‘Each pupil has benefited on an individual level … a fantastic and worthwhile experience’

‘She has gradually shown signs of empathy and consideration for others – area where she struggles because of autistic spectrum disorder’

‘When all other school based support had failed Horse Power give her the confidence to have a go and as her self-esteem rose she made her first attempts at independent writing and came to school with a smile on her face for the first time ever’

‘Horse Power has been a fantastic and worthwhile experience for all our students. Each has benefited on an individual level, for some communication has improved and others have overcome personal changes. They have grown both socially and academically’

‘Both girls where school phobic with poor self esteem and confidence. Horse Power has been such a positive experience that they are both now in college education and blossoming’

'We are delighted to recognise Greatwood as a centre for OCN qualifications. I have been most impressed by the imagination, skill and commitment at Greatwood. The way animal care is used to help young people not only learn about animals, but also develop their personal, social and life skills is really impressive'

Case Studies

B was referred to us by the psychological services and was described by her Head teacher as an extremely unhappy little girl who came to school unwillingly and in tears. Despite all the best efforts of her teachers she remained extremely unhappy and very close to becoming a school phobic. B’s Head teacher did mention that she was an “outdoor type” of girl and may be interested in working with our animals or spending time in the woods and meadows surrounding Greatwood.

A special programme was developed for B combining practical tasks involving all of the Greatwood animals and a very low key literacy scheme using animal vocabulary as a starting point. B appeared very well motivated to learn to read animal linked words and soon started to take a renewed interest in reading at school. The individual sessions helped her to boost her self esteem and gave her opportunities to demonstrate her proficiency at practical animal care skills

Quote from B’s Headmistress: “ I cannot believe the difference Greatwood has made to one of our pupils. Where all other school based support had failed, Greatwood gave her the confidence to have a go and as her self esteem rose she made her first attempts at independent writing and came to school with a smile on her face for the first time ever.”

---

T attended Greatwood with his class from a local special school. He is on the autistic spectrum and although he is able to verbalise requests, his teaching assistant reported that in the 12 months she had been attached to the class he had never initiated a conversation with her.

T enjoyed the activities at Greatwood and was able to follow simple instructions to complete tasks in helping to care for the animals. It was during a session when grooming our Shetland ponies that T started to talk to his peers and the adults present about the task he was undertaking and how he felt about the animals. The school staff were amazed.

---

P came to Greatwood as part of a special group within a mainstream school. P’s difficulties were associated with emotional and behavioural problems and a lack of engagement in learning. He basically felt that the curriculum had little to offer him and found it hard to focus in lessons to the point where he could become highly disruptive.

P engaged with the animals and tasks at Greatwood immediately, he realised that he was particularly skilled at carrying out the practical activities and soon started to volunteer for additional work. He demonstrated to his peers and teachers that he could become focused on a task and could complete it to a high standard. P then realised that he could mentor other members of his group and support those who struggled with the physical aspects of the work.

He was a natural with the horses who responded to his calm nature and patience. He quickly realised that working with animals that had had a troubled past required both resilience and resourcefulness and that trust has to be earned. He achieved his NOCN qualification and was commended on his practical folder and his high quality animal handling skills.