Think Like a Pony
Empowering Children Through Horsemanship
Think Like a Pony
Empowering Children Through Horsemanship
Established in 2013, we are a leading organisation in the field of equine therapy, pony training and children's natural horsemanship. Through our holistic riding school, therapeutic programme and online learning programme we educate young people in how to communicate with a pony and ride in balance. Through this children are empowered to develop confidence, resilience and powerful communication skills. Our approach is inclusive of all children and has proven to be particularly life-changing for vulnerable children. We have been winners of the Child Friendly Leeds Awards and Equestrian Business of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards.
Our Key Services Include:
"My son has autism, he has experienced school induced trauma and bullying. Because of this intervention, he has stopped self-harming, started eating, has returned to school and is interacting with peers. Thanks to the support from Think Like a Pony, his long term prospects both socially, emotionally and academically have improved dramatically." - Parent of Think Like a Pony student
“The sessions have been transformational for my daughter. Her anxiety levels were high, she was nervous around people and was hyper vigilant in all situations. She’d been out of school for 2 years because she was being bullied. Now, her anxiety has melted away, she has self-confidence, and she absolutely loves being at Think Like a Pony.” - Parent of TLAP Student.
"I used to feel worried all the time. Because of Think Like a Pony, I am back at school and making friends. I used to be scared that I might be taken away from my family, but now life at home is better because my pony has taught me to be calm and brave." - Youth Development Student
The mental, emotional and physical well-being of both child and pony are at the heart of our holistic riding school in Leeds. Our educational approach and significant investment in the training of our ponies, means that we have incredibly high safety standards and high levels of horse welfare. Our method of teaching children fosters empathy, understanding and communication with the horse. This enables young people to excel as horse riders and handlers at the same time as developing important life skills.
Our Youth Development Programme changes the lives of some of the most at-risk children in our community. Through learning to build a relationship with a pony, children learn strategies that empower them to take control of their physical, mental and emotional state. This in turn helps them to build stronger relationships, re-engage with learning and see a future for themselves. The programme is suitable for any child with social, emotional or mental heath difficulties.
Through learning to communicate with ponies, families learn strategies that improve communication and family cohesion. This helps families to work through issues together in a calmer and more collaborative way.