Aberdeen Airport saddles up with Camphill

Airport staff provide support for Camphill riding therapy

First published 29 Oct 2008

Aberdeen Airport has teamed up with the Camphill Rudolf Steiner School to boost its Therapeutic Riding School Appeal which benefits children with emotional, physical and learning needs.

The independent, voluntary school – located on three estates in the Lower Deeside area of Aberdeen – offers an inclusive approach to education, care and health to children and young people with a broad range of special needs.

Its Therapeutic Riding School offers a unique and varied programme to the pupils attending Camphill and has helped youngsters for several decades, providing pupils with individual therapy supported by a team of qualified staff and specially trained horses.

Following a fundraising request on behalf of Camphill, Aberdeen Airport’s charity committee has donated £4,000 towards the provision of a new horse, specialised equipment and general running costs.

GP and Medical Officer at Camphill, Stefan Geider said:

"I have been involved in the horseriding therapy in Camphill since 1983.  At the time I was working as a horseriding therapist.  I grew up with horses and in my youth competed in both show jumping and dressage.

"Since 1996 I have supervised the riding therapy as a medical consultant and have been responsible for referring children." 

Dr Geider explained that the following groups of children benefit particularly from the therapy:

• Children with developmental disorder i.e. autism, ADHD, speech and language disorder.
• Children with fine and cross motor difficulties and other movement disorders.
• Children with emotional behavioural social problems, and attachment disorders.

"The key to understanding the therapeutic value of the horses are thevarious movement patterns – the specific rhythms of walking, trotting and cantering.  The horse is experienced by the children as a trusted friend that is non-judgemental and forgiving with its predictable and reliable behaviour. 

"The joy experienced by the children riding on horseback can overcome many of their fears and anxieties nurturing self confidence and motivation. 

"Through developing an appropriate relationship to the horse, the children are able to learn practical life skills which can equip them for the many challenges they encounter."

The therapy received by the children includes help with fostering relationships to assist with social and emotional development, a variety of programmes of sensory elements, ground work and care, bareback sensory integration activities and exercises, and riding skills for those children able to progress through the therapeutic developmental process.

Thanks to the extensive natural and therapeutic environment available, some children also benefit from ’social walks.’

The riding school currently has four horses of varying size, breed and character. They are specially trained to listen to and work with pupils and staff, and to meet the vast range of complex and specialised needs of the pupils.

The staff team is led by Kat Gibb, an NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Riding Instructor. Several other members of the team assist with the day-to-day care of the animals, the running of the yard and execution of the therapy programme, with additional support provided by volunteers.

Aberdeen Airport managing director Kevin Brown said: “Camphill has been providing vital support to hundreds of special young people for many decades and we are absolutely delighted to be assisting them.

“The Therapeutic Riding School is an excellent facility, helping break down many of the barriers children and young people with a variety of challenging needs face. The airport’s charity committee has supported a huge number of charities, organisations, clubs and groups over the years and this is easily among the most worthwhile causes we have been only too happy to help.”

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