Equestrian charity, Stable Lives, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2022 Soldiering On Awards. The charity works with rescued horses to support people’s mental health, including those in the armed forces.
It has been shortlisted for The Animal Partnership Award category, which honours the unique relationships and companionship provided by animals as well as the achievements of individuals or organisations engaged with animals that support and empower members of the Armed Forces community.
Stable Lives provides equine courses for military veterans and their families dealing with the effects of mental health trauma. The charity provides a calm place to rest, relax and reconnect to society.
Each veteran who attends is assigned their own rescue pony for the duration of their six-week course, during which time they learn to build trust, respect and resilience together, as they work through an industry recognised qualification.
Examples of the equines involved include Slinky, who joined Stable Lives after being rescued from a tiny barn, where he’d been locked in with 100 other animals for four years, and Fimbo (pictured above), who is blind in one eye and helps veterans with physical challenges.
Mare Willow teaches about anxiety and aggressive behaviour. During her rehabilitation, she would attack when she was frightened, yet with careful training, she learned to stay calm and build trust.
“If we spoke directly to people about anxiety, aggression and poor life choices, their guards would go up; but through the ponies’ stories and camaraderie, lives are changed, and hope is found,” said founder Carrie Byrom (pictured top with Mole).
The winner of the award will be chosen through a public vote. Voting is live until 11:59pm on Sunday 17 July. You can vote online at soldieringon.org/soa-2022-animal-partnership-award-finalists
The Animal Partnership Award is sponsored by Pets at Home.
