OUR HISTORY
The Fortune Centre was founded in 1976, following discussions between Major Peter Baillie, Mrs Jenny Baillie, Mrs Yvonne Nelson and Debbie Freeman. Having worked with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), they could see a need for a specialised centre for students with particular Special Needs and also for training therapists in Equine Assisted Therapy. Project Fortune was born, taking its name from the Baillie family’s first pony.
In 1977, two acres of land were granted to the Centre by Lord Manners at Avon Tyrrell and the clearing began.
In 1980, The Princess Royal visited the Avon Tyrrell site to officially open our main building. She has visited a few times and is always a much-welcomed guest.
The Centre has grown, now operating across two sites and concentrating solely on students with learning difficulties and/or particular Special Needs. There have been many people involved over the years including Jane Holderness-Roddam (Olympic Three Day Event Gold Medallist) who became our first President; former Patron the late Duchess of Devonshire; Champion jockey Frankie Dettori; world-renowned dressage rider and trainer, Carl Hester; Olympic Three Day Eventer Willam Fox-Pitt; our current Patron, actor Martin Clunes and many more that have been so generous with their time.
The Centre has gone from strength to strength, now called Fortune College, we look forward to many exciting times ahead.
Nurturing young people through horse-based education
Humans have had a close connection with horses for centuries. We harness the therapeutic benefits of working with horses to engage, encourage and educate young people aged 16 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Students come to us because they find traditional education or classrooms challenging. At Fortune College, they’re empowered to reach their full potential. Instead of a conventional classroom environment, students are surrounded by nature and learn by working with our equine friends. We are one of a few colleges in the world that teach exclusively using horses.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to empower and educate young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We achieve this by creating inclusive environments that support their individual needs and learning styles.
By using horses' therapeutic benefits, we encourage them to live independently, learn core skills for life and, where appropriate, explore employment or voluntary opportunities that bring them fulfilment and allow them to succeed.
OUR VALUES
Success
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Every student has the opportunity to succeed. We celebrate students’ success in every session, awarding them and acknowledging their achievements.
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Collaboration
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Students learn collaboratively, and the curriculum strongly focuses on community and social interaction. Guided by tutors, students work together and support one another as they acquire new skills.
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Communication
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Students’ thoughts and feelings are always valued. They are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions. Tutors provide vital feedback to support them, as they learn new things and communicate with college specialists and other students.
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Inclusion
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Every student is on an individual path. They are considered holistically, respecting all the elements that make them who they are – their learning disability or difficulty, any physical requirements, mental health, personality, character, learning style, background, previous educational experiences and barriers to learning.
OUR APPROACH
We believe students need as many hands-on opportunities as possible to learn and retain new skills. Our curriculum is based on a constructivist approach; tutors are facilitators, and students actively learn through first-hand experiences.
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Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning to develop a deeper understanding and awareness. Building on the foundations of what they have already experienced and learnt during the course, they continue to expand their knowledge throughout their time at Fortune College.
OUR SITES
The college is split across two sites. Our main education site is at Avon Tyrrell, which has an indoor and outdoor school, fields, classroom and IT Hub. Situated in the New Forest, students can step out into the stunning and peaceful national park and connect with nature.
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Our main residential site is at Wootton Hall Farm, a 15-minute drive from our Avon Tyrrell location. Wootton Hall Farm also has a stable yard and provides weekly riding therapy sessions for local children up to the age of 16 with physical disabilities.
OUR COLLEGE
Fortune College is part of The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy. We are a specialist further education college in the New Forest, designed to support young people aged 16 to 25 with SEND. Founded in 1976, we have supported young adults and their families over the past five decades.
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We have up to 36 students a year on our Further Education Through Horsemastership (FETH) Course. Students are taken on a three-year educational and residential journey. They are given a personalised plan when they join the college because we believe everyone has the right to learn in a way that works for them.
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The curriculum is delivered over 38 weeks a year, and most of our students join us for a full-time residential course over three years. Students live on-site during term time, as we find a residential course fosters independence. We can also offer the option for students in the local area to join us daily.
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Students leave with life and communication skills that they can carry with them throughout their lives and into employment.
Many students also graduate with core qualifications in maths, English and ICT.
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Fortune College is a charity. While students’ places on the FETH course are fully funded, we rely on sponsorship from generous individuals and businesses to support our 25 beautiful horses. All of the money donated to us goes towards the welfare of our horses and to update buildings and facilities. By supporting us, you will be helping young people through a truly unique scheme that transforms their lives.
OUR PEOPLE
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
To holistically support our students, we have a team of 102 specialists. This includes tutors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, mental health therapists and support staff. Meet some of our people below.
