HorseWorld commemorates their longest-serving Discovery horse Kira’s 12-year milestone and her role in changing over 1,000 young lives
HorseWorld has honoured one of its most beloved equine team members, Kira, for completing 12 years of life-changing work on its equine-assisted learning programme, Discovery.
Since joining the programme in 2013, Kira has worked with around 1,000 vulnerable young people, contributing over 2,000 hours to the charity’s life-changing Discovery sessions. Her gentle and patient nature has made her a cornerstone of the programme and a firm favourite among staff and students alike.
Discovery is HorseWorld’s equine-assisted learning programme, launched in 2007 to support children and young people with emotional, social, and mental health challenges. The sessions pair students with gentle, rescued horses like Kira to build confidence, communication skills, empathy, and trust.
Head of Equine Welfare Sarah Hollister presenting Kira with her trophy and sash
Discovery Course Facilitator and founder of Discovery, Sharon Howell said:
“Kira has been an absolute dream to work with from the very start. She is a kind, thoughtful and loving mare that really cares for all the students she worked with. She has been an excellent Discovery horse who has empowered many young people over the years. We are so proud of her and she will be greatly missed on the Discovery programme.”
Kira’s milestone was officially recognised during HorseWorld’s recent Sponsorship Day, a special twice-yearly event that invites sponsors to meet the animals they support.
In front of an audience of loyal sponsors, staff, and volunteers, Kira was presented with a custom sash and trophy to mark her outstanding contribution to the Discovery Programme.
The celebration reflects HorseWorld’s deep appreciation for the role horses like Kira play in their educational and therapeutic work.
As with all HorseWorld horses, Kira’s welfare and wellbeing has always been the top priority, so as soon as the time came for Kira to retire, the team made sure that happened, but up until then she had loved working as part of the team and flourished in her role.
Sharon added: “Kira absolutely thrived on Discovery, you could tell she really loved seeing her students and she particularly enjoyed a good pamper and groom! She is so patient and understanding, and really took the time to bond with each student and know what they needed in that time. She really is a one of a kind horse and we have been so lucky to have her on the Discovery programme for the last 12 years.”
While Discovery transforms the lives of young people, it also has a positive impact on the horses. Kira clearly loved her role and enjoyed having a purpose and forming bonds with people.
Now retired from Discovery, Kira will enjoy a happy and well-deserved retirement in the HorseWorld herd.
In addition to her work with Discovery, she is one of the charity’s longest-serving sponsorship horses.
By sponsoring a rescued horse like Kira, HorseWorld are able to save more equines in desperate need, and help change more young lives on their Discovery programme.