Wiltshire Equine Assisted Learning

Meet the Human Team

Our staff have lifelong equine industry experience.

All staff have extensive SEND experience and training, are Trauma Informed Coaches and hold current enhanced DBS and safeguarding certificates.

On the team we have qualified teachers, vocational assessors, and Equine Assisted Learning facilitators.

Hannah

Hannah is company Director with 20 years training and experience working with childhood trauma and attachment needs. She is qualified in child psychology, equine therapy, understanding autism, sensory processing, neuro diversity and as a Vocational Studies Assessor. She is our teacher for Looked After Children, Safeguarding and SEN lead.

Wick Yard is Hannah’s home. We work on her small farm with her horses and family of other animals.

Hannah has lifelong experience of horses, farming and the outdoors. The unique therapeutic connection that horses make with humans is her special interest and the study of Equine Assisted Learning and Natural Horsemanship is her passion.

Ali

Ali has always had a passion for horses. She is a qualified BHS stables manager and intermediate instructor, and in her past has groomed for Great Britain at the Paralympic games.

Ali has extensive qualifications and experience working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

She enjoys all our outdoor and sensory activities and helping our learners develop their full potential.

Ali's dog Lilly often joins learners in their sessions.

Jen

Jen is a qualified teacher and former Riding for the Disabled instructor.

She runs her own Alternative Provision, Art in the Outdoors, here at Wick Yard and supports as relief equine assisted learning staff.

Sophie

Sophie is qualified in equine and animal care management, children's early years practitioner and is studying to be a British Horse Society Accredited Professional.

Sophie is an established competitive event rider. Alongside her work and study, she continues to compete her horse Benji, who is her world!

Sophie loves connecting children with special educational needs to the joy of caring for horses.

Meet the Horse Team

Connor

Our leader of the herd. Connor is an independent spirit with gentlemanly manners. He loves apples. He does not like his ears being touched!

Max

Max is young and inquisitive. He loves learning new tricks and getting his nose in everything. He is very affectionate and gentle for a big horse.

Trigger

Trigger is the oldest and most laid back member of our herd. He is very well behaved unless he sees a tasty patch of grass to escape to! He loves scratches.

Frankie

Frankie is small, but he has a big heart. He loves to be scratched and groomed and he especially loves going for walks with his handler.

Meet the Dog Team

Lottie

Lottie was bred as a children’s assistance dog, and is a registered PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog. She loves welcoming learners daily, playing games and being involved in everything! She is a very loving dog who bonds quickly.

Digger

Digger is a loving lump! He loves to meet new people and go exploring with them. He is very playful and a quick learner that loves to join in games and challenges.

Lilly

Lily is a young dog who has recently turned 1year old. She is friendly, energetic and loves being around people, especially children. Lily is training to be a therapy dog and has completed her kennel club Puppy and Bronze awards. She is now working towards her Silver award.