Develop important life skills such as confidence, resilience, and effective communication.
At Think Like a Pony, we are proud to offer a Youth Development Programme that is specifically designed to empower vulnerable children in our community. Through building a relationship with a pony, children learn strategies that help them take control of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This, in turn, enables them to build stronger relationships, re-engage with learning, and envision a brighter future for themselves. The programme welcomes any child with social, emotional, or mental health difficulties.
We also offer Empowered Parenting, a four-week course for carers that provides them with new strategies to effectively respond to the young people in their lives. By learning how subtle shifts in their mental and emotional state impact the pony, they gain insight into how these shifts affect other relationships in their lives. Armed with this understanding, carers are equipped with specific strategies to implement at home when faced with difficult situations on a day-to-day basis.
Our holistic riding school in Leeds and our Online Club provide a unique riding experience that goes beyond the technical aspects of horse riding. We prioritise the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of both child and pony. With a focus on education and extensive training for our ponies, we maintain exceptionally high safety standards and ensure the highest level of horse welfare. Our teaching method fosters empathy, understanding, and effective communication between the rider and the horse.
Through this approach, young people not only excel as horse riders but also develop important life skills that they can carry with them in all aspects of their lives.
The impact of our work is evident in the testimonials shared by our students and their parents. From children who have overcome their fears and anxieties to parents who have seen their children experience personal transformations, Think Like a Pony has proven to be a life-changing experience for many. We are proud to have been recognised for the effectiveness of our approach in a peer-reviewed study at Leeds University.
If you are looking for a horse riding school that goes beyond riding skills, Think Like a Pony is the perfect choice. Our unique approach empowers children, promotes personal growth, and enables them to develop essential life skills while enjoying the joy and connexion of working with horses. Join us today and see the positive impact it can have on your child's life.