Therapeutic services

We provide a safe haven for all people to engage with our ponies, specialising in families with disadvantaged children and young people. Clients build resilience through mindful interaction and emotional connection; learn to trust and build relationships; cultivate positive physical and mental health; promoting general wellbeing; whilst promoting social inclusion.

We run a block of sessions of around 8 weeks, where the client will be matched with a pony which is suitable for their needs. These can be facilitated at either Blairmains (Harthill) or Woodhead Farm (Uddingston)

You can be referred by agencies we work with or you can self refer. If you would like to use our services, please download the referral form via the button below.

We work in partnership with Stirling University Psychology department to develop and evaluate feedback forms to understand the differences achieved from start to end of the block. All data is anonymized for data protection purposes.

Activities undertaken

To begin with the client will spend a few weeks grooming the chosen pony, building a bond with them, reducing their anxiety, and allowing them to open up emotionally. Once this is achieved we would move onto basic lead work, where the client is in charge of the pony’s movements. This can build self-confidence due to the fact that the pony is listening to the client and they are working as a team. Then, we would partake in some advanced lead work, where the client and pony run alongside each other, stop suddenly and then carry on. This exercise is very effective at regulating energy as the pony mirrors the energy of the client and demonstrates what happens when this is increased and subsequently decreased as well.

A period of Sessions normally runs for an average of 8 weeks depending on the child's need. Our services are quite unique as equine assisted therapy because our clients do not receive any riding here. All our ponies are rescued and have experienced trauma previously and we feel that the type of work that PHC facilitates encourages so much more emotionally than any riding could achieve.

Once you have completed a block with PHC and would now like to move onto riding we can signpost you onto other organisations.

External visits

In 2017 a group of S2 pupils chose Ponies Help Children to represent YPI.  The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is a powerful active citizenship programme, empowering young people to make a difference in their communities while developing a range of skills.

This particular group of pupils won £3000 for PHC. This was used to purchase a horse box/trailer that enables Buttons and Fudge to go out on visits. They visit complex need schools, where the minis can spend time with everyone in the school bringing joy and love. 

Buttons and Fudge also visit care-homes where they go into residents bedrooms, up in lifts, bringing much love and laughter. The ponies are a great way to engage with the residents and allow them to reminisce about years gone by. The ponies come prepared with nappies to catch the inevitable.

Look and Listen

To get a better understanding of what PHC does, why not look at our short video or go and listen to our Podcasts.

You can view the video at Ponies Help Children Video

Our Podcast can be found on any of the leading stores - Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Google. Just search for "Ponies Help Children Podcast"

The video and podcasts have been created by Derek Gray at Audiobubbles.

 

Testimonials

Our customers love us! Here are some the comments from parents, guardians and volunteers.