THE focus was on natural ways of handling horses at a Kingston Maurward equine fair.

The event was organised and run by students on the agricultural college’s HND equine management course and helped raise money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and a group outing.

Demonstrations of Spanish riding, horse whispering and Reiki – a type of massage – were all included in the event.

Project manager Jenny Hintze said: “The event was amazing, the footfall was really good and we got some great feedback.

“We are very pleased with it all.”

She added: “There were some fantastic and very interesting demonstrations, including the Monty Roberts technique, which is like horse whispering.

“Horses react well to these kinds of holistic therapies.

“They are flight animals, so the softer, sympathetic approach really puts them at ease and makes them calmer, rather than using a tougher, more human approach.”

As well as trade stands and holistic demonstrations, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service was on hand to teach people about horse rescues. The event was organised by the students as part of their course, from the initial planning stage to running the event on the day.

Jenny said: “We started off by doing research by way of questionnaires to find out what sort of event people would like to go to.

“This idea was overwhelmingly popular.

“It’s a central element of the course to learn how to run and manage an event like this, so students can experience working in a team and overcoming all the problems and issues that arise.

“It’s all about life skills really.”

Some of the money raised was donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Jenny said: “We chose this charity because horse riders do sometimes have accidents in remote places and their services can be life saving.”

It also funded a group trip to Newmarket where students visited race yards, the jockey school and the museum and listened to a presentation from a racing vet.