A MARE and Foal Sanctuary student Jacob Porter has won the prestigious Pamela Almond Changing Lives through Horses Achieve Award. The award was given due to ‘Jacob’s exceptional growth and commitment to his personal development.’

The story leading up to Jacob’s award is one of inspiration. Jacob began working with the team at the Mare and

Foal Sanctuary in 2019 after struggling at school due to dyslexia and dyscalculia. He had already left mainstream education when his family heard about the Equine Assisted Services offered by the sanctuary and its focus on growing confidence by building transferrable life skills.

Jacob started with The British Horse Society’s Changing Lives through Horses programme and quickly worked his way through all ten stable management awards and all six ridden awards.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the first and only equine welfare organisation to offer the Changing Lives through Horses programme.

Jacob’s mum, Cheryl, explains why the programme at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary was so important: ‘Jacob has always loved horses and wants a career with them. However, due to his severe dyslexia, the standard school system posed many difficulties for him in achieving this aim.

The loss of his father to a long-term illness only added to the intensity of his situation. Since attending the Mare and Foal Sanctuary he has overcome adversity by applying himself with tenacity, courage and determination, making incredible progress. He has been committed and worked extremely hard.’

Jacob now hopes to go on to complete The British Horse Society’s professional pathway to gain his coaching qualifications. He has embraced learning and is inspired to become a riding coach. Thanks to his time at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary he has also been able to go back to education and is attending South Devon College to study Animal Care and Car Mechanics. Jacob says: ‘I’ve very pleased as I’ve put in a lot of work. It’s life-changing!’

Dawn Neil, Head of Education and Equine Assisted Services for the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, said: ‘We’re delighted that Jacob has won the Achieve Award. His passion and commitment have shone through as he has developed knowledge, skills and confidence working with our rescued horses and ponies.’

Alison Blackmore, Head of Changing Lives through Horses at The British Horse Society said: ‘We’re delighted to present Jacob with our annual Pamela Almond Award. Jacob has embraced this opportunity with the team at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary and dedicated so much of his time to his personal growth. It’s wonderful to see how the programme and the power of horses have positively impacted Jacob.’