Tegan’s story
We provide human-equine interaction through equine assisted learning and equine assisted activities with our rescued horses and ponies to children, young people and adults in our community.
Tegan-Jai from Plymouth is a remarkable 14 year old. When she was born with an inoperable brain condition, her parents Toni and Adam were told she would never walk, talk, eat or live beyond her first birthday. But Tegan defied her prognosis with extraordinary bravery and determination, to do all the things doctors said she wouldn’t.
Toni says: ‘She has a brain stem mass malformation which is so rare, specialists across the world are following her progress. Tegan’s speech and physical ability are limited, and we carry oxygen wherever we go because if she feels stressed or upset, she stops breathing. Tegan’s heart has stopped twice and there have been times we’ve needed to resuscitate her.’
Faced with so many medical challenges, Tegan’s family do all they can to enable her to live a happy and fulfilled life. ‘Tegan has always loved horses and we tried a disabled riding session once. Sadly, the experience knocked her confidence. When we heard about The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Equine Assisted Learning sessions, it seemed like the answer to our prayers. From her very first session, Tegan fell in love with all the ponies and horses, but miniature pony Bunnie and a huge horse called Fly are her favourites. She grooms, feeds, and leads them around the agility course. It makes my heart soar to see her so happy.
‘What makes a real difference is that the amazing team at Coombe Park see Tegan’s ability, not her disability. She feels these special sessions belong to her and she loves telling everyone we meet about the ponies. We’re so proud that Tegan has found new confidence and such a passion for living her life to the full.’
Thanks to your support, we are able to offer life changing Equine Assisted Learning sessions to more young people like Tegan.