Emilia's Success Story
Emilia first came to Greatwood for Get Going (Entry Level 2 Award in the Basic Care of Horses). Emilia was being educated at home after a very difficult, and at times traumatic, time in mainstream school due to the mental health difficulties she was experiencing. Emilia was also struggling with dyslexia and awaiting assessment for other special educational needs.
Emilia felt an affinity with the horses and enrolled onto Initial Bit (Entry Level 3, Recognising, Putting On, and Cleaning Saddle and Bridle) keen to continue her studies at Greatwood. This period wasn't always easy for Emilia, but the consistency of Greatwood helped. Emilia built trusting relationships with the education team, and she began to identify Greatwood as her "safe place".
We wanted to continue to support Emilia, so she enrolled on her third Greatwood course, NOCN accredited L1 course Developing confidence working with animals. Emilia did indeed gain confidence greatly over this period. During this time, Emilia built friendships with some other Greatwood students and was able to sit some of her GCSE examinations. On completion of her course Emilia said "‘coming to Greatwood has really helped me to build confidence and learn new skills. It has been the best part of my week"
Now Emilia is studying Animal Care at Lackham College and is volunteering at a donkey sanctuary. Her mum Caroline said "Emilia didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere. Greatwood was hugely positive for her"
