Horsing around at Bright Futures School for children with autism

Pupils with their prizes at Dickey Steps

Reporter: Stuart Littleford

Six pupils from Bright Futures School for children with autism in Grasscroft, completed a horse riding and horse therapy course at Dickey Steps Riding School in Littleborough with a special awards ceremony recently, to celebrate their fantastic achievements.

Thanks to an ‘Action Oldham 2016 Seedcorn’ grant, awarded to the school’s parent teacher association, Friends of Bright Futures School (FBFS), pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning how to horse ride as well as care for the horses.

Learning Mentor at Bright Futures School and FBFS Trustee, Ros Hayes, who helped to organise the horse riding and therapy course with the team at Dickey Steps, said: “We held an awards ceremony whereby each of the pupils was awarded a certificate of achievement and a rosette for their excellent participation in sessions. The pupils were thrilled and enjoyed the praise they received.

“The horse therapy/riding sessions have been a great success and the pupils have gained a lot from them. We would like to build on the skills they’ve developed and hopefully participate in further future sessions.”

One of the pupils, 13-year-old Harry Gibbins, who took part, said: “I felt really happy trotting and being high up on the horse. You get a lot of confidence caring for the horse, walking and trotting. I would like to do it again because it’s a really fun experience and I loved it!”

To find out more about Bright Futures School for children with autism, please visit the website www.brightfuturesschool.co.uk

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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