Being safe and steady is a huge part of what makes a good therapy horse; an equine who is handled or ridden by someone with a physical or learning disability needs to be ultra-trustworthy. However, according to Emma Briggs, head of coaching at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), this doesn’t mean a therapy equine is a one-size-fits-all stamp.

“People assume the RDA just does therapeutic riding – in reality, there’s so much more on offer,” she tells Horse & Hound. “We offer carriage driving and vaulting, as well as competitive equestrian disciplines like para dressage and showjumping. In the middle, we have an increasing program of non-ridden, equine-assisted activities. This includes Tea with a Pony, a sensory activity designed for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions like dementia.”

Emma adds that equestrian activity of all kinds has the power to unlock a never-ending list of benefits to participants. “I’ve only been in post a few months and I have witnessed improvements in communication skills in non-verbal participants, right through to increased confidence in socially anxious people who have come out of their shell. And for wheelchair users, carriage driving is an accessible physical activity, and a great way to enjoy the countryside.”

The RDA currently has 2,500 equines in use across the country who are owned, loaned or hired by the nearly 400 charities that make up the RDA federation. However, the RDA has a problem: 2,500 equines are insufficient to meet demand. What’s more, furnishing the charity with horses is becoming increasingly cost-prohibitive.

“Horses are key to our mission and without a supply of high-quality equines we can’t continue to deliver our life-changing impact,” Emma continues. “Our challenge is there’s a massive under-met demand for our service, and we always need more. However, finding those good RDA horses has got harder, and the cost of buying them has spiraled.”

Saxon, the RDA riding horse

When Kady Chatman, coach and trustee at Saxon RDA, Wiltshire, went to try a green but calm and willing black Irish cob for the group, she knew she’d found something special. When she found out his name was also Saxon, taking him home was written in the stars.

Kady tells us temperament, steadiness and reliability are what makes a good therapy horse – all things that Saxon has in spades, and qualities that helped him win the charity’s equine of the year award in 2023. He didn’t come to the group ready-made, but it wasn’t just the then-seven-year-old gelding’s eagerness to learn that made him perfect for the RDA. According to Kady, often what makes a good therapy horse is being young in years.

“A common misconception is that people think RDA horses are old and slow,” she says. “In fact, they need to be able to switch between so many different roles and have the right brain. So, while they need to be calm and predictable for therapeutic sessions, we also do para dressage, endurance and showjumping, so they need to be alert and lively too.”

Kady says Saxon couldn’t canter a 20m circle when he first came to the group, but he became fitter and stronger quickly through riding school use before stepping up to provide sessions for riders with disabilities. RDA horses have to be comfortable with being led and what the charity calls sidewalkers – volunteers who walk next to the rider, on one or both sides, to assure the rider’s safety, or explain the teacher’s instructions. While this can be quite an adjustment, according to Kady, Saxon took it in his stride.

“He’s a gem of a horse who can switch and do absolutely everything,” continues Kady. “He’ll do a therapy session with a wheelchair user riding him, and then an hour later he’s taking our autistic level four showjumping teenager over a course of 70cm jumps. And then in the afternoon, he might be stood being groomed by children.”

It wasn’t completely smooth sailing for Saxon. He tended to toss his head, and an equine dental technician confirmed it stemmed from wolf teeth fragments embedded in his gum, which were removed. Saxon was given ample time off to recuperate and Kady enlisted a loriner to recommend a suitable bit.

“I ended up going to a tack shop to buy a bit for him that cost over £100,” she explains. “When I paid and said it was for an RDA horse, I was asked why I was wasting my money. It makes me angry because it shows people don’t consider it important. Ultimately, he deserves the best equipment we can afford.”

Sam, the RDA carriage horse

From Wales to the streets of London, carriage horse Sam adapted well to life in Park Lane Stables in Teddington. “We didn’t actually go to see Sam, we bought him on a recommendation,” explains Park Lane RDA manager Natalie O’Rourke. “I did wonder how he’d adapt, but he came off the lorry straight into the stable and started munching on hay, which was great.”

Natalie says Sam, who is the RDA Horse of the Year for 2024, has a consistent, even temper and a loving personality – he loves people and is patient with them. “Blind people drive him, which is a massive thing,” Natalie tells us. “When we’re loading a wheelchair onto the carriage, you have to be able to trust the horse completely. We have a wheelchair user with epilepsy who comes from 40 miles away every week. Sam gives him all this freedom and sensory input.”

Natalie says it’s important that the relationship with RDA horses is two-way. “We’ve got a duty of care to ensure our horses have a good life,” says Natalie, “and we want them to be like willing team members. We choose to be part of RDA, but at the end of the day, horses don’t make that conscious choice. We strive to make sure they are all happy in their work and have enough time in the field and chilling out.”

How horses are matched to the RDA

“RDA groups vary in terms of what they offer, and their participants. So groups will choose horses based on the specific activities they run, and the people they are working with,” explains Emma, when asked what makes a good therapy horse. “We don’t take horses under five. Horses at the end of their working life are unsuitable because they need to be fit and sound.

“Many participants have reduced or restricted mobility, so the horses need to be responsive to aids – including voice aids.”

Natalie adds that horses with high-octane former careers can be the perfect fit. “We were given some ex-polo ponies, who are just amazing. They are really responsive and great for riders with limited dexterity, and they’re so patient. They’re used to doing one chukka and then waiting around, so they’re happy to stand.”

Emma explains that training is vital to ensure participants can mount safely. “A lot of horses aren’t taught to stand at the mounting block properly,” says Emma. “Riders without disabilities often just put one foot in the stirrup and go, so the horse starts moving off. Our horses have to stand well for their riders to safely mount, especially where hoists and hydraulic lifts are used.”

The act of riding can be an incredible form of physical therapy. Emma describes a young rider with cerebral palsy who has such improved core strength that she no longer needs sidewalkers. “Her physical strength has improved so dramatically just from walking on a horse, that she’s now competing in para dressage,” she says. “For this reason, an active walk is really important for our participants.”

Additionally, Emma says that horses need to be both people-orientated and willing to adapt because their experience in a ridden session will differ vastly from able-bodied riding lessons. “There’ll be more people in an arena and we might use things like soft toys in a session,” she explains. “We also use bending poles and hoops on the floor and horses need to be resilient enough to tackle this calmly.”

Emma says that new horses are never over faced and receive training, but they need to be innately adaptable. “We offer such a broad range of activities and the scope of participants is very broad. This means we’re delivering therapeutic riding while also helping people train to compete in our regional and national championships.

“There isn’t just one type of RDA participant, and there isn’t just one type of RDA horse to fit all – we need a range, from lead-rein ponies, to ex-competition horses.”

What makes a good therapy horse? How to get your horse involved

Suitable horses can be sold, gifted, loaned or hired out to RDA groups. “Anyone who thinks they have a suitable equine can get in touch with us, fill out a form and their details will be shared with the RDA network,” says Emma. “Any interested groups will be put in touch with you. Some people reach out directly to their local RDA group and loan their horses session by session – there are lots of ways to help.”

Potential RDA horses are assessed by an experienced RDA coach, or equine advisor to ascertain suitability. Horses who are gifted, purchased or long-term loaned are checked by a vet too.

“Any horse participating in RDA activity gets free vaccinations and free worm egg counts,” adds Emma. “All our horses enjoy hugely varied working lives, downtime and the very best care. We do everything possible to ensure RDA horses have excellent lives. They’re at the heart of what we do.”

Emma’s ultimate message to owners is that if they think they have an animal that might make a good therapy horse, just reach out. “Come and speak to us. We can’t deliver equestrian activity to our 25,000 participants without enough fit, healthy, and adaptable equines,” she says.

“Your horse could be instrumental in delivering a huge amount of positive impact. He’ll have a great life and be fantastically well cared for. If you think your horse would thrive in the RDA, we can put you in touch with a group where he can make a world of difference to people. He’ll be adored by those people in return.”

• Know an equine who might make a good therapy horse? Contact the RDA by emailing equine@rda.org.uk or use this form to submit details of your horse

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Interacting with horses is a “lifeline” to young people, research has found – not only highlighting the strength of the horse-human bond but helping secure our sport’s future.

The British Horse Society (BHS) has published the results of a study it carried out with the University of Buckingham to analyse the effectiveness of equestrian-led educational schemes such as the BHS’s Changing Lives through Horses (CLtH).

Considering available research and CLtH, including interviewing programme participants, it looked at six key skill areas: communication, confidence, teamwork, responsibility, perseverance and relationship-building.

“It found that there has been a statistically significant improvement across the six areas and that equine interactions have proven to strengthen participants’ transferable skills, enhance social and emotional development, and create a positive shift in their behaviour,” a BHS spokesperson said.

“Research also discovered that horse-led activities have helped people with autism improve social functioning, goal attainment and empathy, and help decrease behaviours such as irritability and hyperactivity.”

The CLtH programme aims to improve the lives of young people who need additional support, are disengaged or disadvantaged, or at risk of becoming excluded from education. The programme, run at BHS-approved centres, is an alternative to education and has helped thousands of people.

BHS chief operating officer Sarah Phillips told H&H a “great strength” of CLtH is that it allows the charity to work with people from all backgrounds and of all abilities.

“This scheme is more than just learning to ride; it’s about helping young people find a place in the world, through the magic of horses,” she said. “We all know how special that bond is; the connection is truly unlike anything else and the findings of this study are true testament to that.

“It’s so important to us that as many people as possible have the opportunity to experience this bond and access high-quality, equine-led alternative education to support their individual needs. We want to be able to empower every individual, so they can thrive.”

Ms Phillips said reinforcing horses’ ability to connect with people will help “share a positive narrative”.

H&H reported that new Riding for the Disabled Association CEO Michael Bishop believes that the more people to whom horses are relevant, the more likely riding horses will retain public support, and Ms Phillips agrees.

“When it comes to social licence, it is about being relevant,” she said.

“A great proportion of participants on our CLtH programme had never seen a horse in person. Many thought it wouldn’t have been possible. But after just one day, you can see they have fallen in love with the horses. We’ve spoken to parents whose children have been so excited to return. It’s clear these experiences have truly changed their lives.

“These families, who may have never even given a second thought to horses, now play very important roles as key advocates for the powerful horse-human bond. There are so many brilliant, positive initiatives and interactions at our riding centres, and we want to put these experiences at the forefront of the conversation.

“Many of those who take part in the CLtH initiative are enthusiastic to share these stories. These, with the study, will be very important as we evidence just how essential that unique horse-human relationship is for future generations.”

Becky, a non-horsey mother of twin daughters with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, is keen to help promote CLtH “so more children can benefit”.

She told H&H her daughters, now 13, were referred soon after they joined their mainstream secondary school, by the school itself, as the transition had been very tough for them.

“They started with one day a week at the stables, then it was increased to two, and I’ve had some lovely reports from the owner,” she said.

Becky said her daughters have grown in confidence, and that both now want to work with horses.

“They’ve really benefited from it,” she said. “They struggled with friendships at school, and that happened for a few months at the stables but then it stopped, as they were able to express themselves and be calm around the horses. It’s hard to put into words the difference it’s made.”

Becky cited the space, the lack of pressure, the absence of a classroom environment, the supportive staff – and the horses.

“They’re so in tune with emotions and they just seem to know what the person needs,” she said. “The girls talk about the horses as friends.”

Becky hopes her daughters will secure the nationally recognised qualifications available via the scheme, which will benefit their employment prospects.

“Before, they didn’t have a clue what they wanted to do when they’re older; now they do,” she said. “We adopted them aged three; they had a rough start so to have something like this to focus on, it’s more than I could have thought possible for them.”

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The equine-assisted therapy field is continuing to grow as more people see the benefits horses can offer.

Dementia, mental health problems and terminal illness are just a few areas in which equine-assisted therapy is proving beneficial, and providers are reporting an increase in patients being referred by social prescribing (when health professionals refer patients to community support).

The Way of the Horse, founded by Dina Shale, treats children and adults for conditions such as stress, anxiety and trauma – including those who come to her via social prescribing. The business also offers training courses on delivering equine therapy.

“We’re seeing the industry grow, especially with people who are not horsey. Most of the people that come to us have never been around horses but they are looking for an answer and we have the solution,” Ms Shale told H&H.

“Our programmes are ‘trauma-informed’, so it’s teaching people to develop and understand their bodies. We use horses to demonstrate the fight and flight mechanism and we help people to understand what stress is and how it manifests in the body.

“Our bodies do the same sort of thing as horses’ do when they are scared of things; when we feel fear, we respond either by going into fight or flight. When you understand the basics of the science behind what is happening in your body when you feel anxious or stressed, you have a chance to calm that nervous system and the tools to regulate it.”

Grace Olson of HeavenStone Healing provides equine-assisted therapy to people with terminal illnesses, and also has had clients referred to her via social prescribing. She told H&H the equine-assisted therapy industry is being “talked about more”.

“My therapy focuses on helping these people just to find inner peace so that they can cope with things like their hospital appointments. Sometimes in sessions all a person wants to do is just stand with a horse, and that’s enough for them,” she said.

“Horses have a lot more to offer than we were ever aware of. I personally feel the vibration of a horse is just naturally healing.”

Ms Olson was involved in organising a class at the Weeton Show on 30 July to celebrate therapy equines. People who could not physically attend could instead enter online, and a marquee at the show displayed pictures of the horses and information about them.

“We wanted to celebrate equines as therapists,” she said. “If someone had had physical, mental or emotional therapy from any equine, whether they owned the animal or it was based at a centre, they could enter.

“The public could meet the horses and the handlers at the show and find out how to access this type of help. It’s a chance to show people that anyone can access a horse, even if it’s visiting a local rescue centre. Horses are for everyone.”

A Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) spokesman told H&H the charity now has 50 groups offering “Tea with a Pony” sessions for those living with dementia.

“This started in 2018 at Cotswold RDA, which had become aware of the increasing number of people living in their community with a range of life-changing conditions, particularly dementia, and for whom riding was not suitable but who might be helped by some other form of animal-assisted therapy involving horses,” said the spokesman.

“Other RDA groups run specialist hippotherapy sessions, and increasingly we are seeing a rise in social prescribing for people with emotional, behavioural or mental health conditions.”

The Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR), a register of practitioners offering equine-assisted therapy, celebrated its first anniversary in March and now has more than 50 providers signed up.

HEIR UK project manager Anna Collins told H&H people are “seeing the value of the register”.

“The sector is understanding that it needs to be credible. Some people might think that equine-assisted services are a bit quirky, but they’re having positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the people benefiting from them,” she said.

“There’s a whole spectrum of therapeutic equine services; from Godolphin taking former racehorses into care homes, to horses being used to support military veterans, or people with physical mobility problems. It’s huge and it’s growing. We held an event in March to celebrate our anniversary and we had more than 150 people attend from across the industry, including the Princess Royal, and it shows the attention the sector is getting.”

Ms Collins added that the organisation has been “delighted” with the applications it has received to the register.

“We’re working on the basis that if people don’t meet the standards we will advise them how to do so, rather than just say you’re not in,” she said.

“The most common things that people need support with are making sure they have a safeguarding policy – or making sure they’re insured properly. We’ll look at their insurance policies and say, ‘You’re not really covered here for what you’re doing’, and it’s quite a shock for them. I think it’s been really good because collectively everybody’s learned that in some areas there may be a few weaknesses – and that’s why the register is needed. It’s all helping to raise the standard.”

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Three neglected donkeys are “growing in confidence” and supporting vulnerable people, having been rescued by an animal welfare charity.

Laura, Snowy and Big Ears (“Bea”) were found living in South Wales in 2020 with no shelter or access to water, and with ragwort growing in their field. All three had overgrown hooves and were in “desperate need” of veterinary attention.

It was found that the owner had many animals in her care. The time and resources needed for each meant that the basic needs of the trio were not being met.

The charity worked with a local vet and the owner, who agreed to relinquish the donkeys into the care of the Donkey Sanctuary.

They moved to one of the charity’s holding bases, and then to its Axnoller Farm in Dorset, where grooms spent months building their trust and confidence.

In November, the three travelled to the Donkey Sanctuary’s Abbey Hey base, where they have joined the herd offering donkey-assisted activities to the local community.

“Bea is a little more reserved than her friends, Laura and Snowy but is very slowly coming out of her shell a little. Snowy and Laura are also slowly making steps into independence,” Melanie McComb, centre manager at the Donkey Sanctuary Manchester told H&H.

“When they were released into the herd, they stayed very close to each other at all times but slowly they are growing in confidence and can often be found eating or wandering with the other donkeys in the herd.

“Our donkeys are fully at liberty in their environment so when we bring clients into their space, they choose whether to interact or not.

“Bea, Snowy and Laura have already taken steps to introduce themselves to some of our clients as well as the Lord Mayor of Manchester on her recent visit. We are confident that these three beautiful girls will only grow in confidence and make amazing rehoming donkeys for a guardian home.”

Laura, Snowy and Bea will spend the next couple of years at the sanctuary, as they are prepared for rehoming.

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Strong steps forward are being made in helping bring equine-assisted therapy to more people outside the equestrian world.

Research, collaborations and addressing the barriers to equine-assisted therapy being more widely accessed or “prescribed” are among the recent developments.

The science is there and many already appreciate the benefits horses can have – but the hope is to drive awareness and eventually help create formal links to increase access and funding to equine-related services.

The Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR UK) launched in March 2022 and is “delighted” with its progress in its first eight months.

“We have 50 organisations registered and some more in the pipeline,” HEIR UK project manager Anna Collins told H&H.

“We’re really pleased that we have a good, broad mix of equine-assisted training and equine-assisted therapy.”

She added that they are seeing “all kinds of different” involvement of horses across the services, a broad range of types of organisations registered, and people involved.”

To join, organisations must submit evidence confirming they meet the criteria for professionalism, equine welfare, service provision and user engagement, benefits and impact, and governance. For example, proving they have satisfactory safeguarding, health and safety, and insurance in place.

Ms Collins explained HEIR UK’s intention is “we don’t want to refuse anyone admission”. But by having set standards, they are able to go back to any organisations that do not meet the criteria and advise them what they need to do to fulfil these before they can be added to the register.

It’s hoped the register will help to raise awareness of equine-assisted therapy and learning beyond the equestrian world, and dispel “pony-patting” myths by highlighting the real positive impact it can have. This, too, is important when it comes to looking at removing barriers to “social prescribing” of equine-related services.

“What the register will do is help to demonstrate the impact the work can have and the real difference it can make,” added Ms Collins.

Francesca Compostella, vet and aftercare project manager at the British racing industry’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB), told H&H the development of HEIR is the “fundamental next step” in bridging the gap to the wider world.

“What we find is that horsey people appreciate the benefits,” she said, expanding on the endorphin releases from exercise and the benefits humans feel from being horses.

“We know that. It’s how do we make sure that the wider health[care] audience, so your average GP, understands that, and how do they then have the confidence to request funding. And that’s only possible when you have a quality assurance, which is what HEIR is trying to do through the HETI [Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International journal]. So you have the right level of training, you have regular checks, you’ve got that level of communication, everybody is updated through the sharing of journals and articles on the latest science behind it.”

Dr Compostella added that the HWB supports the register “wholeheartedly”.

“We see it as a real opportunity for the horses to find a niche in a role that they can have for the community – they already serve that and it needs to be promoted better, so we are definitely behind it,” she said, adding that the HWB is supporting aftercare centres in achieving the HEIR accreditation, as well as the work and research charity Racing To Relate is doing in this area.

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is involved in a number of collaborations with non-equine-related organisations, helping to bring the benefits of horses to more people.

One of its most recent partnerships is with Mind in Bradford, an independent charity affiliated to national mental health charity Mind.

A six-week pilot project was run by Mind in Bradford and Cliff Hollins RDA Group, which operates from the Cliff Hollins Riding School, in September and October. The pilot’s success means another project is in the pipeline.

The six participants mostly had no previous experience with horses or ponies, and learnt how to handle and care for equines.

“The sessions have been a huge success and there has been lots of positive feedback around how the staff at the stables have shown care and empathy both towards the clients attending and the horses they are looking after,” said Phil Woodward, Mind in Bradford service manager. “Two of the clients have signed up to be volunteers and there has been an increase in self-confidence and confidence around the horses.”

Charities Greatwood, and Racing Together, British racing’s community engagement arm, have run programmes over the past two years measuring outcomes of former racehorse Ouzbeck’s visits to a care home.

“We were able to run the programme again this summer at the same care home, but with a more focused cohort of seven residents for data collection,” Greatwood’s education and wellbeing lead Alex Shaw told H&H.

“We are looking initially at the impact of equine interactions on care home residents, but also at the suitability of former racehorses for such activities. Overall, the anecdotal feedback has been very positive and the scales used to measure impact have shown some improvements.”

Staff feedback stated that the visits “certainly improved the quality of life and emotional wellbeing of the residents”.

“Ouzbeck’s visits certainly helped people who suffered from anxiety and depression,” said the feedback. “They had something to think about and talk about. Some had loved and associated with horses in their past, and it brought back positive memories and feelings, while for others it was a completely new thing and they were proud of what they were able to achieve.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

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A charity hopes to continue helping hundreds of disadvantaged young people when it moves to a new site at the end of the year.

North London-based Strength & Learning Through Horses (SLTH), which provides mental health and education services for children and young people – and is home to 10 horses – must be out of its current Edgware site by December when the lease comes to an end. Although SLTH has received a lifeline from Barnet Council with the offer of a 25-year lease on a new premises, the charity must raise £150,000 to transform the “dilapidated” site.

SLTH co-founder Rosie Bensley told H&H the charity provides services for around 500 children and young people from around London every year.

“The young people that come to us are at the point of real crisis; where nothing else has worked and they are not going to school. Many won’t go and talk to a therapist and a lot of them are not leaving the house, but they will come and see us and the horses,” she said.

“Horses are hugely powerful in engaging young people and helping break down their barriers. The way we work is the young people start to build a relationship with the horses, and through that they start to trust our staff. Over time this transfers to re-establishing trust in teachers at school, or the therapists and teams they’ve been referred by. We’re the stepping stone that helps to re-engage these young people back with society and education.”

SLTH has a mixed herd of 10 horses, including Connemaras, warmbloods and former racehorses.

“We look for horses that will reflect and show all sorts of different emotions and behaviours. What our horses have in common is they’re all very sensitive and highly attuned,” said Rosie.

“I think people think of therapy horses needing to be very quiet, but that’s not what we want. We want our horses to give feedback to the young people.”

Rosie said the charity’s work allows young people to “re-define” themselves.

“We see huge improvements in confidence, self-esteem and well-being. Often a young person might come with the label of being a troublemaker, or the one with ADHD, or the anxious one, but when they come here those things don’t matter any more. They become the one that is really patient and good at helping the anxious horse, or the assertive one that is good with the bolshier horses,” she said.

“It’s those skills that then help young people to identify themselves and they can transfer this back to other environments.”

The charity has a long-term fundraising target of £600,000 to build a purpose-built equine assisted therapy centre at the 30-acre Barnet site including classrooms and workspaces, and barns for the horses. £100,000 has already been raised via the charity’s supporters, but in the short-term SLTH must raise £150,000 in order to move the horses by the end of the year and put in facilities to continue its work. The remaining funds will be raised in due course via further fundraising and grant applications.

“The site is completely dilapidated and we really need to raise the money to get it up to scratch so we can move our services. The £150,000 will be used to install an arena, sort the fencing and parking, and put in some temporary classrooms,” said Rosie.

“Martin Collins has agreed to sponsor us and they’re giving us a really big discount on an arena surface, which is coming from the London Global Champions Tour.”

Rosie said raising the funds will be a challenge for the charity and the hope is to expand SLTH’s profile.

“We don’t want to think about what happens if we don’t raise the money; we’d potentially have to close our doors until we manage to raise the money to get the site fit – or reduce the amount of work we do. Whatever way you look at it, it would mean young people missing out,” she said.

“We’re well-known within the mental health services in London, but in terms of the general public nobody really knows we’re here because we’ve always just quietly got on with things and focused on the young people. Our current site is quite small and hasn’t allowed for us to invite the public down and show what we’re doing but we hope with changing sites we can raise general awareness, particularly in the equestrian population.”

Rosie said SLTH would be “hugely grateful” for any donations or support.

“If you’ve been around horses everyone knows how much they can help with our mental health, so to have people believe in a charity like us so we can keep helping young people, would mean the world,” she said.

Donations can be made via the SLTH crowdfunding page.

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A register of practitioners offering equine-assisted therapy goes live next week, with the aim of providing “credibility and meaningful standards” for the industry.

In March 2021 H&H reported that a steering group had been formed involving organisations including the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Hartpury University, HorseBack UK and Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship, with the aim of creating the voluntary Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR). A consultation followed, with which more than 200 organisations engaged, including providers, funders and clients, and showed a “clear demand” for the register.

Operating under the umbrella of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International, HEIR will launch on 31 March and provide a place where clients, service commissioners and funders can get “information and reassurance” that the organisation offering human-equine interaction services is “credible” and works to minimum standards.

A spokesman for the steering group said the number of human-equine interaction programmes available in the UK had increased significantly over the last decade, and the scope, size and professional backgrounds of these services “vary greatly, with “little coordination” as to standards of practice.

To join the register practitioners and organisations must submit documents and evidence to confirm that they align with and meet five criteria: professionalism, equine welfare, service provision and service user engagement, benefits and impact, and governance.

“The development of the register is a huge step forward in getting the field of human-equine interaction in the UK working together, building credibility with those that matter and making sure that we are all working to sensible and meaningful standards. It will take the industry forward with a giant leap,” said Ed Bracher, outgoing chief executive of RDA UK and chair of the HEIR steering group.

Paralympic medallist Natasha Baker, who has been appointed patron of the register, said she was “excited” to watch it grow.

“I think that coming up through RDA and benefiting not just physically, but through friendships, mixing with people with similar interests, and meeting people with different disabilities and challenges, has given me so much and without it, I wouldn’t have six gold medals to my name,” she said.

“There are so many individuals and organisations out there that provide these services and people need to be able to find them to access the service that best suits their needs.”

Nigel Payne of the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trust said the organisation receives an “enormous” amount of applications for funding in which charities suggest they are “experts” in equine-assisted therapy, but said it was vital the trust knows the organisation is recognised through a form of “kitemark”.

“This register is perfect because we would like to be able to access a database, know what they do, where they are located and that they are safe to practise,” he said.

“This is so important as it avoids potential harm to service users and horses. As a grantmaker we need to know that they have been endorsed to be on the register.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A north London school has drafted in horses to help provide post-Covid mental health support.

East Finchley’s Archer Academy, a community secondary school, has been trialling equine-assisted therapy for vulnerable pupils.

The school funded three sessions with equine therapist Lotte Carlebach, who brought in ponies to help students interact in a “mindful way” and help develop their self-awareness, communication skills and empathy.

A spokesman for the school said it takes students’ mental health “incredibly seriously” and has successfully applied for grants to supply a number of initiatives, which also included broadening school counselling provision, running art therapy sessions, training senior students to become peer mentors and training staff to become mental health first-aiders.

The school believes the equine therapy has already had an impact on pupils’ wellbeing, and is now hoping to raise money to fund more sessions.

Senior assistant headteacher Jo Mahoney, who is spearheading the programme, said: “Covid-19 has been hard for everyone, but it’s fair to say that some of our students, particularly those with learning difficulties or complex emotional needs, have struggled more than others.

“We are determined to do everything we possibly can to help them settle back into school life, and overcome the trauma of the last 18 months, and equine therapy is a brilliant solution.”

Jo added that it had been “wonderful to watch the students interacting with the ponies” at the 800-pupil academy.

“It has a truly calming effect on them, which is just what they need after the upheaval of the last year or so,” she said. “But it’s more than that; Lotte is also teaching them about the ponies’ herd dynamics which supports them to navigate the group dynamics they encounter at school. For students who don’t find this easy or instinctive, and who have spent too much time isolated at home, this is a brilliant way to learn.”

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The school is now hoping that the wider community, or people or organisations within the equine world, might help them raise the budget to continue the programme.

“We’re keeping our fingers (and hooves) crossed,” Jo added.

Anyone wishing to offer financial support can email Angela Hay at Ahay@Thearcheracademy.org.uk

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A “skeletal” youngster who had to undergo six blood transfusions when he was rescued 10 years ago is providing “life-changing” support for struggling young people as an equine-assisted learning pony.

Staff at HorseWorld worked round the clock to save the life of cob Buddy when he arrived at the charity in 2011, weighing a third of his ideal body weight.

Groom Kayleigh Silver, who helped care for Buddy, said the gelding looked “ready to die” and was so weak that his head had to be supported by grooms.

“It took a drip and six blood transfusions to give Buddy the strength to support his own weight. He had to be lifted to his feet every two hours day and night for the first two weeks,” she said.

“If he laid down he was unable to get himself back up again and became distressed that he couldn’t get to his food. He couldn’t be left lying on his side for too long. In his efforts to get up, he would rub sores on his shoulders, hips and head where his bones protruded through his fragile skin. Buddy’s bed had to be very deep with huge banks of straw around the edges for him to push against while we were lifting him.”

A HorseWorld spokesman said Buddy weighed 108kg on arrival and his “skeletal frame” was hidden under his thick, matted coat.

“He should have weighed around 280-300kg at his age. He was also suffering from severe diarrhoea that was full of redworm,” he said.

“Once nursed back to health and allowed to mature our team of specialists worked with Buddy to train him to be ridden. The aim was to find him a new home on our loan scheme where he would receive all the love and one-to-one attention he deserves. Buddy did find a home but had to return to the charity through no fault of his own.”

Buddy has since become a fully trained equine assisted learning pony and is involved in HorseWorld’s Discovery courses, which help young people who are struggling to learn in a classroom environment.

“Young people are often referred to our courses with a wide range of complex and challenging social, emotional and mental health needs or learning difficulties. They complete a six-week course alongside the rescue horses. It is a chance to learn vital life skills outside of the classroom setting in a positive and encouraging environment,” said the spokesman.

“The rescued horses have been given a second chance and have beaten the odds to survive. This resonates with a lot of children who are struggling to overcome difficulties in school and in their personal lives resulting in strong bonds forming between students and horses. Horses naturally desire calm and strong leadership and have no preconceived judgements, allowing the students to develop relationships based on mutual respect.”

HorseWorld yard manager Sarah Hollister said Buddy was one of the worst cases of neglect the charity had dealt with and now seeing the gelding enjoying life and making a difference to children and young people makes it all worthwhile.

“He clearly loves his work and will whicker to the children as they arrive. He’s helped so many young people to build their confidence and communication skills, he really is a special pony,” she said.

“Buddy is fully recovered but is just one of many rescue cases that HorseWorld helps. The winter being the busiest time when the cold weather and lack of grazing means that horses that are abandoned or neglected become emaciated and ill very quickly.”

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The spokesman added the charity relies on the support of the public to rescue horses and to be able to run the Discovery courses.

“We have set up an appeal to help even more young people and more rescued horses to have a future with clear direction and focus, a positive purpose in life,” he said.

“If you wish to donate to HorseWorld’s discovery courses, and be a part of this life-changing program, offering a safe space and an exciting new future for both the young people and the horses and ponies that work with them, please visit our website.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 14.2hh black cob found starving and covered in rain scald is now helping vulnerable young people after making a full recovery at HorseWorld.

Gunner, a Welsh Section D arrived at the charity’s centre near Bristol in March 2013 in an emaciated state.

The three-year-old’s digestive system was under-developed and struggling due to prolonged malnutrition.

Vets worked very hard to help the young cob return to a healthy weight, but it took weeks for the horse’s stomach to settle.

After passing a veterinary assessment to confirm he was fit to start work, the groundwork began. At HorseWorld the young horses are left till they are four before being backed.

“If they’ve been starved as a youngster they take a bit longer. Our ethos is if the horse is not happy we’ll leave them until they’re ready to be brought into work,” said Sarah Hollister, the yard manager.

During the early schooling Gunner came up with a few soreness issues so was turned away to give him more time to mature.

Once fully fit and healthy, he was backed and his temperament is proving so suited for the charity’s Discovery courses, that he’s going to stay there for ever.

Started 1o years ago, the courses help vulnerable young people from aged five upwards who have social, emotional, mental health or learning needs.

Young people from nearby Bristol, south Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset attend the six-week courses run during school term times.

The courses are now registered as alternative learning provision with local authorities with children coming once a week for 1.5 hour sessions on the basic programme.

Young people can also progress to take ASDAN and City and Guild qualifications at HorseWorld.

Gunner joins Shetland ponies Bingo and Burdock and 17.1hh Irish Draught Barney, who at 18 years is one of the oldest of the 16 equines used for the courses.

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On the basic course children progress from handling, to grooming, tacking up, long reining and riding over the six weeks.

Riders are referred by schools, careers, youth workers, parents and other charities.

All pay to come riding or are funded through the charity’s own fundraising schemes.

“We’ve been doing this for 10 years and have never been busier. Children thrive in this alternative learning provision,” said Sharon Howell, the discovery course leader.

“Horses are the best teachers. They ask for your clear, calm direction and the children respond to this in the same way. Self-esteem, confidence and communication skills improve as a result of being with the horses,” she added.

The next course begins in September and is already fully booked.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now