As elsewhere in the world, people with autism, nicknamed "the children of the stars" in China, are often stigmatized because of their difficulties interacting with others.

But in this haven of greenery in the north of the Chinese capital, surrounded by tall trees and horse neighing, the NGO Hope ("Hope", in English), tries to advance these children.

Equine therapy is welcome in a country where awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the official name of disability, is still underdeveloped.

According to Stella, young Victor's mother, her son's progress has been rapid and his ability to listen to instructions and coordinate his physical movements has improved.

Victor Liu, a 14-year-old autistic girl with visual impairment, during his riding lesson at an equestrian club in Beijing, March 1, 2023 © WANG Zhao / AFP

"From my point of view as a parent, I see the changes" of riding "on my son," she told AFP.

Humans and equines

Between sessions, during which trainers guide students through specially adapted equestrian activities, Victor, who also suffers from visual impairment, helps feed and care for the horses.

A young girl with autism looks at her horse before her riding lesson at a Beijing equestrian club, February 28, 2023 © WANG Zhao / AFP

At the equestrian center of the NGO Hope, created in 2009, equines and humans tame each other, in the middle of the clapping of the horses' hooves, who obediently follow the trainers and chaperones.

World Autism Awareness Day, created in 2008 by the UN, is held every 2 April and aims to promote the integration of people with this disability, which is often poorly known to the general public.

Recent studies show that equine therapy can be effective in improving the behavior of children with ASD, especially in their difficulties interacting with the outside world.

"With horses, you don't need to talk much," said Lucia Zhou, who joined Hope in 2017 as a volunteer before joining the team of professional instructors.

Victor Liu, a 14-year-old autistic girl with visual impairment, takes part in a riding lesson at an equestrian club in Beijing, February 15, 2023 © WANG Zhao / AFP

"In their learning process, students are forced to have more interaction with us, instructors and volunteers. And it helps them, naturally, to improve their desire and their ability to interact with people."

"Filled with joy"

There are still insufficient NGOs providing assistance to children with disabilities in China. Their rates are also often out of reach for most Chinese parents.

A young girl with autism during her riding lesson at an equestrian club in Beijing, February 28, 2023 © WANG Zhao / AFP

Outside of hospitals and psychologists, children with autism in China often do not have access to adequate services to progress, Vanessa Vandevraye, director of the Oriental Equestrian Club, which hosts Hope, told AFP.

That's why she decided to host the NGO in its premises, she explains in front of ponies grazing peacefully on the grass nearby.

"However, the waiting list is long because there are very few organizations that can provide this type of service," she notes.

Victor Liu, a visually impaired 14-year-old autistic boy, strokes his horse after a riding lesson at an equestrian club in Beijing, March 23, 2023 © WANG Zhao / AFP

Those who succeed say they thrive there. Last year, Victor Liu participated in a small competition, which allowed him to test his equestrian skills.

"In the end, he received a commemorative medal," his mother said. "He was filled with joy."

© 2023 AFP