One-to-one Equine-Assisted therapy at our stable

Equi-Zen is the name we give all our onsite, one-to-one equine-assisted therapy courses. Typically the course is once a week at our stables for around 10 weeks. During this time there’s a range of therapeutic activities to take part in with the help of our four-legged friends.

The sessions are non-ridden and with a focus very much on mental health and emotional exploration. They are a great alternative to standard talking therapies as they provide the same supportive space with educated staff but in an outdoor, relaxed environment. This can be perfect for teens who might not be keen to sit in a room discussing feelings but are happy to playfully explore different thoughts and emotions while interacting with our trained therapy ponies

“Theres something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man” - Winston Churchill

Alternative Provision

Equi-Zen is a registered Alternative provision used by Milton Keynes council as well as several schools throughout Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.

Most of our students start with one-to-one equine-assisted therapy and progress gradually back into education. This is because we believe mental health is the foundation upon which everything else is built. And positive behaviour can only start once the child has felt truly heard and listened to. We believe this is why our alternative provision is so effective, creating engagement with even the most disengaged teens.

Content ranges from therapeutic and sensory activity, through to animal care studies and eventually ack to academic study with a qualified teacher in our farm-based classroom.

Equine Facilitated Learning Group Courses

This can be onsite at our stables or we can take our horses into schools, prisons and community settings

This is a group activity for young people aged 8 and up. The course contains a series of challenge-based activities that require teamwork to complete. Keeping the focus on the horse’s reactions and the outcome of each challenge means the participants often lose themselves in the game and accept support from the team around them. 

It’s been known for a long time now that learning retention is far higher when discovered through play, particularly in the absence of judgment. Our courses are challenging yet fun, the perfect mix for self-discovery and growth. 

The course is 6 - 8 weeks long and can be tailored to each particular group. 

We offer a limited number of fully funded courses but additionally, the course can be purchased by schools and other youth organisations.