Students from The Outdoor Place Launch Rocking Tots at Wadebridge Fayre

Students at The Outdoor Place near Truro are getting ready to reveal their new business, Rocking Tots, at the Wadebridge Christmas Fayre this Friday 28th November.

A New Venture Taking Shape

The Outdoor Place CIC supports young people with additional needs after they leave education. Their latest venture sees students sanding, painting and building a full range of wooden rocking horses that will be showcased at the fayre in Wadebridge Town Hall from 10.30am to 19.30pm.

Founder Charlotte Mackrill said the project began with a simple spark. “It all started with the phrase ‘I’ve had an idea’” after she spotted an advert for a ready-to-go rocking horse company. “I knew this was the kind of project that my learners and their mentors would really get behind while teaching them so many amazing skills.”

Charlotte said the work has become a true passion project for the students. “The business has meant that we have given our students a ‘passion project’ with each having worked on their own horses, reflecting their sports, hobbies and interests. It’s also a legacy for the family who sold us the business, they sadly lost their father and had been looking for the right people to take on these beautiful little horses.”

A Legacy Continued

Georgie Carter, from Camborne, who originally owned Rocking Tots, said: “Dad would have been so proud to see the way his horses have helped them to gain practical experience and build confidence. It was amazing to see the group thrive whilst knowing they are developing this into a wonderful future business.”

Students at The Outdoor Place take part in work experience opportunities that match their personal interests, helping them build life skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Looking Ahead to a Big Launch

Charlotte said there are already plans to grow Rocking Tots. “We have so many plans and ideas ahead, from business sponsoring horses to the addition of hobby horses. We are all so excited for the launch, we just can’t wait to get out of the gates!”

The Rocking Tots horses are designed for children aged two to five and priced from £80 to £145. Options range from plain wooden horses to fully bespoke designs created by the students.

Rocking Tots will be at the Wadebridge Christmas Fayre on Friday 28th November from 10.30am to 19.30pm and again on Saturday 29th November from 10am to 3pm in Wadebridge Town Hall.

For more information on The Outdoor Place CIC, visit theoutdoorplace.co.uk