Teenager Horse Whispers

Just put it on so not sure yet??? Not sure its such a great idea getting young people handling unhandled ponies???? but I do believe in animal therapy so wait with baited breath
 
Its a fab idea, I think projects like this could make a real difference to a lot of people. If it wasn't for horses and being able to go and get a horsey job straight from school, I doubt I'd be where I am now.

I'm not sure I'd want one of their youngsters afterwards though.. Am not convinced by the apples/baler twine technique!!
 
I think it's great that these young people who've had a hard time in life are given a chance to spend time with horses. It teaches them patience and respect for animals.
 
I am a teacher in a special needs primary school, in my younger years I also trained as a riding instructor. The children I work with are children with emotional and behaviour difficulties and also aspergers/austistic children. Each weeek we go to sessions with horses similar to those shown on television tonight. They have not worked with unhandled horses much. These sessions allow our children to develop in confidence and self esteem as many believe there is no point in trying as they have such a negative image on life. For the ASD children it helps them to identify and recognise emotions.

and they all were hats
 
Hmmm, just watched it. Blimmin typical that there was something on Channel 5 about a vet's thingey, where they had a difficult horse to load, on at the same time. WHY do they do that??

TBH without wishing to be over-critical, the yard didn't look a terribly professional set-up; certainly, the teenagers should have been wearing hats and suitable footwear if dealing with un-handled horses; plus one lad was smoking very close to the stable area. This should have been tackled, not necessarily in a confrontational way, maybe words to the effect of for eg. how would you like to see your friend burned to death, kind of thing?? This would give them food for thought that this is exactly what can happen if people smoke around stables/horses.

Personally I was worried by the use of bailer twine - dangerous not just for the teenagers for the horses too. Why not use a good old-fashioned rope? Safer and more practical surely.

If teenagers are going to be around horses, then what's wrong with teaching them the correct (and more importantly, safe - way of doing things?) There was also an opportunity - which might have been valuable, of teaching the boys in particular that horses and motor bikes/noisy cars do not mix! and trying to teach a bit of sense in this regard.

Although it is hard to quantify a whole terms work in just a half an hours (badly made IMO) documentary, so perhaps I am being unfair to be critical. No doubt good work was being done in a quiet way maybe?
 
Brilliant programme, shows how valuable horses are, and how brilliant young people can be if given the chance. It's all about creativity and initiative, and becoming a leader for the horse - putting too many rules on it takes away from the spontanaiety - I'm sure there was a pretty good line on safety taken even if it didn't appear like it!
 
Just watched it on +1!

I work in a school for children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties and take them up to my horses at least once a week and it really is special! The majority of the boys are drawn to my exracer toffs who has had a pretty hard life before me and has a few "anxiety issues" it's amazing how the boys learn so much about their own behaviour from learning about the horse!

I was a little disappointed with the programme not from the safety aspect more because I didn't feel it was in depth enough and didn't emphasise the journey these kids go on when working with the horses!
 
That grey pony was really cute!

I used to work with young offenders and they all loved to come and see my horses and help me. One boy that was really quite aggressive normally was so quiet and kind around horses, it was lovely to see.
 
It could have been so much better, they just went over the same point over & over again for half an hour.
I was so touched though to see one lad who had a history of aggresive behaviour kiss his pony & get tearful when he made a break through with him.
 
I heard this was on early in week I have sky plused it as I don't know if I can bear to watch it. I and people I know of have experience of this lady and her so called rescue site and IMO this wouldn't of been to help ponies and children just publicity that it wi get.
 
I have admit I wasn't a fan of the set-up of the programme however the idea is BRILLIANT! I think it should have been done more professionally from the yard's point of view i.e. riding hats, suitable footwear etc... I did get frustrated at it at some points and had to turn it over - also got bored with the same point being told over and over again.

Is there another one or was this one a one off?
 
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