One of the newer activities on offer at The Avon Centre is spending time with our smaller Shetland ponies. This is a non-ridden session, usually working 1:1, with our team of ponies and humans.

We facilitate a safe space in which the participant (child, teen or adult) spends 45 mins connecting with one or two of our tiny ponies, just ‘being’ in the moment, maybe brushing their coat, plaiting their mane, and stroking their soft noses. We usually take the ponies for a walk in the woods, and even occasionally do some of the jobs to help look after them. We often learn how to tell what the pony is feeling, by watching their face, ears and eyes and other physical signals….Session content is often determined by the participant.

There can be something very calming when in the presence of certain animals, and horses are known for their empathy, and being able to sense how someone is feeling.

The time spent with them outside in nature (we work in all weathers ) can have several therapeutic benefits, including bringing calmness, lessening anxiety, building confidence, promoting conversation, and the physical benefits that come with walking and learning new skills.

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There can also be an educational benefit from being with the ponies too, as basic pony- and stable - care is a part of our session. So you can expect to learn how to groom, put on a headcollar, tie up a lead rope, fill a hay-net, and even how to safely pick up and clean out their feet.

Sessions Run

Monday morning, Tuesday morning, Wednesday morning, Thursday morning, Friday morning