HORSING around in Rugby School’s Chapel is usually frowned upon – but not when two miniature Shetland ponies trotted up the aisle to promote the work of charity Circles Network.
Sixth form pupils dedicate their Wednesday afternoons to the School’s Community Action programme, and three pupils have chosen to volunteer at the Rugby-based charity.
Part of the work of the charity – which builds inclusive communities on the foundations of justice, advocacy, empowerment and friendships – is to harness the therapeutic and educational power of horses.
Pupils Iona Craig, Anousha Salehi and Maddie Thompson help disadvantaged and disabled children and young people to benefit from interacting with horses, helping them to improve their communication, social skills and self-esteem.
Iona had the idea to bring the ponies into the Chapel, where the whole School gathers for morning service, to raise awareness of the charity.
The moment the two ponies walked into the Rugby School Chapel morning service.
She said: “What makes Circles so special is that every session I have attended has been different. I particularly enjoy Saturday Club as the same group of children come every week, allowing us to build strong relationships with each other.
“This in turn creates a genuine and inclusive atmosphere that I have never encountered elsewhere. The horses are all fantastic and really adjust their behaviour to what each child needs – it doesn’t matter whether you have experience of horses before or not.”
Circles Network chief executive Mandy Neville, who created the charity in 1994, joined the ponies with her colleague, Equine Project manager Rhianne McCallion.
The pair outlined their work to the congregation who were fascinated to see the two ponies actually in Chapel standing happily next to Chaplain Richard Horner.
Mandy said: “Working in Partnership with Rugby School has provided many rich rewards.
“The students have been exceptional in their commitment to Circles Network; their enthusiasm is infectious and their warm, hardworking and accepting approach has enabled the children and young people we work with to shine and develop. We are grateful to Rugby School for promoting this strong community.”
Rugby School teacher Adam Naylor presents a cheque to Mandy Neville (far right) and Rhianne McCallion.
Community Action leader Adam Naylor also presented a cheque for £500 on behalf of the School. Pupils raised the money through various initiatives including bag packing at Asda during the Christmas period.
Email [email protected] or call 01788 816671 for more information on Circles Network.
