Awnya’s Story – Riding in Good time
How a New Approach is helping Awnya Thrive - by Sarah Perry
At North Shore Riding for the Disabled, we see the profound impact that patience, structure, and a calm environment can have on our riders. One of the most heartwarming transformations recently has been with Awnya, a young girl with autism who has been breaking through her usual barriers and finding moments of connection and joy with her horse, Phoenix.
A Calmer Journey to Riding
Previously, Awnya arrived at NSRDA with her school group, travelling on a noisy school bus. While her school, Wairau Valley Special School, provided wonderful support, transitioning from such a bustling environment to the quiet rhythm of a riding session was often overwhelming for her. Now, Awnya comes with her caregiver, giving her a much calmer and more predictable lead-up to her ride. This change has helped her settle more easily and feel more secure in her surroundings.
Time and Patience: The Key to Comfort
One of our most significant adjustments is allowing extra time for briefings before and after each session. Instead of rushing from one step to the next, Awnya is given the space to absorb her surroundings, adjust to the presence of her horse, and settle into the ride at her own pace. This approach aligns beautifully with the Māori word for autism, Takiwātanga, which means “in their own time and space”. By honouring this principle, we’ve seen a real shift in how Awnya engages with her riding experience.
Moments of Connection
The results have been truly special. Awnya, who is typically non-verbal and finds it hard to relax, has been noticeably more at ease. Her most recent session included moments of quiet eye contact, gentle stroking and cuddling of Phoenix, and even some smiles as she took in the trees around her.
We noticed that small pauses, like when Phoenix stopped to wee, became useful moments for Awnya to reset and reconnect before continuing. When it was time to dismount, she was reluctant, a sign that she was genuinely enjoying her time in the saddle. While she still preferred to remove her helmet quickly after riding, she showed more patience and tolerance for the structured parts of the session.
A Quiet Success Story
This shift to a more organised, peaceful approach has been incredibly beneficial for Awnya. She is proof that when we take the time to meet our riders in their own time and space, they can flourish.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers for adapting seamlessly to these changes and Philippa for capturing some of these special moments on camera. These quiet successes remind us why we do what we do.
