FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Page 3 of 4)

What is a FETH Course student?

A FETH Course student is a young person, aged between 16 and 25, with special needs, who attends the three-year residential Further Education Through Horsemastership Course. FETH Course students must be completely motivated by horses and working in a horse-based environment. Go to FETH Course

What is a weekly rider?

A weekly rider is a child between 2 and 12 years of age, with special needs, who lives in The FCRT area and attends Riding Therapy sessions once a week at The FCRT's Wootton Hall Farm location. Children are brought either by their parents from home (Saturday morning sessions) or attend with other pupils from their local school, transported in school hours by mini-bus.

What do the FETH students do in a typical day/ week/year?

FETH Course students usually begin in the Autumn Term and live at The FCRT's Wootton Hall Farm location, moving on for their third and final year to one of the two senior houses. During the day learning takes place at the Avon Tyrrell location and students travel between the two in FCRT mini-buses. At Avon Tyrrell students work together in groups of a maximum of eight people, with their group teacher. The group, named after a pony breed, is responsible for the care of a number of horses. The daily timetable also includes mounted work, vaulting, communication and number, money management, horse care and stable management, and personal development and health sessions. Students also develop self-awareness and communication skills, an ability to travel independently on public transport, and to use local shops and facilities eg. Sports Centre, trips to the theatre and equestrian events. All learning is approached through horse-based situations and comparisons.

Do the FETH Course students work towards any qualifications? If so, what are they and how long do they take to complete?

FETH students have the opportunity to work towards the following: The Essential Skills Award, The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 1 in Horsecare and The City and Guilds Wordpower and Numberpower Entry Level or Level 1. Students also work towards various internal awards based on achieving progress in many areas of learning. The length of time it takes a student to achieve any qualification depends on the individual's learning ability, self-confidence, and rate of progression, all of which are under continual assessment.

How many horses does The FCRT own?

The FCRT owns some 20 horses/ponies. Additionally, an average of a further 8 are on loan to The FCRT from private homes.

Do you provide an 'Adopt a Horse' scheme?

Yes. This is popular with some donors. Both private and corporate friends, may undertake to fund a horse on an annual basis at a current total cost of £2000.00. This covers feed, shoeing, veterinary care and stabling. In exchange the "owner" can receive various credits in the form of both graphic and other recognition. Please write to the Fund Raising Secretary or email fundraising@fortunecentre.org  for more information.

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