The main aim of the programme is to develop and support 6 key life skills: Communication, Confidence, Teamwork, Building Relationships, Perseverance, and Responsibility. The programme is structured around two frameworks – the Achieve and Explorer awards.
Through structured, practical equine activities participant sessions go beyond just horse riding, and include horse care, grooming and stables management, teaching new skills in a safe and supportive environment.
The programme is structured around two frameworks – the Achieve and Explorer awards: Both offer horse care and ridden modules with structured awards and certificates that recognise and reward achievement.
Activities contained in each award provide opportunities for the participant to develop in the six key life skills that are transferable back to school or further education opportunities, practice learning skills linked to their school curriculum and build a portfolio of equine knowledge and experience that could lead to a pathway of further industry qualifications
We can also offer accredited Personal Development qualifications.
What does the programme involve?
Who are Changing Live's Through Horses Sessions for?
The programme welcomes children and young people aged 5-25 years who have additional needs in the widest sense who would benefit from access to equine facilitated learning. Participants may include those with special educational needs, including social and emotional mental health needs, those who may be disengaged or excluded from education, those who are without a school place or are electively home educated and those who may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences. Our participants will be supported by qualified SEND experienced, trauma informed coaches.
Programme overview:
The CLTH programme six core personal development themes:
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Building Relationships: Developing trust and empathy through horse and peer interaction.
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Communication: Verbal and non-verbal skill-building, including listening and instruction.
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Confidence: Task completion that promotes self-belief and achievement.
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Responsibility: Developing routines, work ethic, and task ownership.
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Teamwork: Collaborative stable and group activities fostering cooperation.
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Perseverance: Building resilience and goal-setting through practical challenges.
Educational Integration
Participants complete structured learning tasks tied to school curriculum areas, including:
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Literacy, numeracy and science activities
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Goal setting and reflective journaling
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Creative art activities
Learners build a portfolio of achievement, with opportunities to gain accredited awards such as the BHS Achieve Awards
Our sessions provide a calm, supportive environment where young people can learn at their own pace through a combination of practical horse care, equine activities and related learning.
Sessions can be delivered 1-to-1 or in small groups, allowing us to provide an approach that reflects the needs, confidence and goals of each young person.
Our aim is to create meaningful experiences that help young people reconnect with learning, recognise their strengths and realise their potential.
We can offer individuals up to 15 hours per week of alternative provision during term time.
Day sessions will run from 9.30am -2.30pm Mon - Friday
1-1 sessions can be flexible and arranged individually.
To make a referral or for more information about our charity services please get in touch, we're all ears.
Wellbeing Sessions
A Calmer Space with Horses 🌿🐴
Sometimes, simply being around horses can make a difference.
Alongside our main programmes, we offer equine-based wellbeing sessions for people who may benefit from a calm, supportive space to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Spending time with horses can encourage us to slow down, be present and reconnect. Through gentle activities such as grooming, caring for and simply spending quiet time alongside our ponies, sessions can support relaxation, confidence, emotional regulation and positive connection.
There’s no pressure to ride and no need for previous horse experience. Sessions are shaped around the individual and can provide a peaceful break from the stresses and demands of everyday life.
Staying Connected During the Holidays 🐴🌿
Changing Strides Equine Therapies offers a range of equine enrichment, wellbeing activities and horsemanship workshops during the school holidays for young people who have previously engaged with our programmes.
Our holiday sessions offer a relaxed and positive opportunity to stay connected with the ponies, familiar staff and the stable environment,
the sessions provide a safe, welcoming and purposeful space during the school holidays where young people can have fun, maintain positive routines, develop friendships and continue building on the progress they have already made with us.
