Mental health charity Mind in Bradford (MIB) and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) have given participants in a pilot project time with horses to evaluate the mental health benefits it can bring. The six participants who took part had little to no previous experience with horses and tried a range of activities, learning how to handle the horses and how to care for them.
All participants who took part enjoyed the experience and loved the opportunity to try something new. They all reported increased self-esteem, confidence and energy levels by the end of the project. One participant said, “I would like to thank MIB, the stables and the RDA for allowing me to go on the initial open day and to do this course. Before I came to MIB last summer, I was in a very bad way with my anxiety and depression. I have always loved horses and it was nice to meet people on the course who were understanding, as they have similar difficulties themselves. I enjoyed being with the horses and ponies, as they don’t judge! I liked learning how to care for them and enjoyed learning to ride properly, being out in the fresh air.”