No previous experience is needed for any of the sessions. All activities are carefully guided, and interaction with the horses is always optional and at a pace that feels comfortable and safe.

Some sessions may include riding where appropriate, but many are ground-based. Equine Assisted Therapy and Mindfulness with Horses do not involve riding. Therapeutic Horsemanship may include riding depending on the individual, their needs and confidence.

Therapeutic Horsemanship and Riding, as well as Mindfulness with Horses, are both suitable for children and young people, including SEND.  Equine Assisted Therapy is suitable for young people aged 11+ and adults. Our initial conversation will help us decide which option is best for you.

For Equine Assisted Therapy, the first session is primarily an initial assessment and takes place indoors, seated in comfort. This session is comprehensive but conversational. We’ll talk about what has brought you (or your child) to therapy, relevant background, and what you’re hoping for from the work. I’ll ask some questions to help me understand your situation, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions too.

Towards the end of the session, there is usually a short, gentle introduction to the horses, allowing time to meet them and take part in a brief, simple experiential exercise if it feels appropriate. This helps begin the therapeutic relationship with the horses without feeling overwhelming. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clearer sense of direction and initial recommendations for moving forward.

For Therapeutic Horsemanship and Mindfulness with Horses, the first session typically includes a short check-in conversation, followed by spending more time outdoors with the horses. These sessions are more experiential from the outset, focusing on connection, presence, skill-building or mindfulness practices, depending on the session type and individual needs.

Across all sessions, everything is paced carefully, and nothing is forced. Your comfort, consent and emotional safety always come first.

Equine Assisted Therapy
Sessions combine talking therapy, reflective exercises and ground-based work with horses. Sessions may take place indoors, outdoors, or move between the two, depending on the focus of the work and what feels most supportive on the day. There is no pressure to talk, and the horses are used as part of the therapeutic process to support insight, emotional awareness and regulation.

Therapeutic Horsemanship
These sessions are more practical and experiential, focusing on horsemanship, care and connection with the horses. Activities are adapted to the individual and may include groundwork, riding where appropriate, and skill-building exercises that support confidence, communication and emotional regulation. Therapeutic Horsemanship sessions are less focused on talking and more on learning through doing.

Mindfulness with Horses
We combine simple, guided mindfulness practices with quiet, structured time alongside the horses. This may include breathing exercises, awareness practices and reflective moments, all designed to support calm, presence and nervous system regulation. Mindfulness sessions are gentle, paced carefully and tailored to individual needs.

Across all session types, everything is adapted to emotional, physical and developmental needs. Participation is always optional, and comfort, consent and safety are prioritised.

Yes. Safety is a priority for both people and horses. Sessions take place in a controlled environment and are facilitated by experienced, qualified professionals. Clear boundaries, consent and emotional well-being are central to all work.

This varies depending on the type of session and your individual goals.

Equine Assisted Therapy is usually most effective when attended as a short block of sessions, often around 4–6 sessions. This allows time to explore specific challenges, set therapeutic goals, and build skills gradually, with space to reflect and practise between sessions. Progress is reviewed together, and recommendations are adapted as the work develops.

Therapeutic Horsemanship sessions can be offered as one-off sessions or as ongoing support. While goals are still set and reviewed, each session is more experiential in nature and can stand alone, making this a flexible option depending on needs and preferences.

Mindfulness with Horses sessions may be attended as a single session for grounding and regulation, or as a short series to develop confidence and consistency in mindfulness skills. Ongoing sessions are also available for those who find regular practice supportive.

During an initial conversation or assessment, we can explore what approach and timeframe are likely to be most helpful for you or your child.

If you’re unsure, an initial conversation can help identify the most appropriate option based on needs, age and goals. You’ll be guided to the option that best supports you or your child.

Yes. Alongside equine-assisted work, I also offer non-equine-assisted therapy and mindfulness sessions, including the option to work online. This may be more appropriate if working with horses isn’t suitable, accessible or preferred, or if you would benefit from support from home.

This can be discussed during an initial consultation, and we can explore together which approach – in-person with horses, in-person without horses, or online, whichever feels most supportive for you. You can find out more on my main therapy and coaching practice website at www.yourmind.works