Autism support James’ passion for his riding school horse Bailey!
James moved from his family home to one of our supported living services in 2004 and has called this home for the last 20 years. James has autism and learning disabilities and requires 24-hour support from his specialist team. Every day, our support ensures he has access to the right opportunities and can live the fulfilling life he deserves.
People are our purpose, and we love to nurture their passions and interests. So, when James told us he loved horses, our team worked with both him and his family to keep this passion alive!
For James, this passion has big benefits. His weekly interactions with horses and enjoying riding lessons ensures he’s keeping active. As well as riding his favourite horse Bailey, James pitches in with other activities around the stables too.
His emotional wellbeing is also supported, and he practices different skills when he’s at the stables. And, as an extra benefit, James’ team have gained deeper insight into how animals can have a positive impact on the people we support! So, together, they can continue to make James’ passion possible!
All about James
To help James live the life he chooses, our team use person-centred support. By getting to know James as a person, they understand his unique needs, interests and preferences. And over the past 20 years, they’ve got to know him very well!
James is a lively guy whose sense of humour lights up the service. He’s also sociable and chatty with a big heart – especially for animals!
His passion for animals started at an early age, and James has been around horses for most of his life. When he moved into our service, he told us this was something he wanted to continue.
Safely sourcing stables
Supporting him to pursue his passion for horse riding and develop his life skills, James’ team ensured he could continue his favourite activity. Sourcing a specialist riding school, they accompanied him to his weekly riding lessons.
Knowing how keen he was to spend time with his horse pals, the riding school got him involved with some stable duties. The lessons and duties around the yard supported his development, increased his independence, and empowered his wellbeing. James got into a nice groove, and visiting the riding school added more structure to his week. As a person with autism, routine and familiarity is important to James.
But our support team came up against an obstacle when the pandemic hit in 2020. James suddenly had to stop going to his riding lessons.
This disruption was difficult for James, but his team supported him through it. They explained to him that once the pandemic was over, they would help him get back into riding.
Once lockdown restrictions lifted, James was eager to return to his weekly riding lessons. But his previous riding centre couldn’t continue offering him lessons. Understanding how important horses were to him, James’ team acted quickly! They visited other local riding centres, sourcing the best one for James and his needs. That’s when they come across Springhill, in Cambridgeshire.
As soon as they were certain this was the right location for James to continue his lessons, our team took into consideration a risk assessment of the stables. They ensured James’ riding gear was up to specifications and would keep him safe. They kitted him out with new jodhpurs, a riding hat and boots. At last, James was safe and secure, ready to get back in the saddle!
From that moment, his team have supported him to attend weekly lessons at Springhill Stables. Always on hand during their visits, they get great enjoyment as they watch James engage with a beaming smile!
Fun times with Bailey
With weekly lessons at Springhill Stables, James is always raring to get out the door! He attends his lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Even though James loves all the horses at Springhill, he’s built a special bond with one particular horse named Bailey, a handsome chap who loves seeing James each week!
James always thinks about thanking Bailey and often likes to take a treat for him, whether it’s a juicy apple or a crunchy carrot.
The team at the stables love seeing James and teaching him to ride Bailey! His lessons are 30 minutes long and he gets to switch up what he does each week. James and Bailey go in both the indoor and outdoor arenas, as well as for leisurely strolls around the local village. Occasionally, they even pop over a few small jumps!
Even though he’s confident in the saddle, James sometimes needs encouragement to go beyond trotting. If he’s not comfortable he shouts up to the instructor. After their encouragement, if he’s still not comfortable they switch up the plan. Ensuring James is always happy, they know this makes a positive difference in keeping his skills and abilities moving forward.
As well as riding Bailey, James also has the chance to help muck out Bailey’s stable and get Bailey ready before he rides him.
James sees Bailey as his best friend. He’s always excited to tell everyone he meets about him and the time he spends at the stables! He shares his thoughts and feelings with Bailey, getting all his worries off his chest in a safe space. The riding experience is so beneficial to James and his confidence is continuing to grow!
Within just a year of growing his relationship with Bailey, his team are amazed at the incredible bond they’ve built.
Extraordinary love for animals
As well as horses, James has a huge love for cats! He’s volunteered and completed charity bike rides for the last few years, raising money for a local cat charity called Woodgreen.
The home used to have a service cat called Jess who they adopted from a local cat shelter. She was around three years old when they welcomed her into their family.
Sadly, Jess passed away from old age, but James often used to sit with her on his lap, talking to her about his thoughts and feelings. Struggling to deal with the passing of Jess, Bailey came around at the right time to help heal his heart.
Our team have seen how confidently James builds relationships with animals – often easier than with other people! Feeling a strong connection with furry friends continues to spark his passion for them!
For now, James is busy with Bailey and his volunteering role at Woodgreen cat shelter. But our team understand how important animals are to James’ happiness, particularly when he’s at home. So, they’re carefully planning to introduce another cat to the household soon.
Successes
By using a person-centred approach to his support, James’ team have nurtured his passions and empowered him to thrive. Horse riding has proven to have a huge impact on James. From self-confidence, to increasing his self-esteem and social skills, all the animals in James’ life have helped him with something.
Our team are incredibly proud of how much James’ confidence has increased since getting back in the saddle! They will continue to nurture this passion and support him to spend quality time with his best friend, Bailey.
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