Case Studies
Respite Days for NHS frontline staff
With huge strain taking its toll on NHS doctors and nurses, our crowdfunding campaign enabled us to offer full days with our herd, to focus entirely on themselves, to relax, refresh and recharge the batteries. The response was overwhelmingly positive. NHS staff expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to devote time to their own emotional health and wellbeing, away from the pressures of their work, in the out-of-the-ordinary setting of a field full of horses.
NHS Staff
“I'm so grateful to all those who chose to donate... it's very humbling as I will never know who all those kind and generous people are who gave from their hearts to help tired and weary NHS workers.”
Senior Nurse Practitioner
“Your friendliness and welcoming manner have made this day great. I have felt so relaxed and at ease and have totally wound down, which is rare for me. Your horses are so beautiful… they carry lessons for us all. Thank you so much.”
A & E doctor
Moving on from domestic abuse
A long history of poor mental health, traumatic events, including domestic abuse and substance misuse resulting in PTSD, all combined to lead Charli to suffer a breakdown during the pandemic. Charli sought help through Trinity Winchester, who referred her to Tower House Horses.
Charli now volunteers for Trinity and runs groups to help empower others.
Substance misuse
Following a history of childhood abuse, Sarah resorted to drugs and alcohol to relieve the symptoms of the emotional trauma she had suffered. Chronic lack of self-worth meant several attempts to maintain drug-free sobriety failed, until Sarah spent time in a treatment centre which referred her to Tower House Horses. She experienced the life-changing benefits of re-building her confidence through spending time with our horses, in conjunction with the counselling she received in treatment. Sarah has been able to move on with her life and remains sober and free of drugs.
Sarah
“When I went into recovery I had very little confidence and self-esteem. I learned so much from the horses about how my own emotions can impact on people around me. I am genuinely happy with the direction my life is headed. I know what I want and I have the confidence to go out and get it…”
Anxiety and depression
Emma had suffered from anxiety, depression and self-harm since her teenage years. No longer able to work due to poor mental health, in her thirties Emma sought help and self-referred to Tower House Horses, with her counsellor’s support. Being with the Tower House herd made a huge difference to her ability to cope. After a programme of one-2-one sessions, Emma was able to return to part-time work.
Emma
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you and your awesome horses. Even just being in the field is incredibly calming. I have noticed I haven’t been thinking negatively or being self-critical. I feel so much more relaxed, I can’t quite believe it!”
Previous offenders
With a history of minor offences and numerous prison sentences related to his drug addiction and bi-polar disorder, Andy was determined to turn his life around but found it difficult to live with his feelings of failure and shame. With the support of his Community Rehabilitation Company probation officer, he was referred to THH for a programme of 6 two-hour sessions, during which his openness to learning and change saw him grow rapidly in self-worth and confidence. He is looking forward to rebuilding a rewarding life.
Andy
“The horses helped me to feel good about myself for the first time in many years. They gave me insights into how to do what’s best for me, and what I must now do to get where I want to be…“
Families in crisis
Michelle and her two daughters were struggling to cope as a single parent family and were referred by Children’s Services for support with re-building trust and improving communication.
Working as a team with the horses helped the family to recognise each other’s strengths and support each other with the challenges they faced.
Michelle
“What this experience gave us was quality time together to help us resolve our issues as a family. The horses taught me to be mindful and to slow down. I am always in a hurry to get things done and I sometimes don’t get anywhere with the kids, but then I remember what I learned at Tower House Horses and I get a much better response by being calm. We were honoured to be given this experience. It’s a great way to learn about ourselves, to communicate better and work as a team. This is something we will never forget.”
Challenging behaviour
Being in long-term foster care and coping with attachment disorder meant Child H’s behaviour was becoming increasingly challenging at home and in the classroom. By the age of 12, having been excluded from mainstream school and attending a pupil referral unit part-time, H was angry, confused and becoming increasingly unmanageable. Connecting with the Tower House herd enabled her to learn how to regulate her emotions, gave her techniques for calming herself down and improved her ability to open up about her feelings of abandonment and insecurity.
DB - H’s Foster Carer
“Six months on, there was a marked difference in her. It is my firm belief that the opportunity to explore experiential learning with horses has empowered H to understand and relate in human terms, the impact of her behaviour on those around her.”