Small, deep, and built around your child
One child per session, in a calm space with no audience and no pressure — moving at their own pace, with the same animals and the same faces each week.
The model
Why one-to-one, and why it matters
Group activities are precisely what many autistic children cannot access: noise, crowds and unpredictability turn “fun” into distress. So we built the opposite.
Each child follows a personalised four-to-six-month programme of weekly sessions. There is one child on site at a time — a quiet arrival, a consistent volunteer team, and the same ponies and small animals week to week. Predictability is what makes the sessions possible.
We will serve around 10–15 children a year — a small number reached profoundly, rather than a large number reached lightly.
The ladder of engagement
Every rung is a valid outcome
No child is ever pushed to the next step. Watching from the gate can be as big a milestone as leading a pony. Progress moves at the child's pace.
- Watching & arriving. A calm welcome with a quiet arrival slot. For some children, simply being on site and observing is the first big win.
- Feeding & meeting small animals. Rabbits, guinea pigs and hens offer gentle, low-risk first contact — soft, warm, and unthreatening.
- Grooming & leading a pony. Care-based tasks build sensory tolerance, communication and a sense of responsibility and trust.
- Groundwork. Working alongside the pony from the ground develops confidence, regulation and connection — no riding required.
- Ridden work. Introduced only where and when it is right for the child, with high adult-to-child ratios and full safety equipment.
Designed for autistic children
The details that make it work
Predictable
Visual timetables, photo social stories sent before the first visit, and the same pony and volunteer each week wherever possible.
Sensory-aware
Quiet arrival slots, a calm-down space always available, grooming and groundwork before any riding, and never any pressure to mount.
Structured
A clear beginning, middle and end to every session, so children always know what is coming next.
Family-inclusive
A parallel siblings' offer and a warm parents' cabin corner — because SEN siblings and carers are chronically under-served.
Outcome-focused
Goals agreed with parents and simple before/after ratings, so progress is visible and evidenced.
Safe
High 1:1 or 2:1 ratios for mounted work, written risk assessments, first aid on site, and safeguarding at the centre of everything.
A note on language
Honest about what we offer
We describe our work as animal-assisted activities and therapeutic riding. We do not use the word “psychotherapy”, which requires a qualified mental-health clinician in the room. As we grow and build clinical partnerships, our offer will grow with proper training, qualifications and insurance behind it. Staying evidence-based and modest is how we build trust — with families and funders alike.
Think this could help your child?
We're not open for sessions yet — but you can register your interest now and be first to hear when our waiting list opens.
For families & carers Register your interest