A group of ex-offenders (and men at risk of offending) from London retreated to Dials Green Farm animal sanctuary in Lottisham, Somerset, yesterday, Tuesday 9 April, where they enjoyed one of the most restorative days of their lives connecting with rescued animals – including horses, donkeys, goats and pigs – who supported them to release the pain of the past.

The morning animal therapy workshop – marking the launch of the latest 7-Step rehabilitation programme with crime-prevention charity Key4Life – included equine therapy with rescued horses to help the young men release negative behaviour patterns as they took the tentative first steps of their recovery journeys. The day culminated with a blustery walk up the nearby Glastonbury Tor, the wind symbolically blowing away the young men’s troubles as they climbed the iconic hill towards a brighter future.

Eva Hamilton, Founder & CEO of Key4Life, said: “For many of these young Londoners – some of whom come from broken homes – this was their first opportunity to directly encounter horses and farm animals. The tender moments of connection they experienced with these mistreated rescued animals were very healing and reflected back to them the challenges they had faced in their own lives.”

Grooming the horses, the men experienced what it’s like to be around such enormous animals, and then working in pairs with their allocated Key Mentors (previous programme participants) guiding them, they practised leading the horses and steering them towards drinking water.

“I’d never been around horses before, it was beautiful!” said Justice, a 21-year-old participant from London. “I felt very attuned with them. And stroking a donkey and goat felt soothing for the soul.”

“Supporting the young men to work with the horses felt amazing,” said Truman, a Key Mentor in training. “When you’re from the city, you’re not around horses so much and they unlock your mind and help you let go of emotions.”

Nina Harris, Founder of the Dials Green Farm animal sanctuary said: “What a brilliant day – the warm interaction between the rescue animals and the young men said it all. There was great empathy from the lovely young men which of course brought out the best in the animals. Despite the very high winds, the rescue race horses remained calm and engaged throughout. It’s a symbiotic process twixt man and beast!”