More Than Riding: A Holistic Horsemanship Journey
Our Riding School offers more than just riding lessons — it's a unique horsemanship education programme designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical development of children and young people, alongside enhancing horsemanship and riding skills.
Built around calm communication and trust
We deliver all lessons and activities with a one-to-one or small group ratio, prioritising safety, individual progress, and wellbeing of the child and pony. Unlike traditional riding schools, our focus is on fostering calm communication, mutual respect and emotional connection between child and pony — building confidence and trust every step of the way.
Supporting every session, children extend their learning beyond the arena with videos, e-books, and interactive activities — earning achievement badges that celebrate their milestones and progress.
Our highly trained specialist instructors lead each session with passion and expertise, supported by dedicated volunteers. Together, we create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel understood and empowered to grow — physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Grounded in the nationally recognised Think Like a Pony methodology, our relationship-based approach puts the bond between child and pony at the heart of every lesson.
Find the right session
Group sessions run 4–6pm on multiple nights a week — ages 5–8, 9–11, and a dedicated teens group.
A gentle first introduction to ponies, led safely for our youngest riders.
Small-group horsemanship, 4–6pm, multiple nights a week.
Bespoke, focused one-to-one time with an instructor and pony.
An extended one-to-one for deeper, personalised progress.
Real Impact
As soon as you arrive, you are welcomed by smiling faces and made to feel completely comfortable. The horses are all cared for to a very high standard; they look happy to be working with the children and you can see they are loved! TLAP is inspiring children to a holistic way of horsemanship, and it’s a breath of fresh air! The children are learning to work on the ground as well as in the saddle. And the online learning for their badges is genius! I would highly recommend this lovely hidden gem to both adults and children! Sophie is clearly passionate about what she does and she knows her stuff! The rest of the team are so lovely and very welcoming.
I highly recommend Think Like a Pony South West and the team. It’s such a special and welcoming place where children learn to really understand and care for the ponies, not just ride them. My daughter has gained so much confidence and knowledge, and she absolutely loves her lessons. She always comes away with a big smile and can’t wait to go back!
Couldn’t recommend Think Like a Pony more. It has taught me so much from the short amount of time I’ve been there. It's so different compared to any other riding school - in the best way possible! Sophie breaks things into small steps and I’ve noticed a massive difference in my riding and confidence. All the horses are well cared for and happy. They don’t just think about the riding, they look at the bigger picture, which I absolutely love as riding isn’t fun if your pony isn’t enjoying it too!
Ready to begin the journey?
Book a session and see how the Think Like a Pony approach can build confidence, one step at a time.
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Licence No: LI25_003112
9am – 6pm