Horse Riding Sessions Evaluation Report March 2017

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1 Background Horse Riding Sessions Evaluation Report March 2017 Friends of Bright Futures School (charitable PTA) were successful in securing funds from Action Oldham 2016 Seedcorn grant. The funds awarded allowed 6 of our pupils to access horse riding and horse therapy sessions at Dickey Steps Riding School. The riding school staff are experienced in supporting children with autism and provided private sessions to help reduce anxiety for those who struggle in larger groups. Weekly sessions were held over 3 terms with a total of 13 riding/therapy sessions per pupil. Pupils were aged between 6 and 13 years old with a range of support needs. Horse riding/horse therapy sessions Pupils were able to participate in activities which included: learning about different parts of the horse; using a grooming kit correctly to enable to groom the horse appropriately; how to use tack and equipment safely; and learning to ride. Pupils were taught how to mount and dismount from the horse and how to be safe around horses in the stables. Instruction was provided whilst riding (hacking out) on how to walk using the reins and being able to sit up straight and gain balance and confidence. Once the basics were mastered the pupils were then taught how to trot sitting and then do rising trot as they gained their balance and coordination. Findings Initially putting a riding hat on for the first time and being near the horses was very daunting for the pupils but over time they gained more confidence and grew to love their ponies by patting them and stoking their neck (emotional bond). After a few sessions pupils began to be able to maintain their riding position more securely on the horse and be able to control the horses movement using their rein contact. Pupil s confidence grew after each session and they felt comfortable around the horses and much more competent in the saddle. (competence and success; building skills). They looked happy and calm and you could see they enjoyed the experience riding out in the beautiful countryside (sensory benefits), relaxed and emotionally bonding with their horse and engaged in the surroundings (emotional regulation and emotional well being). See attached photographs. Feedback We undertook a survey and asked each of the pupils what they enjoyed about the sessions. All of them said they learnt new skills and liked riding the best, they all thought it was great fun. Each one said they would like to do it again! See attached feedback sheets.

2 Example of quotes: It was fantastic to see the confidence grow in the students while riding the horses, and the bond between students and horse was lovely to see. They developed new skills need for horse riding and all had a brilliant time. Hope to see the students again in the coming year. Stephanie Mills, Dickey Steps Riding School I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the staff at Dickey Steps Horse Riding School. Since the pupils from Bright Futures School have attended lessons I would like to say how much confidence the pupils have gained, but I would like to especially speak about our youngest pupil, Lucy, age 6. Lucy has Autism and very minimal speech so is not able to communicate the same as main stream children. Lucy does show anxiety with change in her routine therefore getting her to ride a horse for the first time could have been problematic. The staff at Dickey Steps Riding School understood the pupil s needs and managed the sessions brilliantly. I know Lucy looks forward to horse riding, she shows good understanding of what to do now and can follow simple instruction, and for Lucy this is such a good positive experience for enabling her to feel competent. Joanna Blyden, Lucy s Learning Mentor I felt really happy trotting and being high up on the horse. You get a lot of confidence caring for the horse walking and trotting. I would like to do it again because it s a really fun experience and I loved it! Harry Gibbins, (13yrs) Bright Futures School Conclusion We held an award ceremony whereby each of the pupils was awarded a certificate of achievement (see example of certificate attached) and a rosette for their excellent participation in sessions. The pupils were thrilled and enjoyed the praise they received from Stephanie. Saddleworth News was in attendance to capture the moment on camera and included an article of the occasion in their publication. The horse therapy/horse riding sessions have been a great success and the pupils have gained a lot from them. We would like to build on the skills they have developed and hopefully participate in further sessions in the near future. Rosamund Hayes, Learning Mentor, Bright Futures School & Trustee of Friends of Bright Futures School.

3 Pupil Feedback Sheets

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10 Copy of Certificate awarded to pupils

11 Matthew Photographs of sessions Jayden Marley Group photo with our super ponies Lucy, Millie, William & Clint

12 Jayden Harry Wet & Cold weather could not dampen our fun!

13 Saoirse Big smiles!

14 Lucy Giggles along the way!