Developing key life skills and, for many, opening doorways into a career pathway of their choice all starts with that special bond between horse and human. Our Changing Lives through Horses programme connects young people to communities and helps to rekindle a desire to continue with education and training through the magic of horses.
Jacob, 17, was awarded with the Pamela Almond Changing Lives through Horses Achieve Award after studying The British Horse Society’s Changing Lives through Horses programme at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary. The award has been made due to Jacob’s exceptional growth and commitment to his personal development.
After struggling at school due to dyslexia and bullying, Jacob began working with the team at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary in 2019. He’d already left mainstream education when his family heard about the Equine Assisted Services offered by the sanctuary and its focus on growing confidence by building new skills.
Jacob started with The British Horse Society’s Changing Lives through Horses programme and quickly worked his way through all ten stable management awards and all six ridden awards.
Jacob’s mum, Cheryl, explains why the programme at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary was so important: "Since attending the Mare and Foal Sanctuary he has overcome adversity by applying himself with tenacity, courage and determination, making incredible progress. He has been committed and worked extremely hard.”
Jacob now hopes to go on to complete The British Horse Society’s professional pathway to gain his coaching qualifications. He has embraced learning and is inspired to become a riding coach.
Thanks to his time at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary he has also been able to go back to education and is attending South Devon College to study Construction, Animal Care and Mechanics. Jacob says: “I’ve very pleased as I’ve put in a lot of work. It’s life changing!”
We need your help to safeguard the future of our riding schools and allow other people in the same position as Jacob to experience the special bond between horse and human while also securing key life skills for a career in the equine industry. Please donate to our Changing Lives through Horses programme today.
Find out more about our Keep Britain Riding campaign and help us to protect the future of equestrianism.