UP TO 80 children with autism are being given a chance to get close to horses as part of a pioneering educational scheme designed to help them deal with everyday life.

Rein and Shine at Braydon already provides training for local schoolchildren with special needs. But now it is offering local youngsters with the condition free equine-assisted learning as part of a community project.

The aim of the event on May 7 is also to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

Owner Jo Sharpe said: “Horses can hugely benefit children with autism and we want to give them a chance to experience this help without any associated costs.

“I have never seen a child with learning difficulties act negatively towards a horse or even the staff on the yard. They seem to become truly engaged and absorbed around the horses and their focus is phenomenal.”

She explained: “It helps the children forget the number of challenges they must deal with daily as they become emerged in the equine activity of riding, grooming and care. Those that are nervous around the horses seem to conquer this fear incredible quickly and we see them become more resilient and less anxious.

“The levels of personal growth, concentration, confidence and even teamwork improves enormously.”

The sessions will be run as part of its Hoof Club community interest company, which already provides training for children with special educational needs, including pupils at Uplands School and Nyland Campus Primary School in Swindon.

Children can learn how to behave with horses, how to look after them and how to ride. “Horses have been proven effective in creating an emotional healing bond and improving cognitive, language, motor and social skills,” said Jo.

“For many children, the bond developed with horses can help promote self-awareness in their everyday life which can give them the confidence to learn other skills outside of the equine world.”

All schools in Swindon and North Wiltshire can ask for a free place for any child aged four to 11 who is on the autism spectrum.

Supported by the National Autistic Society and Riding for the Disabled, the two-hour slots will involve a contact and care session including safety and welfare and a 30-minute riding lesson.

A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise £1,000 for the project and sponsorship is being sought from businesses. All profits are going to the NAS.

Anyone who knows of a child with autism or Aspergers’ Syndrome who is educated in the area and might benefit from the event is advised to contact their school and ask them to contact Rein and Shine.

Those who want to donate can do so at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/equine-learning