Councils checking out helpers at riding schools ^ (in news above)

[giggles mum]

There's a news story linked to above saying that councils in Berkshire are spot-checking all riding schools to make sure they aren't employing children without work permits. Apparently even if you only get rides you're meant to have one, which wasn't my understanding. I'm 16 now so I don't know if it affects me personally anymore (and I'm not in Berkshire) but there must be loads of people out there who are affected? so many riding schools do this and the kids absolutely love it, it would be a shame if they were stopped really.

 

[PoppyAnderson]

Agree totally. I learnt to ride at my local riding school and I did weekend work there too. We were treted like slave labour but it was great fun, learnt lots and think kids are missing out if they're denied the chance to muck around with ponies. Just another example of do-gooders sticking their beaks in where it's not wanted.

 

[Donkeymad]

We won't be allowed to breath without a permit soon

 

[exracergirl]

There is a way around it - at our yard we have a 'weekend club' and what we have always known as Stable Helpers - along the traditional format come and help with leadreins erc and get a free ride in return - now works differently in that they pay £20 a year, and each weekend get a riding session and a stable management session, then spend the rest of the time as usual helping out preparing ponies etc but in theory putting their stable management session into practice. Each summer they do the BHS Prog Riding Tests too.
Don't need work permits to be members of clubs - I think it was actualy BHS legal helpline that pointed us in that direction.