Learning at The Trust
The course, which was run by Horsewyse CIC, involved nine sessions during which the pupils learnt about horse behaviour and horse handling skills. Each pupil was primarily paired up with one horse at the Home of Rest and was shown how to gain their trust and handle them effectively, such as leading, grooming and catching them in the field.
11-year-old Chloe from High Wycombe, worked with Kes, a 16.2hh bay gelding. She was initially nervous of horses, but is now hoping to pursue a career working with horses.
"I have learnt how to be more confident with horses, gain their trust and earn their friendship," said Chloe. "I love working with horses and would love to do this when I grow up. I am definitely going to come and visit Kes in the summer holidays."
Kristian, an 11-year-old boy from Beaconsfield, said he enjoyed the course and spending time with 12hh grey gelding Sean, a retired Riding for the Disabled pony.
"I enjoyed learning how to lead Sean and how to pick his feet so they are healthy and free from infection," said Kristian. "I found this difficult as Sean’s leg is very heavy, but with the trust I've gained from Sean it's become much easier. I love working with horses - Sean is my new best friend!"
11-year-old Jake from High Wycombe, who worked with Shetland pony Willow, said he has learnt a lot from the course, but found it hard initially. "When I first met Willow she was very grumpy and wouldn’t let me take her rug off. Now she is happy for me to do this and when I go in the field she follows me around."
Neil Smith, the Equine Specialist at Horsewyse, who led all the training sessions, said that the course had been a big success. "The whole experience has been amazing. It was great to see how much the children got out of these sessions – you just had to look at their faces,” said Neil.
"We're really pleased that the Horsewyse training course has been such a success," said Susan Lewis, Marketing Manager at The Horse Trust. "Not only have the children gained a lot from the experience, but it's been great for the horses too. We hope that we can run more courses like this in the future."
