‘Calming effect’ of horse therapy makes immediate impact on young people’s wellbeing and confidence
A three-week horse therapy course run by Muirfield Riding Therapy for Bridges Project’s Group Programme has proved transformational in improving young people’s wellbeing, social skills and motivation for the future.
Two groups of four young people completed the course, called the Stepping Up programme. It combined elements of animal therapy with educational content and time with a horse at Muirfield Riding Therapy’s facility just outside West Fenton. It also gave them the opportunity to gain a Level 1 Horse Care certificate.
Bridges Project’s Kelly Muir, who was responsible for the Group Programme together with Simona Scarfò at the time, said the combined approach of animal therapy and being outside provided several notable benefits to the young people’s wellbeing in the space of just a few weeks.
“The young people were very anxious and quiet when they started but the calming effect of spending time with the horse Uist quickly reduced their stress and anxiety as he made them feel relaxed and focused on the here and now,” she said.
The sessions also improved young people’s social skills, confidence and self-esteem.
“The group sessions became a safe place for young people to be themselves and develop trust in each other and they were soon able communicate well with each other and also smile and laugh together,” said Kelly.
Kelly, an avid equestrian herself, believes horses have some unique traits that bring about special therapeutic effects.
“Horses are very intuitive and driven by energy. If you’re calm, they will feel it and become calm themselves. You’re therefore forced to be calmer, and when you make that connection with them, it makes it easier to open up about other things,” she said.
For one young person, participating in the horse therapy course was particularly life-changing.
“One of the young people couldn’t even get in the car with us to travel to the sessions as she was so anxious. But she loved it so much that she continues to be involved with Muirfield Riding Therapy and has decided to make a career choice out of it,” said Kelly.
This young person is now doing a course in Principles of Animal Care via Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) with support from one of Bridges Project’s Listening Peers Mentors.
“It’s quite remarkable - she has gone from having no timetable at all to having a full timetable and it’s down to participating in the horse therapy course,” said Kelly.
The mother of the young person, who does not want to be named, praised the impact the horse therapy group and Muirfield Riding Therapy has had on her daughter’s life.
“It has made a huge impact on her self-confidence. Being around the horses has given her the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills around animal care. My daughter says that she loves going to Muirfield Riding Therapy. She feels relaxed and happy around the horses and is looking forward to a possible future in Animal Care,” she said.
Michelle Sutton, who delivered the horse therapy course sessions on behalf of Muirfield Riding Therapy, said:
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with the young people from Bridges Project. Watching them grow in confidence as they work with our ponies and learn new skills has been the highlight of my week. To know that this then translates to benefits in their life beyond their time here is what it’s all about.”
The partnership between Bridges Project and Muirfield Riding Therapy has been so successful that the two charities have decided to run a new six-week course together. This is more focused on employability and provides young people with additional opportunities to gain qualifications.
“I’m very happy we’re able to keep this partnership going. Working with Muirfield Riding Therapy is definitely one of the best things I have done during my time at Bridges Project,” said Kelly.