Since arriving at Wings in January 2018, Kerry* has taken part in the Wings Equine Educational programme. Kerry has grown up around horses and has no fears, therefore, she is able to fully engage in the learning and practical aspects of the programme without requiring the 1-1 sessions that often precede the work. Since the very first time Kerry attended the stables she has shown respect to both yard staff and other yard users and quickly became competent enough to follow her own grooming and tacking up routine, often finishing her horse first before going to help younger or less able students.
Horses act as mirrors to a child reflecting their emotions and responding only to authentic, concise and confident action. As prey animal’s horses have highly attuned fight/flight responses encouraging Kerry to control her emotions and behaviours in order to remain ‘in relationship’ at all times with the horse she is working with.
Kerry is doing well on her AQA certificates and is proving to be a capable and conscientious rider who will do well on the Wings Equine Educational programme and has already been assigned a place on the Equine Qualifications Limited (EQL) level 1 course commencing in September 2019. If she wishes Kerry may also complete 1 day a week works experience whilst completing year 11 providing her usual G.C.S.E work is kept up to date.
The Wings staff are very proud.
Benefits of Equine Facilitated Learning
- Developing communication
- Assertiveness
- Creative thinking
- Teamwork
- Confidence
- Improved Self Care and hygiene issues
- Leadership
- Empathy
- Responsibility
- Adaptability
- Patience
- Sense of belonging
- Sense of accomplishment
*The young person’s name has been changed.