HorseWorld situated in Whitchurch, Bristol is one of the leading equine charities, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses, ponies and donkies since 1952.
Originally set up to save working horses and ponies from needless slaughter, now the majority of animals come to HorseWorld after being abandoned, mistreated or neglected. Our trained staff nurse them back to health, rehabilitate them and find suitable loan homes where they can continue to receive love and care.
Some go on to help in our Discovery courses which support vulnerable young people through an innovative equine assisted learning programme. Bringing horses together with young people who have physical or emotional disorders can have startling results.
Young people demonstrating autistic behaviour or ADHD often struggle to communicate, but by putting them with horses they can learn about themselves, other people and can interact positively with the world.
It can be seen that young people who may have difficulty controlling their impulses can focus on the horse for long periods while grooming or leading the animal.
These may be children who would be unable to concentrate for so long on anything else.
Withdrawn children may begin to express themselves and develop new words or gestures not previously used.