BEIJING: Victor Liu, 14, rides a dark-haired horse at a Beijing equestrian club on a crisp spring day to begin the most recent practice of a sport that has transformed his life.
Victor has long battled stigma and is frequently misunderstood, just like other Chinese teenagers with autism. However, Horses Offering People Enrichment (HOPE), a nonprofit organization, is working to help by highlighting the advantages of equine pursuits for mental health.
Tall trees and the neighing of ponies and horses provide a haven from the stress of China’s frenetic capital just north of Beijing. Autism is frequently referred to as “loneliness sickness” in China. Children are referred to as “children of the stars.”
HOPE attempts to boost autistic children’s self-esteem and improve their hand-eye coordination. Victor has been horseback riding at the HOPE facility for over eight years. Victor also has a vision impairment.
He also assists with feeding and grooming the horses between sessions as instructors lead pupils through specialized equine exercises.
His mother Stella told AFP that she has noticed a noticeable improvement in his capacity to follow directions and plan his activities. As a mom, she claimed, “I’ve observed changes in him due to horseback riding.”
At HOPE’s riding facility, horses and people form a close bond as the animals follow staff members around the facility. Trainers help students up wooden mounting blocks to prepare them for action while the horses tower over the kids’ heads. — AFP/APP
