Rose Labbe, NOCN Level 1 Step-UP, Equine Assisted Qualifications (EAQ) 2010-11

Winner of a Pride of Somerset Award 2011

Rose Labbe attends Equines Empowering People, an EAQ approved centre delivering equine assisted learning, accredited by the Open College Network South West Region (OCNSWR). 

She has recently achieved a National Open College Network Level 1 Certificate in Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step –UP), equivalent to a GCSE Grade D-G or NVQ Level 1.

This is an incredible achievement for Rose considering she had been excluded from her mainstream school and was in a pupil referral unit.  She was extremely shy, and lacking in the confidence and skills to express her own opinions in an appropriate manner.  Due to her fear of group situations, she had refused to attend any placements or college courses that had been offered to her.

Rose began attending the Equines Empowering People (EEP) centre in Taunton in September 2010.  EEP are approved by Equine Assisted Qualifications who offer training, support and guidance for facilitators of equine assisted learning.  Initially, she chose to complete a single unit from the Step-UP qualification – ‘Developing Confidence and Self Awareness’.  She was at first uncertain of how this was going to work out, but over time she was able to build her confidence and self esteem.  Rose took part in a variety of activities with the horses at the centre, observing their behaviour, interacting with them, and gaining an understanding of how they think and behave. 

As well as achieving the Level 1 qualification, she has organised her own work placement and was awarded a ‘Pride of Somerset’ Award for the way she has turned her life around.  Rose says of the experience “I love working with the horses, even the mucky jobs, and I hope that I can join the mounted police one day”.

Nikki Stocker, Rose's EAQ tutor, believes the course has transformed Rose’s prospects – "I believe the courses Rose is doing with Clare have completely transformed Rose into a confident and capable young lady who now has a very bright future ahead of her”.

Rose’s mother agrees that the course has turned her life around - “Rose has matured and grown from this whole experience. I have found her stories of the horses incredible and have learnt just how amazing and complex these animals really are.  Rose has learnt such valuable skills from them and has altered remarkably.  She has grown that much in confidence that she is standing tall, head held high, walks proud.  She has developed patience and understanding, and is coming across as a person who is much stronger emotionally”.

Hear Rose's mother talk about her experience in the below video.

For more information on Equine Assisted Qualifications please visit the EAQ website or contact Tricia Day on 01747 828150, email centre@equineassistedqualifications.com.

For more information on Step-UP and other NOCN qualifications visit our Courses and Qualifications section, or contact your OCNSWR Development Manager.