Gartmore Riding School

A Hammerwich riding school has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Gartmore Riding School is one of ten organisations in Staffordshire set to receive the accolade.

The facility works with young people, some woth disabilities or who are from vulnerable backgrounds to build confidence and teach skills through working with horses.

The award recognises the dedication and hard work of volunteers within local communities.

Tracy Francis, chair of Gartmore Riding School said: “We welcome a wide range of volunteers from diverse backgrounds and with varying experience. They form a hardworking and respectful team, drawn together from a wide geographical area of Staffordshire through respect and enjoyment of horses.

“The horse is central to the community that is created at Gartmore – this intelligent, compassionate and emotive animal breaks down barriers and is unprejudiced in their approach to everyone who works with them.

“A horse does not judge others by their background, education or physical ability, and it is this open minded and embracing approach that is encouraged and reflected in the unique ethos of Gartmore, creating the outstanding, solid team of volunteers that we are proud to have acknowledged through this award.”

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