Horsemanship course to deliver therapy to racing’s people
Do you, or have you worked, in the horseracing and breeding industry? Have you experienced a physical health issue, mental health issue or are you recovering from an accident or injury?
Racing Welfare, in partnership with HorseBack UK, have eight places available to take part in a course using horsemanship and exposure to the natural environment to learn about yourself, gain self-confidence and self-esteem.
The course includes and combines horsemanship, falconry, conservation, bushcraft training and other outdoor activities in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
The course takes place from 27-31 March 2023. Accommodation, travel and all expenses are covered. You will need to be available and attend the whole week to complete the course.
Lou Andrews attended the course previously, two years after a fall in which she suffered a broken ankle and unstable burst fracture of her T12 vertebrae while she was working in a stud. She was still walking with a stick and experiencing physical and mental fatigue, so her welfare officer suggested the course might be helpful. Lou said: “It was better than expected. It brought me out of myself and I didn’t know the other people on the course so we were making new friends and all supporting each other. You find friends that you don’t realise you need.
“It gives you freedom, because it shows & enables you to do things you thought you might not be able to do if you have experienced a physical or mental injury – it almost helps you remember the person that you were before the injury.
“I would definitely recommend it. I’ve told loads of people about the course; my friend badly broke her ankle who works in racing and I told her you need to go on the course and tell them you need me as a mentor!”
Regional Welfare Manager Adam Ferguson has seen first-hand the positive impact upon those who have attended. He said: “Our partnership with HorseBack UK, supported by Godolphin, has created life changing impacts for beneficiaries of the programme. From challenges acquired due to physical or mental health strains, the course offers an opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals whilst aiding in the development of self-esteem and confidence. You will spend a week in the sanctuary of the Scottish Highlands, reconnecting with nature, yourself and the one thing that brings us all together – the horse. I cannot express how much the course has helped rebuild the lives of previous cohorts and would not hesitate to recommend anyone to reach out to Racing Welfare to learn more about the opportunity to attend.”
For further information or to put yourself forward for a place, please contact aferguson@racingwelfare.co.uk before 10th February 2023.
Find out more about HorseBack UK at their website: http://www.horseback.org.uk/
