07553 361207
📧 office@hartwellstables.co.uk
For more information about our Alternative Provision, click here.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.
