Our sessions are delivered on a 1:1 basis.
Each term is 6 weeks and there is a minimum booking of 2 terms (12 sessions). Sessions are charged at £60 per hour.
We welcome learners funded by their education provider, by social care and those that are self-funded.
For all initial enquires regarding the work we do, our current availability, or to register for a place on the waiting list,
Please email hannah@wiltshireequineassistedlearning.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!
All our work with the horses is from the ground and no previous equine experience is necessary. We do not deliver riding lessons. The learners get fully involved in all aspects of farm life such as activities in the woodland, handling, exercising and caring for the animals and farm maintenance.
We work outdoors in all weathers and learners need to come to the session appropriately dressed, whether that be in waterproofs, warm coat and gloves, or sunhat and an application of sun cream. Learners are always expected to wear appropriate footwear such as wellies or trainers. The sessions can be physical so bringing a water bottle is advised and hot chocolate is available in the colder months.
The initial sessions concentrate on relationship building and familiarising the learner with the farm environment and the animals. Once the learner is settled and feels comfortable in the environment, more focused work takes place. We take full advantage of the wonderful space here and learners can interact with the animals, engage with others on the yard, or spend time in the number of quiet spaces. We use our space flexibly to be able to respond to the needs of the learner.
"Owen has changed and developed and come on leaps and bounds. Your cheery smile brightens our Tuesdays, thank you so much for everything."
- Parent
Progression
Over time, our learners develop a range of skills that enable them to work cooperatively with their facilitator in completing activities. We work towards learners working independently, with supervision, to carry out day-to-day care, enrichment and exercise activities with the horses, ponies and other animals.
Our in-house learning programme provides opportunities to work towards rosettes and certificates in a range of equine areas such as communication skills, Natural Horsemanship, Equine Health, Stable Management and Nutrition. Learners can also work towards non-equine awards such as Dog Handling, Animal Care and Environmental Conservation.
Focused targets are set based on the initial targets identified by the referrer. These will be tailored to each learner and will focus on the development of specific social and emotional skills. Progress is communicated in a termly report that provides an overview of the sessions and summarises the progress made in the term.
Managing Transitions
Learners are invited for a site visit accompanied by their support worker, parents or carers. If it is felt that this would be an appropriate provision, the referral form is completed which outlines the learner’s specific needs and sets the targets the referral would like us to focus on. When the learner has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we request that the referral targets reflect some of the areas addressed in the plan.
In the induction period, the facilitator will focus on developing a relationship with the learner and will carry out a range of observations and assessments which will enable them to implement a tailored programme with small step targets based on the learner’s needs.
We liaise closely with schools and other educational providers so that a learner has a coherent provision and we can develop transition packages as learners move onto other provisions. A portfolio of skills can be provided for the learner to pass onto their next provision or to supplement a CV for older pupils.
