Calm in the Company of Horses

A woman with a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition today told how spending time with horses has built her confidence and helped her to find a job.

Lillie Allen, 20, from Molesey, Surrey, was born with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb that affects a child's brain, growth and behaviour.  

Lillie (pictured above), who also has dyslexia, was badly bullied at secondary school, which impacted her mental health and wrecked her confidence.

Eight years ago, at a low ebb, Lillie’s nan suggested she visit the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)’s centre at Park Lane in Teddington, Southwest London, and things began to change.

“I had been bullied a lot at school and my mental health really suffered,” said Lillie, who lives with her nan, Katrina.

“But then after I started spending time with horses at the RDA centre, I started to see things differently. I started to feel better in myself and my life began to improve. If I didn't have horses today, I don't think I'd be here.”

In her time as an RDA participant, regularly attending the RDA’s Park Lane Stables in Teddington, Southwest London, Lillie’s confidence steadily grew as she spent more time interacting with horses. 

In 2022, she began an apprenticeship as a trainee coach at the RDA’s Park Lane Stables centre. In 2024, she passed her Level 2 apprentice qualification (equivalent to five GCSEs). 

Having completed a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in equine management at Merrist Wood College in Surrey, Lillie is now employed as a Level 3 apprentice, progressing towards becoming a fully qualified RDA coach.

“Spending time with horses has made me so much happier and confident,” she said.

“Being in a job is something I never thought I’d be doing a few years ago. Now I am helping other people who are in situations similar to the one I used to be in.

“Rather than being afraid to go out, and fearing how people might judge me, I am comfortable in who I am and doing a job for the RDA that I absolutely love.”

Being around horses lifts Lillie’s mood. The animals intuitively adapt their behaviour to what she and others need, including when she is upset.

“The benefits of the human-horse connection go far beyond physical activity,” said Lisa Davies, Head of Communications at RDA.

“Horses build trust, inspire confidence and bring a sense of calm, making a life-changing difference for disabled people and those who have experienced trauma, anxiety or exclusion. 

“Every year, RDA helps 39,000 disabled people and individuals with long-term health conditions experience these transformative benefits. Lillie is a shining example of what's possible with the right support." 

To find out more visit https://rda.org.uk/