HORSES (page 4 of 5)

SHREDDIE (currently kindly sponsored by Treetops Stables) is a handsome 15.1 h.h dun cob who was foaled in 1983. He is loved by all the students. In 2005 he was the first to be named Therapy Horse of the Year at the FETH Course Annual Prize Giving. He has travelled extensively - as has Floyd - helping the students with their therapeutic vaulting demonstrations. His field has to be chosen with care as he has been known to jump the fence and join his companions next door. Apart from this he is a real role model for our students of someone who is accommodating and charming at all times. His picture appears on much of our publicity. He is recognised by many as the horse who was photographed with his head through the gallery window taking part in a literacy class!

JASON is 14.3 and a very dark bay which appears black. He was born in 1991 and did not have the best start in life himself so like many people he responds best to careful, consistent and quiet handling. Those students who tend to be unnecessarily noisy are ideally placed looking after Jason. He helps them in a non-threatening way to work and communicate in a much calmer way. It has been observed that some students - perhaps for the first time ever - when working with Jason really feel they are having a positive influence on another. What better way to build self-esteem?

ELIOT is a 14.2 skewbald cob who was foaled in 1997. He didn't know very much when he first joined the FCRT equine team but he has proved a good learner. He is forward going but will still cut corners if his riders are not paying attention. The students find he reminds them of themselves when they try and do something in  a hurry rather than paying attention to the details! Sometimes he works at Avon Tyrrell and sometimes at Wootton Hall Farm. If you are not alert he can give the occasional nip in the stable so his carers learn to keep watch! In this picture Eliot and a friend are teaching two essential skills. One concerns knowing your right from left (in the riding school you must pas left shoulder to left shoulder); the other is concerned with giving people enough space so that they are pleased to meet you.

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