The Orchard Equine & Land-Based College

The Orchard Summer Series 🌳🍎

Next up is our BHS stage 3 preparation day with Eve Duggan.

designed for riders and equestrians looking to progress their professional knowledge and understanding, this training day will explore the standards and expectations required for the BHS stage 3 qualification.

Led by BHS stage 4 coach Eve Duggan, participants will develop their understanding of horse management, welfare, practical decision making and the professional skills required within the equine industry.

Whether you are preparing for assessment, studying equine qualifications or considering a future career in the industry, this day offers valuable insight and guidance within a supportive learning environment.

Hosted at our BHS approved centre, participants will receive expert tuition and individual feedback throughout the day.

Full details can be found on the poster below.

To book, please email [email protected].

Limited spaces available.

Good riding starts long before anything looks impressive.

It starts with balance, patience, consistency and learning to work with the horse, not against them.

Lessons like these help learners develop feel, communication and quiet confidence in the saddle ,building strong foundations that support both rider development and horse welfare.

We're Hiring - Part-Time Yard Staff

The Orchard Equine & Land Based College is looking for an experienced and dedicated Yard Staff member to join our team in Thorpe in Balne, Doncaster.

This is a 20-hour per week role, including weekends, within our specialist educational provision.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, maintains exceptionally high standards of horse care and stable management, and shares our commitment to safeguarding and learner wellbeing.

Experience with horses is essential. Riding and lunging experience is desirable.

For full details and to apply, please visit:

https://www.theorchard-ec.co.uk/jointheteam

The Orchard Summer Series 🌳🍎

Next up is our assisted arena eventing clear round with Eve Duggan.

Combining showjumping and cross-country style fences, this is a fantastic opportunity for riders to gain confidence, develop their skills and experience arena eventing in a supportive environment.

each rider will be allocated a 20-minute time slot and will receive guidance and support throughout their round from BHS stage 4 coach Eve Duggan, helping to improve confidence, accuracy and riding between fences.

Horse hire is included, making this an ideal opportunity for riders with or without their own horse.

Full details can be found on the poster below.

to book, please email [email protected].

limited spaces available.

Meet Major Delacour 🧡 🍊

If you've spent any time around Orchard, you'll probably already know our much loved Major, affectionately known by everyone as our BFG - Big Friendly Giant.

Major has actually been part of the Orchard family for a while now. We deliberately took our time before sharing his story because, as with every horse that joins us, his happiness comes first. We wanted to ensure he had settled into his new role, enjoyed his routine, built relationships with our learners and staff, and was genuinely content in his new chapter.

We're delighted to say that he absolutely is.

What makes Major so special is not only his kind nature and gentle personality, but also the incredible experience he brings with him. Before joining Orchard, Major enjoyed an outstanding international showjumping career, competing in over 220 FEI classes and jumping at the very highest levels of the sport, including 1.60m Grand Prix competition.

Ridden by top riders including Robert Whitaker, Henry Squibb and Daniel Delsart, Major travelled extensively and gained invaluable experience in some of the biggest arenas in the country and beyond.

One of the highlights of his career came at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), where he partnered Robert Whitaker to win the famous Puissance, clearing an incredible 7ft 2in (2.20m) wall on his very first attempt at the class. The performance showcased exactly what Major became renowned for throughout his career ,bravery, heart and an unbelievable willingness to try.

Today, his role is very different, but no less important.

Instead of teaching riders how to win classes, Major is helping teach the next generation of equestrians. Every day he helps our learners develop confidence, practical skills, horse care knowledge, handling techniques and a deeper understanding of horse welfare.

There's something truly special about learning from a horse who has "been there and done it". Major has travelled the world, competed under pressure, and experienced life at the highest level. Those experiences have shaped the calm, wise and generous horse we know today.

At Orchard, we often talk about horses being our greatest teachers, and Major is the perfect example of that.

We feel incredibly privileged that a horse of his calibre has chosen to spend this stage of his life with us. More importantly, we're grateful that he seems to love his new job just as much as we love having him here.

Thank you, Major, for everything you've already taught us, and for everything you're still teaching our learners every single day.

We're very lucky to call you one of our own. ❤️🐴

Not every learner works best at a desk.

Sometimes the calmest, most focused moments happen in the middle of the yard, surrounded by hay nets, horses and familiar routines.

Creating environments where young people feel safe, regulated and comfortable enough to engage with learning is just as important as the learning itself.

The Orchard Equine College

Next up is our assisted showjumping clear round with Nina .

Perfect for riders looking to build confidence, gain experience and enjoy a supportive introduction to competition-style jumping.

Each rider will be allocated a 20-minute time slot and will receive guidance and support throughout their round from BHS stage 3 coach Nina , helping to improve confidence, technique and course riding skills.

Horse hire is included, making this a fantastic opportunity for riders with or without their own horse.

Full details can be found on the poster below.

to book, please Email : [email protected].

limited spaces available.

Specialist Alternative Provision & Post-16 Education

At The Orchard, we support young people who may struggle within mainstream environments through calm, structured and meaningful hands-on learning experiences.

Our specialist pathways help learners develop confidence, emotional regulation, independence, communication and vocational skills within supportive, relationship-led environments.

- Alternative Provision (Ages 8–16)
- Specialist Post-16 College (Ages 16–25)
- City & Guilds Approved Centre
- Equine Pathways
- Animal Care Provision launching September 2026
- EHCP & commissioned placements welcomed

Our specialist & Bespoke programmes include:

Reins & Roots
Equine-assisted learning focused on engagement, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Nurture & Nature
Animal-assisted learning supporting communication, responsibility and personal growth.

Vocational Equine Pathways
City & Guilds accredited Level 1–3 programmes designed to support progression into further education, employment and adulthood.

September 2026 Availability

We currently have:
- Limited spaces available within our Level 1 Equine Programme (14+)
- 2 remaining Level 2 Post-16 Equine places for September 2026

At Orchard, learning is practical, purposeful and individualised , because when young people feel safe, understood and supported, progress becomes possible.

Doncaster, South Yorkshire
www.theorchard-ec.co.uk

💛🌟 Huge congratulations to our very own Eve on passing her BHSI Performance Ride and BHSI Long Reining examinations! 🌟💛

This is an incredible achievement and one that reflects years of dedication, hard work, determination and a genuine commitment to developing her knowledge and skills at the very highest level.

To go from a successful show rider to demonstrating and assessing horses across advanced dressage, show jumping and cross country disciplines is no small feat. The countless hours of learning, training and preparation behind the scenes have all led to this moment, and we couldn't be prouder.

Eve's success is also a fantastic example to our learners of what can be achieved through perseverance, passion and a willingness to keep learning.

2026 is shaping up to be a truly fantastic year for Orchard so far. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team, and the results we are seeing across the college continue to reflect the hard work, expertise and commitment of everyone involved.

Great team. Great results. Exciting opportunities ahead.

Well done, Eve , a thoroughly deserved achievement, and we can't wait to see what comes next! 💛🐴⭐

Eve Duggan BHSII Stage 4 Coach

The Orchard Summer Series 🌳🍎

our BHS stage 2 preparation day with Eve Duggan is designed for those looking to take the next step in their equestrian development.

Focusing on horse care, stable management and the practical knowledge required for the BHS stage 2 qualification, this training day offers a fantastic opportunity to develop skills, build confidence and gain valuable insight into the BHS pathway.

Led by BHS stage 4 coach Eve Duggan, participants will receive expert guidance and individual feedback throughout the day in a professional learning environment.

Whether you are working towards assessment or simply looking to broaden your equine knowledge, this day is a great opportunity to learn from industry professionals at our BHS approved centre.

Full details can be found on the poster below.

To book, please email [email protected].

Limited spaces available.