Benjamin’s Story
Six-year-old Benjamin takes part in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions at Coombe Park, our Education and Equestrian Centre near Totnes. Benjamin has autism with a Pathological Demand Avoidance Profile, meaning he feels high levels of anxiety when demands are put on him and when he needs to transition from one activity to another.
His mum Rachel says building trust with horses and ponies at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is helping Benjamin learn to adjust in all areas of his life. ‘From Benjamin’s first session I knew immediately that the calm atmosphere around the equines and staff would be right for him. The way the staff treat and speak to the ponies, by watching their body language and responding to that and not making demands on them, is similar to how they behave towards Benjamin. Here, nobody tells him what he must or must not do, they watch and listen to his needs, just like they do with the horses.’
‘Benjamin normally finds it difficult to regulate his emotions and can have sudden mood swings but here, because he knows he must be calm around the horses and ponies, he’s learning how to control his emotions, listen to instructions and deal with different situations. These are all lessons he will be able to take with him elsewhere in life.’
‘So often people judge Benjamin negatively but with the horses there is no judgement, and Benjamin feels he has a purpose. Coming to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has given him something to look forward to and feel proud of.’
We are so proud of the work our Education Team do with participants like Benjamin and the amazing things they achieve together. Our rescued horses and ponies that take part in these sessions are so gentle and understanding and we can see real benefit to them from the relationships they build. If you would like to learn more, please click here.