I ARRIVE at the equestrian centre at Liskenett Autism Centre on what I feel must be a typical Friday morning. The stables and indoor school are alive with activity as a group of happy looking young people prepare for a session of equine therapy. Looking at the faces of these young people it is hard to believe that the majority of them are in the autism spectrum, many with a history of challenging behaviour.

I am here to meet with David Doyle, manager of adult services and initiator of the Liskenett project, to find out just what it is about the interaction with horses that is so beneficial for people with autism. He explains to me the principles behind the ‘Horse Boy Method’ of equine assisted learning used at Liskenett.