Therapy from the horse’s mouth
Over the years we have often heard firsthand the positive difference that therapies can make to the well-being of clients. That includes enabling them to enjoy the hobbies and interests they have always loved, or trying out new experiences and our Case Managers are at the forefront of supporting clients towards identifying and achieving their goals, whatever they may be.
Sometimes it can even appear to be making the impossible, possible.
This Summer, Sandy Fitzgerald, our Marketing & Business Development Manager, was invited by Dr John White of Enable Law, to visit the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Centre at Broadlands in Hampshire.
John, a Partner based in Enable’s Southampton office who specialises in medical negligence, is a regular volunteer at RDA Broadlands, working alongside trained coaches to help children and adults living with a disability, to enjoy supervised horse riding tuition sessions in a therapeutic environment.
There are multiple physical, emotional and social benefits to equine therapy and some of these became very apparent to Sandy during her visit when she met and listened to staff, volunteers, the children who were taking part in the sessions running that day and some of their family members who came to watch.
“There is no doubt that this therapy, where humans and horses tune in to each other and work together, is something very special. Watching the horses in action with one ear forward and one back (to hear what their young rider is saying) and seeing firsthand how much the children benefit from each session was just wonderful. I watched as one young girl living with a brain injury, put her walking supports aside and walked unaided for several steps after dismounting, much to the delight of her and her family.” As the therapist explained, the increased blood flow particularly to the legs, after riding is just one of the physical benefits and the connection between riders and their equine partners is truly remarkable. Equine therapy can help improve muscle tone, coordination, balance, and communication skills. It can also boost confidence, self-esteem, and social interaction.
Sandy also met a young man who was on work experience at Broadlands and loving every moment. Oscar has been taught how to groom and care for the horses and how to lead them in and out of the yard and their stables. He’s a valued member of the team, has learned skills, gained in confidence and takes such pride in his work. As a result of being given this opportunity, Oscar has decided that he wants to secure a permanent job working with horses.
We first got to know RDA Broadlands due to it being nominated for a donation as part of our “12 Days of Christmas” campaign, where we invite twelve of our referrers to choose a charity. It’s our way of thanking our referrers for entrusting their clients to our team of dedicated case managers and everybody involved enjoys taking part.
We also supported the RDA National Training Centre, which was a joint winner of our “12 Days of Christmas” staff vote last year and we recently gifted RDA Broadlands with funding to support a coach in training, expanding the number of clients they will be able to offer therapy sessions.
Their current waiting list is testament to the popularity of the centre and we’re delighted to be able to highlight the magic of equine therapy and the joy they bring to their clients and their families. If you would like to learn more about their work and how you can help, visit Broadlands – Equine Therapy & RDA here.
