Where Connection Begins and Confidence Grows
At Think Like a Pony South West, our Youth Development Programme is more than a horsemanship experience — it's a transformative journey that empowers young people to find confidence, a sense of purpose and connection.
Support for every stage of a young person's journey
Our programme is tailored for young people navigating a wide range of emotional or behavioural challenges. By fostering communication, confidence, and calm connection with a pony, we help young people build stronger relationships — with themselves, their families, and their communities.
Rooted in the nationally recognised Think Like a Pony Youth Development Programme, this work has been lauded in peer-reviewed studies by the University of Leeds and Leeds Therapeutic Social Work Team.
By teaching young people how to communicate effectively and ethically with horses, the programme focuses on building emotional regulation, confidence, and healthy relationship skills — key foundations for improved mental health and long-term wellbeing.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
This pilot enabled the newly formed Think Like a Pony South West CIC to bring our award-winning Youth Development Programme beyond its Yorkshire headquarters for the first time.
at-risk young people struggling with their mental health, reached through the pilot
fully funded sessions provided for each participant, free of charge
Financial barriers removed, so support went to those who needed it — not those who could pay for it.
Developed so young people experiencing mental health challenges could access timely, relationship-based support.
Our daughter was anxious, angry, and self-harming. She'd been suspended twice and things were spiralling. After just three sessions with Think Like a Pony South West, the change was remarkable. She's calmer, more confident, and her self-harm has reduced significantly. We've seen first-hand how vital this work is.
Getting a young person started
Parents, carers, schools or other professionals can reach out to us directly to start a referral.
A short referral form is completed and submitted to our team, who review it to check the programme is the right fit.
Where funded places are available, access is based on need. Self-funded places can also be arranged.
The young person starts their relationship-based sessions with a pony and a specialist instructor.
Know a young person who could benefit?
Reach out today to start a referral, or ask us any questions about the programme.
REFER SOMEONE TODAYwhat3words: ///piglet.tentacles.roaming
Licence No: LI25_003112
9am – 6pm