Feature Page

 “I feel peace and only happiness in the calm, warm breath of a friendly, mindful being that is the special soul which a horse is born with.  I am a different and sane person with them around me. It is an autistic and wearying world for me without the opportunity that I have going to Horses Helping People, where the horses are a soothing addition to a hectic life, and I am forever grateful that they allow me to breathe their air”. ​ Murray Bruce

Murray's bio

Murray (18) is from Oxforshire, UK. He has a diagnosis of autism, severe apraxia and is non-verbal.  He had no real form of communication until 10 when it was discovered that Murray had taught himself to read and write. He was then introduced to typing as a way of speaking his thoughts. An incredible moment of unlocking his mind and his writings become important means of teaching others what it was like to have autism, how it affects him and those like him. Murray is proud to be Autism Ambassador for Horses Helping People, where he has visited for the 11 years. Being with horses is an intrinsic part of his life. Murray advocates through poetry and poignant life observations. He writes with incredible insight, telling of his frustrations of being “silent” and how he perceives the sensory world so many live in.  He’s also a campaigner for changing the minds of those who associate non verbal with non intelligent. He has spoken at No 10 Downing Street. His writings, often used by professionals who quote him as an example of always assuming competence. Recently awarded the title of Learning Disability and Autism Leader for Advocacy, Policy and Media by Dimensions UK. 
https://www.dimensions-uk.org/getinvolved/campaign/leaders_list/advocacy-murray-bruce-2019/

Murray and Dollar have graciously agreed to be on the back cover of Equine Leadership 5. A space always reserved for profound insights into the horse-human connection. Thank you, Murray and Dollar!

---