What’s it like to meet horses for the first time if you’re blind or visually impaired?
One of the highlights of a packed few weeks was a visit by a group of blind and partially sighted children from the RSBC (Royal Society for Blind Children). It was life-affirming for us as well as for them!
We’d organised a day to include riding (in the yard or further afield for those who wanted), carriage driving and pony care. The volunteers had even made miniature mounting blocks out of Lego to show children what to expect if they were to mount a horse.
The weather held out and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, the reactions of the children were wonderful to see. For one young man it was particularly special:
“Chapman had an incredible day at Park Lane Stables, where he got to experience the joy of horse riding once again! A million thanks to RSBC for arranging this amazing session, allowing Chapman to reconnect with his love for riding. We really appreciate all the dedicated stable staff at Park Lane Stables RDA for providing a safe and enjoyable environment for the kids.” – Chapman’s parent
Hevti, another member of the group, says: “I had a wonderful time learning a new skill of carriage riding with Sam the horse. I also sat on Elliot, another new experience! I would definitely like to ride again in future.”
“A million thanks to RSBC for arranging this amazing session”
Not all the children felt ready to ride, but as Kate from the RSBC says, their experience was still really special: “We had a lovely time, introduced to pony care and stable management. The children touched the brushes and felt the horses’ coats – what was rough (and needed brushing), what was soft and smooth. We did lots of listening to the horses and the children liked the smells (well, they weren’t too sure about the poo ...) and the nice warm touch of the horses. It really showed how many different ways there are to enjoy being around them.”
Do come again soon, we loved hosting you!
We regularly host group visits from special visitors who live with physical or mental difficulties. Many of them have never been near horses before. The reactions of our RSBC group are not unusual, and always reaffirm that horses make the most wonderful therapists!
Thank you to H&L Motors in Hampton for developing our specially adapted carriage and giving it to us as a gift.
Contact us to find out about organising a group visit, or do visit our Donate page if you’d like to help support us in offering this.