Emma’s ‘This Girl Can’ journey
We aim to create an experience of sanctuary for people as well as for rescued horses and ponies through our Equine Assisted Services.
Emma was one of the participants of our ‘This Girl Can -Exercise with Equines’ scheme, funded by Sport England and run by us here at the sanctuary. She told us her story.
‘When I was made aware of Exercise with Equines, I knew it was just the kind of opportunity I’d been looking for.
Since the start of the pandemic, I’d been working from home and a lot of my social interactions had moved online.
When the programme began, we started by getting used to being around horses again and meeting the other women on the course.
Each week we learnt new skills. We got involved with grooming the horses, stable management, walking the horses for their exercise and we learnt how to long rein.
The impact of the sessions was remarkable. The horses helped me to feel present and brought me a sense of peace. The Education team are so patient and knowledgeable. I found I formed a bond with staff as well as our equine partners.
When the programme ended, I was keen to support the sanctuary, so made the decision to become a volunteer.
Being a volunteer here you really feel like a part of the team. It’s great to hear about the ways in which the sanctuary is making horses’ lives better.
I have so much admiration for the equine team and I’m proud to be a volunteer. Their love for the horses shines through in everything they do.’
