"When I started at TLG I saw R as a very quiet, withdrawn young man. He often hid under a cap with his eyes downcast. He never sat next to people in lessons and just quietly got on with his work without interacting with anyone. He'd be huddled in his hoodie or coat with his head and face barely seen. And then we took him horse riding...
...I had to do a double take! Suddenly, there on the back of a horse was a completely different boy. He was talking to the horse and stroking him. His head was up and I could not only see his face, but could see him SMILING! He was not the sad, withdrawn lad that I'd seen before. He came alive and really enjoyed himself. Even though none of the other lads went and it was only girls, he asked to go back every week. Seeing R in the country fresh air, just him and his horse having a wonderful time, gave me a new insight as to just what can be offered to these young people. It's not just about academic education and passing exams...it's also about providing these troubled young people with the opportunity to try new things...to succeed in things that they didn't know they could even do...to grow in confidence...to experience, love, grace, forgiveness and acceptance even when they mess up...and to be happy."
Tracy
Dear Mary-Anne,
My colleague Joel Carter at Just for Kids Law mentioned that you may consider funding equine activities for vulnerable young people.
I am currently working closely with a 15 year old unaccompanied refugee from Eritrea, who has experienced considerable trauma including forced flight from his home country, several years spent in a refugee settlement in Uganda and the loss of his family, including his identical twin brother who he cared for until his death from cancer a year and a half ago. The young man’s psychotherapist has recommended equine therapy to help with his grief but at £120 a session it is quite expensive. Alternatively, I thought that he might benefit from a horse riding course as he enjoys being with animals. I have found a suitable course in the Lee Valley that costs £220 for ten sessions and was wondering if there would be funding available for this? If so how can I go about making an application?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require any further info.
Kind Regards,
Madeleine
Quotes from Kingswood School children on their engaging with horses project.
"Its' inspired me alot - real naughty at school changed my behaviour"
"I forget about my problems at home....."
"Horses have a calming effect on me, I am less angry with friends and teachers "
"I look forward to the riding each week it means so much to me.."
"I enjoy cantering and grooming them"
"All of it is just so good...I am trying harder at school but I would like to work with horses"
"Now I have started I don't want it to stop..."
"Its lovely to be with them and care for them I love them!"
A letter from one of the students:
Dear Mr. Faurie,
Hello, my name is Stephanie Grandison. Iam part of a Youth Achievement Award Project in Glenrothes High School. Every week on a Friday we go up to Kinshady Riding Stables . I enjoy it very much. I love working with horses abd the other animals. This would not have been possible for me to do if it were not for your generous sponsorship. Shuan who was on the first group of horse riding has now made a life for himself and if it wasn't for our teacher Mrs Wilson and your time and generous funds he wouldn't have a full time paid job. It really did get him out of trouble! Martin a boy that was also on the first group of people has now made it through to college in Edinburgh to work with small animals. Emile you have done that and we all appreciate everything and I and the rest of the group would really like to meet you one day!
I hope we can meet you it would be an honour to meet the man that has changed so many life's already.
Please write back.
Yours sincerely
Stephanie Grandison.
This letter really says it all .The wonderful impact the Foundations work is having and Emile is hoping to change many childrens lives for the better by funding their riding projects BUT WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH DONATIONS PLEASE!!
Dear Mr. Faurie,
Hello, my name is Stephanie Grandison. I am part of a Youth Achievement Award Project in Glenrothes High School. Every week on a Friday we go up to Kinshady Riding Stables. I enjoy it very much. I love working with horses and the other animals. This would not have been possible for me to do if it were not for your generous sponsorship. Shuan who was on the first group of horse riding has now made a life for himself and if it wasn't for our teacher Mrs Wilson and your time and generous funds he wouldn't have a full time paid job. It really did get him out of trouble! Martin a boy that was also on the first group of people has now made it through to college in Edinburgh to work with small animals. Emile you have done that and we all appreciate everything and I and the rest of the group would really like to meet you one day!
I hope we can meet you it would be an honour to meet the man that has changed so many life's already.
Please write back.
Yours sincerely
Stephanie Grandison.
Extracts from letter from Sarah Lomas of Buile Hill High School, Manchester. 'HOW HORSE RIDING CHANGED MY LIFE!
Whilst I was in year 7 at Buile Hill High School I was given the oportunity to participate in horse riding lessons at Ryders Farm. These lessons were funded by the Foundation set up by Emile Faurie . Alot of these children in inner citiy schools would not normally be able to afford riding lessons. The enjoyment of riding made me want to learn more and one of my teachers realised I was showing a very keen interest and encouraged me to go every week after school. I started to help voluntary at Ryders Farm at the weekends.
I decided I really wanted a career with horses and continued my lessons through to year 10 when I chose my options. The teachers encouraged me to take GCSE in the voluntary work I was doing at Ryders Farm and I acheived a Grade B.
My interest continued to grow through my riding and work at the farm so after passing my GCSE's in year 11 I decided to enroll in the Equestrian Studies at Salford College in parternship with Ryders Farm. If it had not been for the Emile Faurie Foundation I would not have had this wonderful opportunity which has changed my life completely and given me a very enjoyable interest and made me realise that my future l career will be working with horses!!
Thank you for changing my life!!
Sarah Buile.