Riding at Penniwells
“Let the ponies work their magic”
A 6-week non-ridden sensory rich program for young people with mild to moderate mental health challenges of any ability. The sessions will give you a calm environment with space and time to learn. You will gain confidence and be inspired experiencing the magic of our ponies.
The course is 6 sessions for 60 minutes each.
Price on application.
Max group size 4 people.
What we aim to:
- Provide a safe space with therapeutic benefits working with the ponies
- Improve social and communication skills
- Become more confident
- Increase Exercise and fitness awareness
- Take responsibility for the pony’s needs
- Have fun
- Gain Certificate of completion
“Let the ponies work their magic”
Sensory Rich Experience
- Quality pony time and interaction
- Learn equine communication skills
- Learn how to approach and act safely around the pony
- Look at the pony and their emotions and actions
No judgement – all sessions are paced to individual needs
“Let the ponies work their magic”
The Outdoors
- Explore looking after a pony
- Putting a head collar on
- Grooming – learning different brushes and part of the pony
- Enjoy the fresh air
The environment – is always safe, quiet and calm
“Let the ponies work their magic”
Stable management
- Build on previous activities learning colours and markings of pony
- Feeding and routines
- Skipping out and watering
- Tacking up and basic parts of the saddle and bridle
- Work with different size ponies and understand their different jobs
Focusing on caring for an animal and their needs
“Let the ponies work their magic”
Hands-on Experience one-to-one
- Optional ride on Eddie our mechanical horse
- Evaluate posture and riding position (riding or watching others)
- Build confidence whether you have ridden before or not
- Improve fitness levels, set achievable goal in session
Work together to achieve the best outcome – build trust
“Let the ponies work their magic”
Transmission of Emotions
- Build trust with instructors
- Learn to work together in a small group
- Gain confidence and feel safe with others
- Learn how a pony and humans function from a sensory perspective
- Personality traits and emotions
Responses to situations and being responsive – no judgement
“Let the ponies work their magic”
6 week course finale
- Recap of what we have learned and how far we have come
- Games and activities
- Awards and presentation