About Us

Windsor Horse Rangers is a volunteer led charity which was set up in 1972 with the mission to give young people the hands-on skills to care for,  handle, ride and connect with horses in  a supportive, nurturing and fun environment.

We abide by a code which emphasizes values that define what it means to be a Horse Ranger.

  • A Ranger is kind, caring and compassionate to people and animals.
  • A Ranger is hardworking, dedicated and takes responsibility for their actions.
  • A Ranger is respectful, trustworthy and honest.
  • A Ranger helps their fellow Rangers and is a friend to all.
  • A Ranger is willing to learn and take on new challenges.
  •  A Ranger shows loyalty, to the King and their community.

We have 24 horses and ponies who are cared for by 180 children aged 8-18 who spend 3-7 hours each Saturday or Sunday at our farm. The children are taught from a syllabus which gets more in depth as they progress through Rangers. They learn how to get the horses ready to ride, how to ride and muck out stables, plus every aspect of how to look after a horse. Around 10% of the children who attends have autism, ADHD or anxiety.

What do our parents say?

“For our daughter, attending Windsor Horse Rangers has been life-changing. She has learning difficulties, autism, anxiety and physical limitations. Rangers allowed her to be herself, in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment, which enabled her to flourish and gave her the confidence to go on to further education in Equine studies. Her ability and desire to take this huge step into the next chapter of her life was, in large part, due to her time at Rangers”

“It is a brilliant organisation and such a great opportunity for young people to get some real hands on experience with horses.”

Through building relationships with horses and each other, Rangers develop as individuals, build self confidence and resilience, learn communication and team-building skills, have fun  and make new friends.  Being a Horse Ranger promotes lifelong love and respect  for horses and contributes to the world-wide aim of every horse being treated with respect and compassion

Each Ranger pays a monthly donation to help pay for the upkeep of the horses. The cost of this payment will be communicated to you when your child is offered a place.

You can donate to help us continue to provide this service via JustGiving Windsor Horse Rangers Just Giving

Horse Rangers Association

The Horse Rangers Association was founded in 1954 by Raymond Gordon, with the Windsor Troop being formed in 1972. Our Founder, Raymond Gordon F.R.S.A created the Horse Rangers for boys and girls aged eight years upwards with no access to ponies, with the aim of teaching horsemanship, the love of animals and respect for others. The HRA was disbanded a few years ago and the remaining Troops became self sufficient.

Windsor Horse Rangers

Windsor Horse Rangers is open to children aged between 8 and 18. The older children come in the mornings and the under 10s in the afternoons. Several of the teenagers from the mornings stay all day in order to help with the younger children in the afternoons.

What do our parents say?

“Children are encouraged to take responsibility for all aspects of the daily running of the stables, they are empowered to work together, solve problems, organise themselves, share tasks and get work done.  My daughter has flourished in her mental, social and physical development”

Activities

The children learn how to get the horses ready to ride, have riding lessons and learn how to do all the yard jobs associated with looking after a horse. In addition to learning about riding and horse care, Rangers learn other skills like teamwork and respect for people and animals. They spend a lot of time outside doing physical activities such as poo-picking the fields, mucking out stables and sweeping the yard. The children are taught theory in our classrooms from a syllabus which gets progressively more in depth as the children progress through Rangers. They work towards achievement badges and get presented with the badges they have earned at the annual awards day. The Rangers are given ranks and are promoted to give them more responsibility as they prove themselves. 

What do our ex-Rangers say?

“Windsor Horse Rangers was a lifeline for me as a child – at a time when I could easily have found belonging in the wrong places, it gave me a safe place to be myself, make friends and grow in confidence. What I learned about teamwork and leadership continues to be of great use to me. I’m forever grateful to be a Horse Ranger!”

“While my school friends were doing laps of the town centre on a Saturday, I was hanging out at Rangers and keeping out of trouble. Learning about horses at Rangers gave me a focus at school, and inspired me to go to university. 10 years later I am Head of Ecommerce at Horse & Hound magazine. I certainly wouldn’t be in this position now had I not joined Rangers and been inspired to learn all those years ago”