Horse Riding at HRTC

 

 The Oasis 'Riding-out!'



 

As part of our 'Additional Curriculum' we plan a specific VI visit every term.

This term we were very fortunate to receive a grant from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Educational Trust for the Blind, that enabled us to provide something a little 'special'.

We contacted the Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre just outside Winchester to investigate the possibility of taking our pupils horse riding!

 

 

 

For many of our pupils this was their first encounter with a horse. There were some nerves present as we go kitted out with helmets. Many of the children had never ridden before.

 



Then the children lined up in the courtyard and waited patiently as each child was matched to an appropriate 'steed'.

 



Introductions were made...

 

The children were encouraged to use all of their senses to 'engage' with their horse. For our Reg. blind pupils this is an essential part to building their concept of what a horse is.

 

 

 

The staff at HRTC were fantastically helpful and encouraging with our pupils and the nerves in the tack room soon melted away as the children settled into their saddles!

 

Once everyone was ready we then formed an orderly column and stepped out onto the lane.

 

While riding the children got to know their horse and also their handlers. There was some great social interaction.

 

 We were blessed with a beautiful summers day. The children loved the 'green tunnel' formed by the roadside trees. It created a sense of being 'enclosed' with the sound of the horses hooves on the road being 'muffled back'.

As we trekked up the lane, a slight incline in the road made for an interesting sensory experience for the children, having to lean back to maintain stability. For many children who require physiotherapy to strengthen muscles, horse riding is becoming one popular means to this end.

 

We have a visitor from the USA this week looking at VI provision in the UK, and he was thrilled to see these medieval farm buildings, including this amazing thatched barn...it was huge!

You can't get more 'English countryside than this!'

 



That also included the obligatory horse poo, which he avoided skilfully!

 

On returning to the stables it was time to dismount.

For some children this was a challenge as their visual impairment affects their depth perception, so stepping down can to them, be a leap of faith! But no one faltered, every child was fantastic!

 

 

After some fond farewell's...

 

 

And a little more concept development of 'what is a horse?'

 

 

 

It was time for a late lunch....with loads of chat.....

 

.....and then there was this little chap. In 'Horse Hospital' with an upset tummy! Well he got lots of TLC from all of us....and it was agreed he had the softest most velvety nose ever!!

 

Thanks to all the staff and volunteers at the Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre, we all had a fantastic time, the children really appreciated your friendliness and energy.

A huge THANK YOU to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Educational trust for the Blind. Your sponsorship gave all of our pupils a visit to remember!