Life lessons from a horse – Horses helping humans

Naidex at the NEC 2025

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Claire Schimmer, Trustee of Inclusive Nature, Liz Morrison and Stephanie Quintrell presented a talk on ‘Access to Adventure’ at the Naidex 2025 exhibition at the NEC in March.  

Naidex has supported the disability community for over 50 years, providing a gateway to a world of invaluable support, resources and inspiration. The exhibition and programme of speakers covers all aspects of the disability journey, making it a truly holistic event. Whether you’re living with a disability, a carer, or supplying products and services to the community, this event is always a must-attend.

Claire highlighted how important access to nature – and adventure – could be. One way is through horses, as equestrian businesses are often accessibility aware, and based in lovely countryside locations!  Increasingly they are training to provide a range of unmounted ‘equine-facilitated activities’ in riding schools and professional centres.  As more people understand the benefit that horses can give, this will increase. 

 

Liz Morrison, founder of The Happiness Horsebox CIC, gave an example of a mobile facility that can provide support for outdoor activities as diverse as wild swimming, all terrain wheelchair routes as well as the peacefulness of bird watching and fishing – and of course horse riding and visiting equestrian events .  

The presentation was completed by Stephanie Quintrell, founder of Equine Para Adventures CIC.  She shared her inspiring story of organising a trek across the Pyrenees in 2024. Next are plans to ride across the Andes in 2026, with her wheelchair carried by a horse.

Horse Welfare in Equine Assisted Approaches

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A new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and their Hybrids  has been published. It was collated in partnership between Defra and the British Horse Council and  sets out minimum standards that should be met by anyone caring for an equine in England.

The Code of Practice can be viewed and downloaded here:

The Code covers all aspects of physical well-being including; what constitutes a suitable environment for a horse, ensuring their nutritional needs are met, protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease, end of life planning and duty of care.  In addition, the Code also sets out requirements for ensuring that a horse’s behavioural and companionship needs are met.

Whilst the Code is not a legally binding document, it does mean that if proceedings are brought against a horse owner under the Animal Welfare Act, the Court will look at whether or not the owner has complied with the Code in deciding whether or not an offence has been committed. The Code reflects the latest research and developments in equine management.

World Horse Welfare Chief Executive, Roly Owers, said:

“The publication of this updated Code of Practice is a significant step for equine welfare in England. Not only does the Code set out the minimum standards that constitute and define responsible ownership, but it provides a useful and easily accessible reference guide for horse owners and carers from all areas of the equine sector.

“Although it cannot be used to bring about a prosecution, this statutory Code is an important resource for enforcers and welfare charities which offers clear guidance and education as well as assisting Courts of Law to enforce welfare offences and hold irresponsible owners to account.

“The updated Code is similar to guidance in other countries which set out good practice in equine welfare and we look forward to progressing a European-wide version as part of the EU Animal Welfare Platform’s Equine Sub Group.”