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.
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