Take The Reins...And Shine! 

Local equestrian centre offers free trial to schools with special educational needs children

 

Local equestrian centre Rein & Shine is championing the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy on a child's overall quality of life by offering a ‘Free Trial’ to schools with SEN (Special Educational Needs) children.

Positive effects

The horse riding and care facility, based just outside Swindon in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, is owned and run by husband and wife duo, John and Johanna McDonald. They have already teamed up with a number of local SEN schools and have seen, first-hand, the hugely positive effects that their horses’ are having on the lives of children with a number of physical and mental disabilities. They’re so delighted with the life-changing results they have made the easy decision to further open this service to more schools with children suffering from any of the hundreds of disabilities that we see in society today.

 

“A horse’s ability to read human emotions is perhaps why we turn to them in times of need” commented Johanna McDonald, Owner of Rein & Shine.

 

“A horse is naturally a herd animal that looks for a leader and in domestic circumstances they turn to us for guidance, which gives the children a sense of purpose and is a way to improve self-confidence and self-awareness. This in-turn can enhance mental and physical wellbeing which can help with social skills.”

 

 

Nyland Campus primary school in Swindon, a special school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs, have been benefitting hugely from their sessions at Rein & Shine. Nyland Campus Principle, Becky O’Brian, is delighted with the results:

“The children, and staff, thoroughly enjoy these sessions and gain so much from this opportunity. It's fantastic to see children, who are faced with so many challenges trying to get through the school day, become completely immersed in these sessions. The therapeutic side to their time here is outstanding as we watch children so engrossed in caring for the horse after they have been riding. It's also been great to see children become more resilient and conquer their fears and anxieties by riding the horses. We’re extremely grateful to all at Rein & Shine for making this possible.”

Offer open to all schools with SEN children

The offer is open to all schools with SEN children that haven’t ridden or attended the facility before. Any interested schools should get in touch with Rein & Shine Director Johanna McDonald to book your free slot: 01666 860068 | johannamcdonald@reinandshine.co.uk

If you feel your child will benefit from this unique opportunity, then please contact your school.