Horses help youngsters get ‘back on track’

The following information is taken from The British Horse Society website:

‘The British Horse Society rides in to help young people with difficulties

The British Horse Society has pioneered a Back on Track scheme to help young people with difficulties to cope better through riding.

The BHS in Somerset responded to a call for help from the county’s Activity and Sports Partnership.

BHS Somerset chairman Sally Whittaker and retired teacher Bridget Chalfont-Griffin, BHS Somerset’s Road Safety Representative, saw how troubled young people could build up their confidence through working with horses.

They were successful in their application for a grant from the Somerset Community Foundation and Local Network fund and picked two riding schools for the mission.

Sally said: “Groups of children aged eight to 14, from Frome and Bridgwater in Somerset, began a 10-week course, kitted out by British Horse Society members, riding at Alstone Court, Highbridge, and Longhorn Western Riding, Corsley.

“The lessons improved their motivation and social skills, and all of them are showing more confidence in school. We saw them handle their anger more effectively and show understanding and empathy for their ponies.”

Bridget Chalfont-Griffin said that, as a teacher, she noticed a remarkable transformation in the children when they were with the horses.

She said: “They worked together as a group when they had had issues doing so before. Their self-esteem was improved and they were fully accepting of each other. It is helping to put them back on a positive track for their future lives.”

Bridget said that one 10-year-old boy, who had dropped out of school after experiencing great difficulties, was now planning to go back to school as a result of working with horses. “It has made a big difference to him,” she added.

For further information and pictures, please contact: Oliver Wilson, Director of Communications, The British Horse Society, 01926 707738 or o.wilson@bhs.org.uk’