West Pinchbeck equestrian centre is celebrating big wins at British Horse Society National Riding School Championships

victoria.fear@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 14:43, 14 May 2025

An equestrian centre is riding high after winning two awards at a national championships.

Riders and staff from Four Winds Equestrian Centre returned to West Pinchbeck from the 2025 British Horse Society (BHS) National Riding School Championships with two big awards.

The championships, which were held at Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre in Ellistown, Leicestershire, provide a rare opportunity for those who don’t own a horse to compete in showjumping, dressage and stable management.

This team from Four Winds came first in one of the fun classes PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Four Winds’ extraordinary work with young people in the Changing Lives programme - which allows students to reconnect with education using the power of horses - was also celebrated during the day.

Owner Paula Leverton was presented with the BHS Proprietor Recognition Award and the BHS Coach Recognition Award.

She said "We’re absolutely thrilled. It’s not just me – it’s a team effort. We’re thrilled to bits for our Changing Lives through Horses participants because they’ve spent so long preparing.

West Pinchbeck's Paula Leverton won two awards at the National Riding School Championships PHOTO: SUPPLIED

“It’s such a passionate programme, and the rewards are life-changing for some students. It just shows we’re on the right tracks and marks an overall hallmark of our successes."

She added: “We took 21 local riders to the championships we won three classes and got placed in most of others.”

Four Winds is a BHS Approved Riding Centre that runs the Changing Lives through Horses programme, a pioneering national initiative designed to help young people build vital life skills, improve wellbeing, and reconnect with education — all through the unique bond formed with horses.

The programme is making a real difference in Lincolnshire, offering young participants a nurturing environment to grow their confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose.

Podium winners from the event PHOTO: SUPPLIED

This team flies over the jump at the National Riding School Championships PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Rosettes galore for the team from Four Winds at the British Horse Society event PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The gorgeous Spirit and his rider in action at the championships PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Fancy footwork on show from this Four Winds team in the dressage competition PHOTO: SUPPLIED

This Four Winds team tackle the showjumping class PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Billy and his rider, representing Four Winds, fly over this jump PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Matching outfits on offer for the Four Winds team PHOTO: SUPPLIED

One of the people who has benefitted from the programme, is Mia.

She said: "I feel so much more confident. I trust I know where I’m going and I trust the horse that I’m on. I just want to have fun and make sure everyone else has fun really."

The success at the BHS National Riding School Championships, supported by sponsor Just Horse Riders, highlights the vital role centres like Four Winds play not only in developing riding skills but also in changing young lives for the better.

Oonagh Meyer, Head of Operations for BHS Approved Centres, reflected: "Seeing so many participants giving it their all and enjoying every moment was wonderful. Riding schools like Four Winds are the lifeblood of equestrian participation, and we’re so proud to support their work helping young people thrive."

For more information go to: www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding

Animals Human Interest Spalding Victoria Fear