Why donate to HorseWorld Discovery?
HorseWorld’s Discovery Courses bring rescued, rehabilitated horses together with children who are typically outside of mainstream education or find it difficult to learn in a formal school setting. The young people who are referred to Discovery can have complex needs ranging from physical disabilities to special educational needs and requirements surrounding emotional wellbeing and behavioural challenges.
Working alongside rescued horses in an outdoor environment gives the children an opportunity to excel in a way they have been unable to do in a structured school setting, developing their confidence, communication skills and self-esteem.
“Before Discovery, I couldn’t leave the house. I didn’t know what to do.”
(Please note, the name in the above quote has been changed for data protection reasons.)
What impact will my donation have?
Our Discovery students
93%
Reported an increase in learners' self-esteem
100%
Reported an increase in communication skills
87%
Reported a definite improvement in learners' sense of achievement
The horses that work with the Discovery students have all come from rescued backgrounds and were facing very uncertain futures before arriving at HorseWorld. Many rescued horses have previously been cast aside, neglected or abandoned. They have never received the love and attention they deserve. These horses show a great appreciation of their new lives in the centre of the young people’s attention.
Just like our students, each of our rescued horses has its own unique personality – each with the ability to respond in a nurturing and supportive way. This makes the horses at HorseWorld the perfect, natural companions for the incredible work carried out by Discovery.
“Thank you for not judging me and for always giving me a safe space”
(Please note, the name in the above quote has been changed for data protection reasons.)
An NHS study showed that one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023*
*Source: NHS Digital (digital.nhs.uk) Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2023 - wave 4 follow up to the 2017 survey. Published 21 Nov 2023
How can HorseWorld help?
Every year, HorseWorld’s Discovery Programme works with around 300 children and young people who are at risk of exclusion or who are experiencing life challenges due to their social, emotional, mental health and learning needs.
Students work together with gentle rescued horses to build confidence, improve communication skills, and work together to explore a love of learning.
One such student is 12 year old Charlie. He started attending Discovery sessions in January 2024 after being out of school for three years due to not being able to cope in the environment as a result of his autism and ADHD.
According to Charlie’s Mum, he’s found more than just a sanctuary at HorseWorld; he found a family and a best friend in Archie, the horse. The unconditional support and kindness from the facilitators have reignited his hope and restored his faith in human kindness.
Discovery horse Archie, student Charlie and Discovery Facilitator Kayleigh Sivier
“Archie [horse] has got a big personality. He has really helped me because he’s another friend; like a human. He understands people quite a lot, I think. And he loves hugs! I love animals but I was a bit scared of horses at first, but then I found a love for horses by coming here.”
Each week, Charlie looks forward to his Discovery session, which has become a vital part of his healing and happiness. The programme has been instrumental in transforming his life, providing him with the confidence and a purpose in life.
Charlie's next step is moving to an independent specialist school with a farm now that he's equipped with the essential skills that he'll use there. His preparation includes weekly one-hour visits where he engages with animals and assists in caring for donkeys. We’ll miss seeing him at HorseWorld but know that he’s ready for the next step and are proud to see his amazing progress.
Wouldn’t it be incredible if Discovery can help even more children and more rescued horses to have a future with clear direction and focus, a positive purpose in life!
If you donate to HorseWorld’s Discovery Courses today, you can be a part of this life-changing program, offering a safe space and an exciting new future for both the young people and the horses and ponies that work with them.
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Statistics gathered 2019