About Us
Rooted in the internationally recognised Think Like a Pony methodology, our centre offers an ethical, relationship-based alternative to traditional riding schools. Our teachings focus on empowering young people, compassionate leadership and high standards of pony welfare.
Think Like a Pony Southwest is led by Sophie Hildreth, Lead Outreach Instructor for Think Like a Pony. Sophie trained at the organisation headquarters in Yorkshire under the guidance of founder Lynn Henry and helped to grow Think Like a Pony into a globally recognised programme through the Online Club and its thriving children’s flagship centre. With over 17 years of experience, Sophie has now relocated to the Southwest to expand the reach of this award-winning programme.
Our mission
Our mission is to bring the Think Like a Pony approach to the South West and beyond – inspiring, educating and creating lasting change one pony, one child and one relationship at a time.
We empower children to become calm, confident leaders for their ponies by developing emotional resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of ethical horsemanship and animal welfare. Through relationship-based learning, children not only gain horsemanship skills but also grow into more grounded, self-aware, and capable individuals.
Think Like a Pony Southwest is the first regional centre licensed to deliver this nationally recognised methodology outside of the Leeds flagship centre. As part of the Think Like a Pony national programme, we provide a vital pathway for expanding this unique and life-changing approach across the UK.
Our Services
Youth Development Programme
Supporting young people with Special Educational Needs, mental health challenges, low confidence, or experiences of bereavement and trauma through the healing power of horsemanship.
Holistic Riding
School
An ethical, relationship-based alternative to traditional riding schools, where children learn to ride in harmony with their pony while building trust, empathy and confidence.
Training for Horse
Owners
Bespoke one-to-one or small group sessions for children, families and adults. Troubleshoot training challenges, strengthen your bond, and build confidence with your horse through personalised sessions.
Training Livery
A specialist training service where owners send their horses to the
centre for a period of training – ideal for young horses or those with training and behavioural challenges. We focus on building confidence, respect and trust through holistic care that supports mental, emotional and physical balance.
Camps
Immersive horsemanship camps that combine fun, learning, and connection, giving children the chance to deepen their skills, make friends, and create lifelong memories.
Horse & Pony Rehab
Our rehab and rehoming programme supports rescue horses and horses with behavioural issues, helping them towards trusted, loving families and a fresh start.
We Need Your Support
Some horses arrive with issues so severe they face the heartbreaking prospect of being put down. We rehabilitate them through the Think Like a Pony approach, providing holistic care and training to help them heal, regain confidence, and flourish again. Many stay with us for months or even years, which is costly but deeply rewarding.
We rely on your support to continue this vital work and give these horses and ponies the second chance they deserve.
Real Impact
“Watching my child on her journey has been profound and joyful. Seeing her take responsibility for what she is bringing and how that directly and immediately impacts her pony is hard to describe. Not only did she learn how to help a pony to trust and communicate, but these skills were quickly spreading into other areas of her life such as at school and with other relationships. When she realised one day that it wasn’t just her pony who had fears and anxieties, but that she was just the same, it felt like we’d come full circle.”
Questions About Sessions?
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