Kira the Discovery horse: 12 years of inspiring young lives at HorseWorld

We are proud to celebrate one of our longest-serving and most cherished Discovery horses, Kira, who has reached the incredible milestone of 12 years working on our equine-assisted learning programme.

Since joining Discovery in 2013, Kira has supported around 1,000 vulnerable children and young people, dedicating more than 2,000 hours to life-changing sessions. With her gentle, patient nature, Kira has become a cornerstone of the programme, earning the love and respect of both staff and students.

Launched in 2007, our Discovery programme pairs rescued horses like Kira with children and young people facing emotional, social, and mental health challenges. Together, they build confidence, communication skills, empathy, and trust - skills that can transform lives long into the future.

Kira’s remarkable contribution was officially recognised during our recent Sponsorship Day, a special twice-yearly event where sponsors are invited to meet the animals they help 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 role on the Discovery Programme.

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.” 

As with all the horses at HorseWorld, Kira’s welfare and wellbeing has always been the top priority. Head of Equine Welfare, Sarah Hollister explained: "As soon as the time came for Kira to retire, we made sure it happened smoothly. Up until then, she loved her work and flourished as part of the team.”

While the Discovery programme transforms the lives of young people, it also provides enrichment and purpose for the horses themselves. Horses like Kira thrive on having a role, enjoying the structure, mental stimulation, and gentle interaction with the students. Building bonds with different children and learning to respond to a variety of cues keeps them engaged and confident, while giving them a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in their work. For many of our rescued horses, participating in Discovery is just as rewarding for them as it is for the young people they support.

Sharon Howell reflected on Kira's time working on Discovery: Kira thrived on Discovery - she loved seeing her students and enjoyed a good pamper and groom! She is so patient and understanding, and took the time to bond with each student and meet their needs. She really is one of a kind, and we have been so lucky to have her on the programme for 12 wonderful years."

Kira clearly loved her role and the connections she formed with the students. Now retired from Discovery, she will enjoy a happy and well-deserved retirement within the HorseWorld herd.

In addition to her work with Discovery, Kira is also one of our longest-serving sponsorship horses. By sponsoring rescued horses like Kira, you can help save more equines in need and continue changing the lives of children and young people through our Discovery programme.