Sunday 12th of April 2026
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South West Sportivate participant of the year

A participant at Hoof centre Polmartin Riding School has been named as the South West Sportivate participant of the year in recognition of her outstanding commitment to sport.

Kitty BEF

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Kitty Odle previously did not participate in sport and struggled with her behaviour and studies at school. On starting the Sportivate introductory coaching sessions in horse riding at Polmartin, Kitty was shy, unfit and had no riding experience.

Kitty attended all the sessions becoming more confident with her ability and her attitude at school noticeably improved. On completing the course, Kitty joined the Saturday club at Polmartin and participated in the British Horse Society (BHS) Progressive Riding Tests and recently achieved her BHS Riding and Road Safety exam.

As well as continuing with her riding, Kitty volunteers during school holidays and weekends at Polmartin and regularly assists with leading children out on rides and chores around the yard.

Kitty’s riding ability and fitness has significantly improved since participating in the Sportivate programme and has become more confident in a group environment, both in and out of school.

Kitty said:

“Polmartin has helped me overcome my shyness. I now answer questions in class and talk to people I don’t know. Jane has helped me at the sessions and I feel happier in myself. I’m really honoured to have been named South West Participant of the Year.”

Proprietor Jane said:

“Kitty is now getting really good reports from school, she’s got so much more confident, really confident, and I am incredibly proud of her.”

Sportivate is a Sport England funded programme to encourage young people who are not participating in sport in their own time access to six-to-eight weeks of free or subsidised coaching in a range of sports. Once the coaching sessions are completed, the participants are matched up with a local club or venue where they can continue to play.

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