Spurred into action
HorseWorld launches drive to expand critical work with young people in crisis
HorseWorld is on a mission to fund more than 100 new places on its life-changing programme for vulnerable local children and young people by April 2026. The places will offer timely help to those currently being failed by long waiting lists for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) assessments and funding across Bristol, Bath and North Somerset.
Graham Hilliard (second left) with the HorseWorld Discovery Team
Unlocking Discovery: The Bursary Appeal has been launched to fund bursaries that open access to a one-to-one equine-assisted education programme that has been shown to improve confidence and communication skills among participants in just six weeks.
Each bursary will fund a six-week placement on the charity’s Discovery programme, where specially trained gentle rescued horses and specialist educators help children discover trust, calm and curiosity, and re-engage with learning beyond the classroom.
For nearly two decades, this pioneering alternative learning programme has quietly transformed the lives of more than 3,000 children and young people who have struggled with mainstream education or who face significant social, educational and economic disadvantage – including young people referred via the Police Violence Reduction Programme or who have experienced child sexual exploitation and trauma.
But as local authority funding continues to shrink and waiting lists for SEND diagnoses and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) get ever longer, more at-risk children and young people are slipping through the cracks and missing out on the early support that could change their futures.
Jayden, a young person on HorseWorld's Discovery programme
This term alone, 12 young people due to begin the Discovery programme had their funding for a place withdrawn days before they were due to start. Thanks to a generous donor, five of the children have been able to take up their place, but the other seven are still waiting whilst the charity searches for support.
With the backing of the former Bristol Mayor, Lord Rees of Easton, the charity is now hoping to fund at least 100 new bursaries by April – describing each one as a key to unlocking a young person’s potential.
HorseWorld CEO, Jo Coombs, says:
“These bursaries literally unlock Discovery for children who would otherwise be left waiting. And when they do, they unlock something far greater – a sense of confidence and connection that can last a lifetime.
“Providing 100 bursaries could save local authorities up to £1 million in tribunal costs - and reduce emotional costs for families. Early support also prevents needs from escalating and avoids costly interventions later. The lifetime cost of a young person not in education, employment or training is £50,000 – a likely outcome for children and young people who don’t receive timely support.
“We’re seeing a huge and growing demand from schools and families who are desperate for help but can’t access funding because their child is still waiting for diagnosis or an EHCP. These children can’t afford to wait years in a broken system – they need help now.”
Pictured: Jo Coombs, HorseWorld CEO (centre) with the HorseWorld Discovery team.
To be able to meet this need, the charity has created additional capacity with more staff and more trained rescued horses, meaning more young people can start the Discovery programme within weeks, not the two-year wait many face for an EHCP or diagnosis.
HorseWorld’s most recent survey of referrers – including teachers, social workers and police officers – found that 99% saw improved confidence and 97% saw better communication skills in children who had completed the Discovery programme.
Graham Hilliard, Head of Discovery, says:
“Every week, we see the difference Discovery makes. A bursary doesn’t just fund a course – it gives a reason for children to believe in themselves again. Children who had stopped speaking start to communicate again, their confidence returns, anxiety eases and hope returns, allowing them to re-engage with education.
“Early intervention is key. We have the programme, the team and the horses to support, but we urgently need funds to help more. Please help us make sure no child is turned away while they wait for the system to catch up.”
Pictured: Graham and the HorseWorld Discovery team
Lord Rees of Easton says:
“We know that early intervention works, and we also know the cost of failing to provide it. While overstretched system struggles to diagnose, fund and support children with additional needs, HorseWorld is providing a programme that delivers hope, stability and measurable change within weeks. Supporting this bursary appeal is both morally right and economically smart — it prevents deeper harm and contributes to our responsibility to give every child the best possible start in life.”
Pictured, Discovery student, Jayden with Shetland pony, Charlie
HorseWorld is calling on local communities, organisations and businesses to come together and Unlock Discovery for more children. To find out more or donate, www.horseworld.org.uk/unlocking-discovery.
A new film highlighting how the programme has benefitted local children, narrated by former Bristol Mayor and now Lord Rees of Easton has been released to support the campaign.
Image Credit: First Avenue Photography.