‘I have always been told to face my fears. Coming to HorseBack helped me do that. As someone who was caught up in the Hyde Park Bombings of 1982, whenever I saw a horse all I smelt was death and all I saw was destruction. So as you can imagine my first day there was very troublesome. Through the hard work of the guys who were with me I made it through day one. Although I must admit that by the time I returned in the evening to the Smiddy I felt like a broken man. In tears, butterfly stomach and trembling hands. I was physically sick and a wreck. At this point I began to realise that those around me understood how I was feeling. This was definitely a new experience, even for me. With their hard work as brothers and sisters and the dedication of Jock and Emma I made it through the week. Now I get to return as often as I like. They are all like my second family and helped me on a journey I would never have made without them. Thank you all.’
