Horses have long been renowned for their therapeutic nature, helping people with communication, confidence and self esteem issues. And for one Taunton resident, Toddy the horse has become an absolute lifeline.
Becky James, who is 24, has Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism which can lead to communication difficulties, lack of concentration and lack of confidence. Since meeting Toddy, she has developed a range of horsemanship skills, which has empowered her, and Becky is now able to communicate effectively with the horse.
Toddy is owned by one of Becky’s support workers, Clare Sharland – a Team Leader with Lifeways, one of the UK’s leading organisations offering care and support to people with complex needs, in their own home or community setting.
As Clare explained: “Becky has been visiting Toddy once a week for over a year now and it has given her a huge confidence boost. Although she doesn’t ride him, she has been learning how to communicate with him using natural horsemanship principles. During their weekly sessions Toddy becomes completely focused on Becky and her on him, she is able to listen and react to verbal instructions and is currently learning how her body language affects the horse, she is able to direct Toddy using visual aids and is able to recognise his mood by his body language.
“Becky gets involved in mucking out, grooming, long reining, lunging of jumps and loose schooling Toddy. During the warmer months, Becky also helps to give him a bath. It’s well known that being around horses can empower people and Becky’s self-belief and confidence have grown dramatically, thanks to this carefully planned, life-enriching experience.”
When it was first suggested to Becky that she should meet Toddy, she was extremely tempted by the idea, if a bit apprehensive.
Clare continued: “Meeting Toddy for the first time proved a bit nerve wracking – he’s a big animal and there was no way Becky was going anywhere near! However, after several visits to the stable yard, meeting the gang and seeing the animals, Becky’s confidence started to grow.
“With gentle encouragement, Becky eventually plucked up the courage to approach Toddy and brush him. This gradual building of trust has turned into a very special bond between Becky and Toddy.”
