Oaklands School Pupils Join in the Great Big Ride

Pupils who ride regularly at Enborne Equestrian Centre, were pleased to take part in this year’s Great Big Ride on Saturday 28th June in support of Autism in Racing.

Autism in Racing, was set up by racing broadcaster, Bobby Beevers. Bobby became aware that autism was a part of his life when his daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed as autistic in 2020. It was only then that he discovered that autism had always been part of his life when he discovered that he was autistic himself. Bobby believes that racing has helped him and is sure it can help many others like him. Autism in Racing is now a firmly established, fully funded part of the UK Racing Industry being embraced by more and more racecourses.

The pupils also welcomed along three special guests to their lesson - Brendan Powell, one of Britain’s leading National Hunt Jockeys, Sir Peter Birkett, founder of Oaklands School and Georgios Chatzakis, Oaklands School’s Executive Headteacher.

There are many benefits of horse riding and equine therapy for children and young people with autism including:

• Interacting with horses encourages a sense of calmness and relaxation for those who may struggle with emotional regulation and heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and frustration.

• Interacting with horses requires communication, empathy, and cooperation whish helps to develop social skills.

• The bonds which are created between the horses and the children and young people, gives them an increased sense of self-confidence and provides them with transferable skills to human interactions with their peers and caregivers.

• Grooming, tacking up and riding requires a range of physical activities that promote the development of motor skills and can improve coordination, balance, and strength.

• Interpreting a horse’s behaviour and understanding a horse’s wants and needs requires cognitive processes such as problem-solving, decision-making and spatial awareness. It can also build responsibility and organisation.

• Forming meaningful relationships can be challenging for children and young people with autism. The bond between them and horses can be profound and is characterised by trust and empathy as well as mutual understanding.

• Working with horses can increase confidence and resilience in facing everyday challenges and form a sense of accomplishment and independence.

• Riding helps children and young people to develop core stability and postural control, which can boost their confidence in their physical abilities.

“Horse riding and equine therapy is an integral part of Oaklands School’s curriculum,” said Sir Peter Birkett. “The sense of connection and attachment our pupils form through regular interactions with their equine companions, helps to foster emotional well-being and self-esteem. And the accomplishment our pupils feel after a riding lesson boosts their confidence levels in ways that other forms of therapy sessions are unable to achieve.”