A YOUNG man whose life has been enriched by horses got in touch with the Cornish Times as he wanted to share his story with readers.

Charlie Avent grew up in the Tamar Valley, in a National Trust cottage close to the Cotehele estate.

It was when he enrolled in a special needs school in Gloucestershire that Charlie was first introduced to horses and riding – and it changed his whole life, as he explains.

“In these times of difficulty for many people I wanted to tell you about a very special friend of mine.

I’m autistic and have learning difficulties and my best friend is not human - she is a horse called Auntie.

Auntie has helped me see that I still have a reason to exist and a reason to contribute to society, and that having my disabilities does not make me a problem as the newspapers and media would make me believe.

Auntie has helped me realise that the two of us can teach a lot of people about autism and other difficulties and that’s exactly what we are now trying to do.

When I’m with Auntie I can feel her mane between my fingers and she will often just lean her head on me, and the two of us will pretty much fall asleep. There is no person in the world I trust as much as my horse.

Some people say I shouldn’t have a horse because I’m on disability benefit but it’s my money to spend.

I can’t drive a car because I’m epileptic and I don’t have enough care hours with my carers anymore to be able to justify having a Motability car. My horse gives me far better therapy anyway - and just as importantly a reason to get up each day and take my medication and eat.

Friends of mine have kindly fundraised to help me make a dream come true: next July I’ll be taking my horse on holiday for a natural horsemanship adventure by the sea on the Lizard Peninsula. We will be camping and I can’t wait!”