Leeds Centre

Our Leeds centre is the headquarters for Think Like a Pony. At the centre, Lynn Henry, founder of Think Like a Pony and her team of instructors successfully run:

• The Think Like a Pony Youth Development Programme
  
  

Our youth development programme supports some of the most vulnerable children in the Leeds community. These are children who are at high risk of losing access to education, mental health breakdown and family breakdown. Many are children who have suffered multiple traumas. Through learning to build a relationship with a horse children are empowered to take control of their physical and mental state which enables them to develop control over their emotions. This in turn helps them to build stronger relationships, re-engage with learning and see a future for themselves.  



The Youth Development Programme has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Comic Relief, Sport England, The Fairhurst Foundation and the Leeds Community Foundation and works collaberatively with local schools and councils.

•  Think Like a Pony's unique child-centric riding school
  
  We offer a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn horsemanship skills. Through learning to build a relationship with a horse children have the opportunity to develop their communication skills, confidence and self-awareness.
  
  Children learn to ride through 1-to-1 lessons and only join a small group of 2 or 3 when they are balanced, confident and independent. Because of the high level to which the ponies are trained and the teaching methodology fostered by the staff, the centre has incredibly high levels of student safety and horse welfare.  

• Think Like a Pony's rehabilitation programme for ponies
  

All the ponies at Think Like a Pony Leeds have been gifted, largely due to behavioural and health problems. Through successful training programmes, the ponies have developed their talents in inspiring and motivating children and developing their confidence. Staff foster a holistic approach to caring for and training the ponies and ensure a significant amount of staff time and resources are invested in maintaining exceptionally high standards of welfare.

• The Think Like a Pony Instructor training programme 

A life-changing course for individuals who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of people and horses. This course is ran by inspirational leader Lynn Henry and has taken enrolment from as far afield as New Zealand.

Date of issue: 16th July 2019
Date of expiry: 14th June 2022