We are getting very excited for the international launch of the Think Like a Pony Club on the 31st May! The Club will enable any child, anywhere to access a holistic and relationship-based approach to horsemanship. The best thing is - it's all accessible online!
Our students learn the effect their balance has on their pony mentally, emotionally and physically from their very first ride. Not only does this excel their ridden skills, it helps children to develop empathy with and respect for ponies and other animals.
Our illustrator Su Smith doing amazing facepainting at our summer fete in 2019. We are keeping all fingers and toes crossed that restrictions will stay lifted and so we can run another fete this year. Last year we raised a whopping £14,000 for building our new centre!
By teaching children to bridle empathetically, not only does this make the experience more relaxing for the pony, it fosters a deep sense of respect and trust between pony and child.
Through Think Like a Pony, children develop their confidence, resilience and communication skills as they learn to build a relationship with their pony.
Building a pony's confidence in the equipment also builds their respect and trust of you. Remember! Every moment you spend with your pony is an opportunity to develop your relationship together.
Teaching children horsemanship skills from the ground to the saddle empowers them to become trustworthy, dependable leaders for ponies. This is not only a journey with horses, it is a journey that empowers a young person to become calmer and more resilient in all areas of life.
Did you know? Injuries caused when leading through gateways are one of the most common equestrian accidents? By teaching young people to send their pony through a gateway first, both pony and child can keep safe leading through even the narrowest of spaces!
The soon to be launched Think Like a Pony Club is full of simulations to help young people to learn what it feels like to be a pony following the lead from a handler or rider. Not only does this help to develop horsemanship skills, it helps to develop empathy and understanding.
Our amazing Think Like a Pony Team making their way to the centre in ALL weathers over lockdown to care for our ponies and work with Youth Development Students!