Broadlands Riding for the Disabled in Medstead has received the Treloar’s Supported Internship Employer Certificate. 

Treloar’s supported internship co-ordinator Charlotte Mills visited Broadlands to deliver the certificate.  

Broadlands offers horse riding activities to disabled children and adults. Charlotte said it was “very supportive” in offering work experience and internship work placements to Treloar’s students. 

This term Treloar College student Emily had weekly sessions at Broadlands during which she helped out with stable duties, cleaned tack and groomed horses. In her last session Emily also had a riding opportunity.

She said: “I enjoyed my work placement at Broadlands RDA in Medstead. I did find some of the work a bit repetitive at times but it taught me to keep positive and carry on as there were other jobs I really enjoyed. All jobs have bits that aren’t as interesting as other bits, but they are all important skills to learn. It helped me with my independence and directing skills, I really liked everyone there. I didn’t enjoy it when it rained though. I absolutely loved riding on my last day. I will miss the horses, especially Whiskey.” 

Treloar’s supported internships are run throughout the academic year for a few of Treloar’s employability, independence and intern students. The charity works with employers in different fields who offer anything from a few taster days to several sessions a term or two or three days weekly working. Students are supported by a trained Treloar’s assistant but become part of the employer’s team.

Charlotte said: “Many young disabled people face daily challenges, often discrimination in the able-bodied working world.

“By completing their final internship year at Treloar’s, students build their self-confidence, different types of work skills, people skills, communication, independence, advocacy; it focuses students on their abilities, not on their disabilities.”