What to expect...
Our programmes are usually three days per week, Tuesday – Fridays for 5hrs a day, with a half an hour lunch break. Start times are 9.30am on some days and 11.00am on other days to provide flexibility.
Our horse care programme
You will be working in small groups of up to 6 learners with individual support and a 3:1 ratio with a specialist SEND / qualified trainer and teaching assistant.
The programme offers recognised City & Guilds Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 horse care qualifications and personal development through equine assisted learning and individualised development plans.
We will arrange an initial meeting with the referring body (be it guardians or school) and discuss targets and needs. We will then arrange an introductory session for the participant.
Following this, sessions will start at an agreed time each week.
Lessons often have an element of both practical, and (when the participant is ready) academic learning. Progress from session to session is documented with written evidence, videos and/or photography.
Each participant will receive an Exit Report on completion for their course which will document their progress in relation to set targets taken from their EHCP (or other medical paperwork).
The programme sessions are delivered in 6 week terms and are reviewed at the end of each period, with the full programme covering one or two years.
Frequently asked questions
Who Will I be With?
You will be supported and guided by one of our amazing trainers and assistants.
Usually, you will have the same person for every session so that you can get to know and trust them
over time. However, on the very rare occasion that they are ill or can’t attend, you will be given plenty of warning and will be told who you are going to be with instead.
We will send you a photo of this person and will also tell you their name.
We are very flexible though, and if you only want your usual mentor, we can delay sessions to make you feel more comfortable.
What Will I Be Doing?
You will be learning about our horses and ponies and how to care and look after them. Each session will be about something different, from Grooming through to Anatomy.
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We always do hands on things with our horses and ponies during each session, and then a little bit of practical work to ensure you can remember it. If you find that something is easy, we will move onto the next thing, but if something is tricky then we will take as long as you need, and we are happy to go at your pace.
Sometimes it gets a bit muddy in Winter, so it’s a good idea to come in wellies and warmer clothes (as we like to be outdoors as much as we can!) In Summer, wear a sun hat and pop some suncream on. It’s also sensible to wear sturdy closed to shoes, or trainers.
What if I am Worried About the Session?
That’s okay! We know that sometimes doing new things is hard, or if we are very anxious,
going out can feel like a big challenge. Just tell your guardian and they can tell us; it’s all
about communication.
We will work with you to get you through it. We can shorten sessions or adapt to your needs.
Remember that the horses and ponies are there to help you feel good.
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Most of the time you will be with your trainer around the horses and ponies. So that will be down at the yard where their stables are or working with them in our indoor or outdoor arena.
If you want to see what these places look like, click here and check out our FB page. Sometimes we will be in the comfortable study room on the yard, where we also have
equipment, comfortable seating, a sofa and White Board to do some fun activities