Cambian : Equine Therapy at The Forum School

We are very fortunate to have 6 horses at the Forum School. They range in size and breed from our smallest Shetland ponies to the mighty Ardennes. All of them are extremely well behaved and offer a unique and valuable addition to our school. Young people who attend the Forum School build bonds with the horses and we know that horses feature heavily when young people reflect on their childhood at our school.

Young people learn to take care of and trust our horses through stable management sessions which naturally helps them to be confident when riding in our indoor and outdoor arenas. The benefits of Equine Therapy are vast. Horses provide low- stress, low- demand social interaction which can be beneficial for those who struggle to interact socially. Taking care of horses, riding them and everything in between, is physically demanding thus providing an enjoyable way to exercise and keep fit. Young people play games, such as catch, basketball and hoopla both with the horses as well as each other to help improve their core stability and strength in addition to building friendships. Young people have a sense of belonging, responsibility and purpose when involved with caring for our horses. After leaving The Forum School many young people choose to pursue their hobbies with horses elsewhere in the community or at further placements. Students from Lufton College in Yeovil, a school within our group, are also fortunate enough to take advantage of this wonderful facility, they visit us on a regular basis, using our facilities to complete their own stable management courses, and enjoy the company of the horses.

If you would like to know more about our Equine Therapy, the team or the please call the School on 01258 860 295.