Testimonials

My personal experience working with Sara’s horses was amazing! I was given an opportunity to learn more about myself and learned how young people came out of their shell when around Sara’s horses. The first time I went to the horses I felt as if I didn’t have to worry about anything that was going on at home and it gave me a feeling of comfort, the horses made me feel relaxed. I enjoyed being in their company.

When riding the horses, I felt a sense of freedom from everything bad that was happening, and it was relaxing as there was so much going on at home but at that moment in time all that mattered was if I was having a good time and I was. I had never been given the opportunity to ride a horse before but from this experience I would use this as a way of escaping from anything bad that was happening. Toby was my favorite horse, and he was the most gentle and patient horse I have ever been around. he made me feel safe when I was riding him and would always do what I said. I genuinely believe that every child should be able to experience what I felt when I first rode Toby in their life, and I know If I was having a bad day I would go to Sara and riding toby would make me feel better. From my experiences in life, I know children love horses and I believe that they’re the most therapeutic animals. I felt as if Toby could feel the pain I was feeling and made me feel relaxed and took away the stresses I had going on. I will always be thankful for what Sara and the horses have done for me as I believe I wouldn’t be where I am now without their help and patience.

I love bringing the kids in my care down to the yard, Sara, Alex, and Alan do everything they can to ensure my young people feel safe and accepted for the individuals they are. The children are given the opportunities to engage with others their age at a pace which suits them. They are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and achieve new things. It is a brilliant place for encouraging children back into physical exercise without them knowing it’s happening! The children are encouraged to work together to tack and untack the horses depending on ability. They are encouraged to work together to ensure the horses have all their daily needs met which really helps with learning to communicate effectively in an acceptable manner and teaches them it’s ok to ask for help. The kids are often allowed to hack out together and learn basic road safety whilst out and about and are shown how to be polite and respectful to the people they pass whilst out in the community. The young people are given the opportunity to participate in local community events like gala parades, riding of the marches and small show jumping competitions to help build confidence. I absolutely love that the yard can provide the young people with so many important learning and social skills they require for normal day to day life without it feeling like a chore! In the 2years I have been bringing kids here I have never yet left with an unhappy child!

Residential childcare practitioner/skills and learning practitioner.

Whenever Sara took me to the horses I’d always enjoy helping and learning new things. Sara taught me to ride and to long reign and Alan taught me to drive the cart. When I went to the horses, I’d feel safe happy and calm.

(age 13)