Equine Taster Day for blind and partially sighted young people aged 10 to 13 years

VICTA’s 10 to 13s took part in an Equine Taster day in October at Penniwells Riding for the Disabled Centre in Elstree.

During the day we took some of their lovely horses for a ride in the arena – this was made accessible via a hydraulic mounting block (essentially a lift that puts you at the same level as the horse so you can get on easily). Following this, we learnt how to groom and take care of the horses by brushing and feeding them.

After refuelling with lunch, we visited Penniwells’ sensory garden and played a few games there. We then learnt all about the tack that is used for riding and even got to have a go on Eddy the mechanical horse! This was a very different experience as it felt strange steering a horse that wasn’t real.

Overall, we had a fun day and all the participants said this is something they would like to do again. A special thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Penniwells RDA Centre for making the day so engaging and accessible for all. It was lovely to see the growth in confidence from when the young people arrived to when they left. Animals are a brilliant way of regulating emotions and creating a real tactile experience. A rein-bow of joy from start to finish!