Daisy’s Story: Gaining Trust
At The Mare and Foal Sanctuary we know the difference that being around horses and ponies can have on health and wellbeing. Daisy joined our equine assisted learning programme to help with feelings of anxiety. Working alongside our equine assisted learning facilitators and our rescued horses and ponies can help to build a sense of connection for participants.
Daisy’s mum described some of the ways in which attending the sessions has made a difference to Daisy’s life.
“Daisy was very anxious in new situations and with people she didn’t know. Because of the sensitive and careful approach of the team at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary Daisy has felt comfortable and been able to gain a great deal whilst working with the horses and ponies. Daisy has learnt to trust the horses she works with and built a positive relationship with the facilitators.”
Our team of expert equine assisted learning facilitators are all specially trained and hold qualifications relevant to their roles. This is one the key benefits of equine assisted learning. It helps participants to develop their skills in forming relationships. This can be with the staff that guide them and the equines they work with.
Daisy’s mum continued: “Being at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has given Daisy a great sense of achievement. This is hugely important when other areas of life, such as school, have become very challenging to cope with. She feels calm when she’s at the sanctuary and I believe that the experience and values that Daisy is learning will stay with her as she moves forward.
“We’ve seen her confidence and self-esteem grow with each session.”
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary Head of Education and Equine Assisted Services, Dawn Neil, helped to explain the effects of equine assisted learning. “We love to see the connections that the young people on our programmes form with the horses they work with. The rescued equines have often had difficult starts in life and participants can relate this to their own challenging experiences. By reflecting on their experiences with our equine partners they are supported to make positive steps to take their learning forward to benefit their lives outside of our centre.”
Tilly (left) and Daisy (right) in an equine assisted learning session with rescue pony, Tammy.
When Daisy first joined the equine assisted learning programme she had individual sessions. However, as she progressed, and her confidence grew the Education team paired her with Tilly, another participant. The team hope that the girls can form a connection over their shared experiences and gain even more from their sessions together.
