Animal Assisted Learning with Rachel Hartopp

We are delighted to introduce our new BGA Ambassador, Rachel Hartopp.

Freelance groom Rachel also runs her own company, Berry Fields Animal Assisted Education, which helps to improve the lives of children and adults with a variety of different needs.

Over to Rachel to tell us more…

Can you tell us a little bit about Berry Fields and how it all came about?

I am a qualified headteacher and was a teacher of 19 years within mainstream settings. I’m also qualified to deliver Animal Therapy and Equine Facilitated Learning.

Having used animals within education successfully for many years these experiences came together and created my Berry Fields vision. In 2019 my business was launched.

I can utilise the amazing therapeutic power of animals to support people of all ages in their learning, development, well-being and mental health.

Berry Fields works with a host of other educational agencies with a passion to improve the lives of young people with the use of our trained therapy animals.

The skills I have refined over my 19 years in education allow me to make a difference and reach out to young people enabling them to the best that they can be.

What does Berry Fields Offer?

I offer packages to schools from one off sessions to packages that run over the entire year with one visit per half term.

I link the horsemanship skills very closely to the British Horse Society and the education side to the relevant curriculum for the age / stage in learning

For adults I am able and qualified to deliver sessions for well being, mental health, anxiety, domestic abuse, dementia and much more.

Our therapy dog also visits schools and deliver his Wag and Walk initiative to encourage children to get active.

I also self fund visits to charities and like to raise money for others. Over the last four months we have raised over £500 for charities.

What does a ‘typical’ day involve for you?

I would say my days are as busy if not busier than when I was a headteacher. I obviously have all the chores of running my own horse yard, promoting on social media and updating my website.

If visiting a school the preparation starts the week before, preparing resources, loading the lorry full of agility obstacles, getting the equines ready and then delivering EFL sessions on site and off site.

My ponies also engage in regular work and training as I feel this is really important. It prepares them fully for their working sessions and visits. When I get any spare time I am always busy designing new horse obstacles for my up coming bookings.

I also offer freelance grooming for others.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is observing people’s confidence and self esteem grow through the interaction with horses. I like to nuture the best out of people that attend my sessions getting them to realise there are no limits to their own success.

I also love showing owners how their mini’s can be active and demonstrating all the fun they can have with them too.

I think really the best part is making a difference!

What has been the best / proudest moment to date?

To know that I have achieving my dreams and making a difference to others.

Using my equines to make a difference and self funding charity events, giving back to the community.

I have also been blown away by the positive comments emailed and text to me since starting this adventure. An example would be when Solo my Shetland dressed as Santa and delivered a hamper on Christmas Eve to someone in our local community that was going to be on their own this Christmas, again self funded.

Also up there is achieving a monthly blog in a horse magazine and definitely becoming a BGA Ambassador.

What advice would you give to anyone who is yet to follow their own dreams?

I would encourage anyone that is wanting to make a change in their career path or combine their skills to do something new that it is never too late to make that leap of faith.

Your skills will always be there to go back to and to grab new opportunties with both hands especially if it will impact on yours and others well being to make a better life and difference to others.

How have you found the BGA?

I have found the British Groom Association a fantastic organisation to be a part of. I have completed all of the online training and intend to do more.

I have used lots of the online resources for example the book keeping tools.

Being part of this organisation has been very supportive to know that you are not on your own and there is a network of like-minded people if needed around you. I would definitely recommend any equestrian colleague to join and I can’t wait to further promote the organisation further through being an ambassador. 

If you would like to join the BGA like Rachel you can find out more. 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS