My Journey to Jamie’s Farm
When I was nearly 13, my family moved from North London to North Devon. This was a massive culture shock, and as a mixed-heritage family, we received a cautious reception in the close-knit community we arrived in.
Horses seemed to be everywhere in the countryside, and this impacted me at a time when I felt unsettled and displaced. I sensed acceptance from these amazing animals and realised I had an innate ability to give that to them in return.
Growing up, my family being less financially enabled, meant no perfect pony for me, so instead I devoted all my energy to the labelled ‘naughty’, ‘stupid’ and ‘useless’ horses that no one else wanted to ride! The challenge of connecting with them became the foundation of what I do today. It shaped my belief in the power of understanding, not just with horses, but with humans too.
Around 15 years ago, I embarked on specialist training with The Horse Boy movement, earning certification in a niche method for working with people on the Autistic spectrum. My goal was to offer therapeutic sessions for neurodivergent children with my own horses…but then, life threw a curveball in the form of my second daughter! It meant putting my plans on hold. Around the same time, I was following a new charity, Jamie’s Farm at Hill House, just up the road from where I now live in Wiltshire; watching its development and loving the whole concept!
It was 11 years ago I spotted them advertising a voluntary role working with horses for a couple of hours a week. I applied thinking it would be great to be able to use my experience and training and still be mummy to a two-year-old. Within a few months the ‘couple of hours’ turned into a whole day… and then an extra day… and my role evolved into the paid position it is today.
Working as a Therapeutic Horse Specialist
The horses are a very special addition to the traditional, working farm ethos of Jamie’s Farm. This element was set in place from the very beginning by Tish, who recognised it as an extension of the therapeutic arm of our work with young people.
Why horses? Stop me, now! I could talk about this all day, but simply put, horses are emotionally genuine. They don’t play games or hide their feelings; they offer a space free from second-guessing or social trickery. Young people find they can have an experience based on truth and authenticity, with the added thrill of befriending a powerful animal who might challenge any preconceived ideas but does so in a way that doesn’t shame or ridicule.
The Impact of Horses on Young People
It’s common to see a nervous, angry or sad child arrive in the yard, and my job is to meet them in that moment – to help them navigate their emotions and fears. Interestingly, a horse may approach the young person first and initially this might feel overwhelming, but mostly, they will recognise it as friendship in its purest form. Most young people are eager to explore this new relationship, whether through leadwork in the manége, a quiet walk around the farm, or simply just hugging. And while they may not realise it, there’s a whole world of science at play, sparking positive physical and emotional shifts beneath the surface.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed thousands of incredible, magical moments. One that stands out is a young girl who arrived at the farm with a big, defensive presence. She was closed off to everyone around her. She made it clear she didn’t need friends, didn’t want friends, and didn’t want to be at the farm! As she stepped into the horse yard, fists clenched, eyes fixed straight ahead, she repeated this well-rehearsed mantra.
Then, something happened: one by one, three of our biggest horses approached and formed a triangle around her. Naturally a little startled, she asked rather crossly, ‘what are they doing?!’ I offered up the idea that maybe they didn’t agree and would like to be friends with her – to which she became visibly emotional. She suddenly seemed so much smaller and vulnerable and within her session her whole demeanour changed allowing herself to connect with the alpha mare and create a lovely bond. As the week went on, she opened up to others and left the farm with a new perspective on friendship.
Could therapeutic horse work be for you?
A career in therapeutic horse work is both demanding yet rewarding. Those drawn to it will have a definite sense that it’s the right path for them, but success requires a strong understanding of both horses and humans. There are fantastic courses available, but I believe the real key is spending as much time as possible observing horses, learning how they live, think and feel; it’s then the interweaving between horse and human really takes shape.
Over the years, I’ve learned from a wide range of equine professionals and completed various courses related to this work. Each experience has been valuable, and I’ve taken pieces from them all to create an approach that best serves the young people we support at the farm.
Reflections and Learnings
The amount I’ve learned about myself at Jamie’s Farm is immeasurable. Working in a progressive charity, with a culture of growth, makes it hard not to! My colleagues are in a league of their own – an endless source of support and natural feeders of the soul. I’ve learned that looking to others and accepting help is just as important as wanting to give it.
Working with horses is a constant journey of co-existence and learning. From being the young girl with no pony, I now have a herd of seven ‘useless’ horses, and a slightly unhealthy belief that it’s still not enough! I have complete faith in what I do, and I think that’s the Jamie’s Farm way: we believe in endless possibilities, and that’s what makes working here so rewarding. It’s been fantastic to see the new farms open over the past decade and to watch the equine programme form across all these settings; creating a wonderful team of Horse Specialists who support each other in continuous learning.
Our spirit is very much ‘students for life’ and we hope that mindset is something every young person takes with them – not just in their horse session, not just during their stay on the farm, but long after they leave…
