Page 9 - Layout 1

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust
Year 10 students, lexi, lewis and Katie, attended a guided walk with
the Dartmoor Pony heritage trust at headland Warren, Postbridge.
the location was an old rabbit farm, towards the heart of Dartmoor
National Park, and a stunning area of moorland surrounded by
historic and prehistoric sites. the students saw the remains of walls
and fields that contained the rabbits and walked through the
landscape shaped and scarred by tin miners.
they were invited by a local farmer to hold the
newly born lambs which will be living off the land.
the students have been attending the Dartmoor
Pony heritage trust, at Bovey tracey, caring for
the ponies on site and learning about animal
behaviour.
they also visited Bellever Forest, Yelverton, which
has 24 Dartmoor ponies currently grazing the
land helping to keep the vegetation down and
create diverse grassland areas for wildlife and
numerous archaeological sites.

Wellbeing at Ivybridge 7

extra-Curricular Activities Boost Students’ Confidence

Brook Riding School
Year 9 BteC horse Care students, Mia, elliot, logan, Caitlin and levi, completed their level 3 Certificate in horse
Care at the erme Valley Riding School, Bittaford. Arthur, the miniature Shetland pony, helped the students
achieve their grade. Accompanied by teaching Assistant, Paula lomas, they are currently working towards
their level 4 and BteC grade. Paula said that she is, “extremely
proud of all their hard work and how important it is for their social
skills and wellbeing,” adding, “how lucky we are to have both
centres so nearby offering such amazing experiences for Ivybridge
Community College students.”
In June, Year 8 students Summer and Skyie, passed their level 2
Certificate in horse Care at the Brook Riding School in Bittaford.
Both girls have been attending the Brook Riding School since
January and they had to complete riding and knowledge tests.

the Brook Riding School is run by Peggy Douglas M.B.e. Peggy is also
the founder of the erme Valley Riding School, which is now in its 30th
year. the Riding School has over 160 riders and is run with an army
of 180 volunteers, currently giving over 4,000 rides each year. It
provides education through equine experience and benefits include: improving self-esteem, communication,
fun and being in a positive learning environment.
Paula lomas, said, “I am very proud of both the girls and I am looking forward to them continuing with their level
3 Certificate in horse Care, and seeing their riding continuing to improve”.

“over the last few years we have noticed the
huge impact that working with ponies has had on
our students’ mental wellbeing and the knock on
effect of this on their studies. It is wonderful that
these opportunities are being offered again
post-lockdown.” Caroline Johnson, Associate
leader.