esearch led by Equine Charity, The British Horse Society (BHS) and the University of Buckingham has today revealed that there has been a significant improvement in young people who regularly interact with horses.
The study, which analysed the effectiveness of equestrian-led educational programmes such as the BHS’s Changing Lives through Horses (CLtH), evaluated six key skill areas. These include communication, confidence, teamwork, responsibility, perseverance and relationship building.
It found that there has been a statistically significant improvement across all of the six areas and that equine interactions have proven to strengthen participants’ transferable skills, enhance their social and emotional development, and create a positive shift in their behaviour.
Research also discovered that horse-led activities have helped people with autism to improve social functioning, goal attainment and empathy. As well as helping to decrease behaviours such as irritability and hyperactivity.
With recent reports from The Children’s Society indicating that children’s happiness levels have decreased over the past decade, reinforcing the great value of horse/human interactions has never been more critical.
The BHS is doing this with their Changing Lives through Horses programme which has so far helped over 3,000 participants across the UK, including those with special educational needs (SEN) or other learning difficulties. Through the power of horses, the initiative continues to help young people thrive and grow in a safe, nurturing environment.
Alison Blackmore, Head of Changing Lives through Horses at The British Horse Society adds: “This programme is about more than just learning to ride. It’s about helping young people find a place in the world. Horses have a unique ability to connect with people, particularly those with special educational needs or mental health challenges, and we are working hard to make sure even more people can experience these opportunities.
This study will go a long way in helping us to achieve this, giving us a platform to empower more young people and change lives, through the power of horses. Secondly, with the equine industry facing great challenges at the moment, it’ll be invaluable in helping us to evidence the essential role of the unique horse/human bond.”
Gabby, a CLTH participant, explains how the programme and horses have turned her journey in education around: “From year 8 onwards, I never engaged in any of my lessons, which meant I spent all my time in isolation or wandering around and hiding from staff. The school mentioned that I should start CLtH. I didn’t know what to expect because I was afraid of horses!
After day one, I begged my mum to let me do more. I feel like when I started at the yard, school became so much easier. By the time I got to the end of school, the owner offered me an apprenticeship at the yard. And of course, I said yes! I now work there four days a week and look after the horses on my own all the time”.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, nearly 1500 young people took part in the CLtH programme at over 129 centres across the country, over double compared to 2022.
The scheme is an essential resource for those seeking a career in equestrianism, with 76% of participants moving onto a planned pathway or continuing education with a different provider to commence a work placement or training programme.
Changing Lives through Horses is partially funded by donations. If you would like to help change a life and support this initiative, visit: bhs.org.uk/clth
For more information about what the BHS is doing to safeguard the future of equestrianism, visit: bhs.org.uk
