The Friends of the University of Buckingham took a group of students to an equestrian centre, in order to interact with the animals.
This visit meant students had the opportunity to get out into the countryside and interact with a number of the gentle ponies.
The excursion itself proved a welcome break, to de-stress away from the pressure of studies and exams. The bonding with a horse is known to be therapeutic and beneficial to hard-working students, and is run as part of a well-being scheme.
The session was led by Gillian St. Ledger Smith, Deputy Chair of the Friends of the University and Equine Consultant and Instructor at the Bryerley Springs Equestrian Centre, located in Great Brickhill.
The students learnt how to read a pony’s body language and keep safe, before subsequently walking and grooming the animals. They also learnt how to make a quick release knot and how to saddle a horse.
The Friends of the University were sponsored for this event by the Buckingham and Villages Community Board. In the course of their work helping students, members enjoy interacting with students and attend a wide range of university talks and social events.
Events like this also the Friends of the University to have a much closer connection with their University and the students attending.
MBA final term student Divya Jacob said ‘She had been really looking forward to this visit, always fascinating, so good to be very close to the ponies. It has been given me a good relaxation, and feeling the calmness round the animals has helped me calm myself before my dissertation tomorrow, thank you so much to the Friends.’
Source : Friends of the University
