This week I was in awe at a young person’s strength and bravery.
It’s not often I get a day out with the children off site. As DSL I stay at Newton Wood Barn (It’s a beautiful environment so I’m not complaining!)
However, I got to go on the weekly trip to RDA Broadland Stables.
My young man was the best company! We got lost of course, but that was part of the adventure. We had to drive through a massive puddle and we both liked that. (Engage- bonded re puddle adventure)
We talked about what cars he liked and what he would like to drive when older.
(Explore- learned about his interests and what he knows)
This chap is great with animals but has never worked with animals as big as a horse. At Newton Wood Barn he is in the routine and independently responsible, for cleaning out and feeding the smaller animals.
However horses are big, have personalities to match. Also, stables are another entity- the stables are a community – busy with people, volunteering, bringing their dogs and they all look like they know where everything is. Through his lens it is another world. (Extend)
But, Broadland made him feel welcome- he was instantly accompanied and asked to get involved.
He was totally engrossed and although visibly scared and sometimes ‘grossed out’ (manure being a giant theme!) he really ‘mucked in’
During this trip,I found out so much about this little man-
1. He is brave
2. He really is ‘connected’ to all animals
3. He loves cars and can name all the different types
4. He is a great reader- he likes Roald Dahl and wants to get some books
5. He is ‘grossed out’ by manure but also fascinated about how it makes a ‘hot hill’
(can feel a science lesson in there somewhere?)
5. He works hard for his size,
….. and we think the ‘stable’ community could be a very viable ‘life hobby’ that will keep him grounded and may spark future work opportunities!
Quite frankly he loved his day out and said it was the best and wants to go again. Broadland RDA
For me it was an absolute honour to share the experience. It really was a joy.
This lad has not had the best life experiences and school has not worked out so far. YET, he has so much to offer and can have success. Maybe we can tweak the trajectory and offer some hope. Isn’t it our responsibility to do this?
