A brain injury rehab centre spoke on how horses can be helpful for therapy.

Amongst the range of facilities available at Keswick's Calvert Reconnections is the Lake District Calvert Trust Riding Centre, a riding school for people of all abilities.

The stables are purpose-built with indoor and outdoor arenas, viewing gallery, state of the art lifts and electronic hoists, for those unable to ride, there are adapted wheelchair accessible traps.

The benefits of equine activities in brain injury rehabilitation are well recognised through independent research, according to the centre.

A study by the University of Basel found that animal assisted activities, including horses, can significantly improve the social behaviour and communication skills of patients suffering from brain injuries.

The research found that that the benefits of equine activities are attributed to several factors, one is how highly motivated patients are to care for the horse.

The effect is seen particularly in people who are hard to reach through standard therapies, either because of issues with social interaction or problems with cognitive function and verbal communication.

Researchers found the movement of the horse as a person is riding at a simple walk gives them balance, coordination and self-confidence, and the rhythm and motion is therapeutic; the body gains strength through its adjustment to the horse’s gait.

Stables Manager Henri Carew, a qualified British Horse Society instructor and Riding for the Disabled Coach, has over 20 years' experience working with children and adults of varying disabilities through the Calvert Trust.

She said:“The vocational opportunities for participants are having a hugely positive impact on their life.

"It motivates them to get out of bed in the morning to look after the horses and creates a structure to their day.

"They become part of our team and some go on to support other riders which is so empowering.

“This all takes the focus off the participant’s own challenges and on to the care of the horses and other riders.”

Claire Appleton, Head of Service at Calvert Reconnections echoed this: “Equine activities are an important part of our service and the outcomes to date have been outstanding.

“Most participants enjoy this type of activity so much they don't even consider it as a part of their rehabilitation programme!”

The centre is currently taking referrals.

For further information, visit www.calvertreconnections.org.uk.