This week marked a wonderful milestone for our young people with a positive return to school, celebrated through a meaningful session at the horse yard. Despite the bitter cold weather—where the yard felt at least ten degrees chillier than anywhere else— they embraced the challenge with determination and enthusiasm.

Recognising the need to layer up to stay warm, the young people quickly took to sweeping the yard, eager to work up a sweat and keep the cold at bay. The teamwork was outstanding, and they felt a genuine sense of achievement knowing they had made a real difference to the yard’s upkeep.

The session continued with grooming , where they discovered the tangible difference between the groomed and untouched parts of the horse’s coat. This tactile experience helped them appreciate how grooming can make horses feel more comfortable and cared for, deepening their connection with the horses.

The young people's comfort and confidence grew as they spent time with the horses in the stable, reflecting on how much they enjoyed the session. Positive attitude and engagement are a testament to how working with horses can support young people in overcoming challenges and building new skills.

And to top it all off, we looked forward to a well-deserved fish and chip dinner, rounding off a day of growth, teamwork, and connection.

At Cambian Whinfell School, we believe in the incredible power of horses to change lives — nurturing confidence, responsibility, and emotional wellbeing in every young person we support.