Testimonials
Mayor Tom Wooton's Visit (May 2026)
We were thrilled to welcome Tom Wootton (the Mayor of Bedford) and Counsellor Jane Walker to our site on the 23rd May this year, showing them how we are helping young people gain vital employability and life skills.
During an exclusive tour of our facilities, the Progressive Strides team showcased the impactful work being done through equine-assisted learning and vocational training.
The mayor and cllr Walker spent the afternoon touring our yard, meeting staff, and interacting directly with students who are gaining vital life and employability skills through the unique hands-on City and Guilds horse care programme offered at Progressive Strides.
The visit highlighted the vital role that non-traditional educational environments play in supporting local youth, offering tailored vocational pathways to success that combine practical skills with emotional and personal development.
Students took the lead, proudly introducing the Mayor and Councillor to the centre’s horses and sharing insights into their daily care routines.
They also showed their academic portfolios, which track their progress and achievements.
Our visitors were able to watch a live practical session where students demonstrated the process of taking apart, cleaning, and reassembling saddlery and tack.
Lis Cooper, our Educational Manager said: “It was fantastic to have the Major and cllr Walker visit Progressive Strides and see firsthand the incredible environment we have created here.
Watching the students speak so passionately about the horses and seeing the pride they take in their work, from their portfolios to their practical skills, shows just how valuable this facility is to our community."
Caitland Yates (Haddon Trainer & Coach)
“As a trainer and coach with Haddon Training, I have had the privilege of working alongside Thurleigh Equestrian Centre. The staff are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable about horses, but also deeply compassionate and dedicated to the learners in their care.
Thurleigh provides an outstanding alternative provision for young people, including those with SEND. Their SEND specialist and highly trained team ensure that every learner’s needs are met in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Safeguarding is taken extremely seriously, and it is clear that learner wellbeing is always their top priority.
The facilities are excellent, the horses are cared for to the highest standards, and the respect shown to both learners and animals is truly inspiring. Thurleigh Equestrian Centre is a shining example of how education, care, and equestrian training can come together to create life-changing opportunities.”
Katie-Jo Gracie (Parent of a Level 1 Student)
“The staff at Thurleigh have been so encouraging and supportive of my child which has made it so much easier for them to access education. Their development over the last year has been mind blowing as they’ve gained confidence and learned skills that they need to succeed. Having a provision where there is a bespoke learning pathways to suit them, providing gentle challenges to stretch them without overwhelming them has been such a blessing for us. It really is a unique and incredible opportunity and we’re so grateful to have find the right environment for them. Not only do they get support with navigating social skills and challenges, they’re receiving core subject curriculum at a pace that works for them, and they get to be around therapeutic animals as well as learning a vocation. I couldn’t have dreamed that somewhere this perfect was out there for them. We’re so grateful to have found it.”