Charlie Avent had all but given up on life when he discovered a passion for horses and natural horsemanship. Matt Jackson spoke to Charlie, who is autistic and has learning difficulties, about a new book that charts his journey from bullied child to becoming a horse whisperer.

CHARLIE’S story is one of an incredible transformation, from an unteachable child struggling with autism to living a contented life as a student horse whisperer.

The 26-year-old hopes his book, Following The Hoofprints, will inspire anyone facing difficulties in life.

“I really struggled at school and college and was badly bullied,” said Charlie, speaking while stroking his horse, Spirit, at the Heartshore Horses riding school near Minchinhampton.

“It got to the stage where I lost the will to live, but thanks to learning about the power of horse whispering, horses and legendary horse whisperer Monty Roberts, I am now in a position not only to look after myself but to help others – and that is why I wrote my book.”

Monty Roberts is a renowned horse whisperer and has written the foreword to the book, which has sold 200 copies.

One day, Charlie hopes to take exams on horse whispering, also known as natural horsemanship, which is a method of working with horses based on the animal’s natural instincts and methods of communication.

After growing up in Cornwall, Charlie moved to the area in 2007 to attend Ruskin Mill College.

A key moment in Charlie’s life was when his art teacher introduced him to her horse, Oscar, who has since died. Charlie credits Oscar with saving his life and has dedicated the book to him.

“Oscar was the one who gave me the inspiration to be more than just me, to be more than just disabled Charlie, and to make the most of my life,” said Charlie, who lives in Nailsworth.

“Before then I had given up with everything, including living my life.”

Charlie began visiting Heartshore Horses, which is run by Dawn Oakley-Smith and specialises in natural horsemanship and also helps autistic children.

He soon started to view autism as a gift which helps him communicate with horses.

Dawn and her daughter, India, have become like a second family to Charlie, who helps children with autism to enjoy riding, which can have a profound positive effect.

l The book, Following The Hoofprints, is available to buy on Amazon at £11.75.