As a parent of a child with complex needs I have always focused on the small steps Evie makes in her journey.
When Evie started the horse riding school back in January 2023, she was anxious and lost all confidence in herself. With the expertise of the fantastic staff at the school, she has regained her confidence to not only be able to ride independently:- but now working on cantering skills and balance.
As she is more confident, she has asked to participate in group lessons alongside her privates to work on her listening and concentration skills.
Evie has had the opportunity to work on some dressage tests in which you must remember a sequence of moves. She totally blew us away when she received first place. Her hard work and determination is totally paying off.
I can’t thank the staff enough for all their hard work and dedication in supporting Evie's horse riding journey. Excited to see how she continues to blossom this year.
Anya was born at 25 weeks weighing 1lb 7oz, the very next day she was taken into surgery to create a stoma. She then went on to have an operation on her heart and laser eye surgery. We were told she may never walk as she had a small piece of spine missing, or she may have medical complications due to being born so early.
Despite these warnings early on Anya went on to walk, run and now ride horses – her passion.
Anya has always loved animals and always horses. She has never been able to ride because of the number of surgeries she was having and being poorly for a lot of her early years. It was on her 8th Birthday that things were finally settling down and she was in the best health ever. We booked a horse-riding party for her at Washington riding centre and she was smitten – we have been back every week ever since.
For Anya it’s not just about riding the horses she loves caring for them too. When we arrive at the yard any worries and anxieties seem to float away, Anya calls it her happy place and It is a very special place to us. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and we just love being there.
She adores all the ponies and horses but in particular Splash she just loves a cuddle from him and I think he enjoys it too.
