On June 28, pupils from Oaklands School, who regularly ride at Enborne Equestrian Centre near Newbury, participated in a special equine therapy session. The event highlighted the benefits of horse riding for children with autism, emphasizing improvements in motor skills, communication, emotional regulation, social development, confidence, and resilience. Oaklands School founder Sir Peter Birkett noted that the connection formed with horses significantly boosts pupils’ emotional wellbeing and self-esteem, offering therapeutic advantages beyond traditional methods.

The session included guests such as National Hunt jockey Brendan Powell, Sir Peter Birkett, and Oaklands’ executive headteacher Georgios Chatzakis. The initiative aligns with Autism in Racing, launched by broadcaster Bobby Beevers after his and his daughter’s autism diagnoses, underscoring the positive impact of equine therapy in supporting autistic children’s growth and development.