Equine & Animal Assisted Learning
Calm connections through horses, animals & countryside.
Our equine and animal assisted learning sessions are supportive, educational, confidence-building experiences involving ponies and can include our other animals.
Horse related learning can be supported by a progressive learning framework aligned with the ABRS+ Advanced Rosette Syllabus.
This allows children and young people to develop a deeper understanding of horses and animals through hands-on, non-ridden learning, focusing on behaviour, welfare, care and safe interaction.
These sessions support:
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Confidence and emotional awareness
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Understanding of horse and animal behaviour and communication
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Responsibility and routine care
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Safe, respectful interaction with animals
Children can progress through stages over time, building knowledge, confidence and independence at their own pace.
Whos this for
Sessions may be suitable for:
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Home education
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SEND and SEMH support and alternative provision support
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Children and young people who enjoy learning through animals
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Those who may lack confidence
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Those who find larger group environments overwhelming
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Those who prefer a quieter, more personal experience
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Children and young people who benefit from outdoor, practical and experience-based learning outside of traditional classroom environments
Think this might suit your child? Get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.
What Happens In A Session
Sessions are gentle, flexible and tailored to the individual.
Activities may include:
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Quiet time with the horses and animals
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Grooming and horse care
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Learning about animal care and welfare
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Understanding animal behaviour and communication
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Leading and groundwork
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Confidence-building activities
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Outdoor learning and practical tasks
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Calm, supportive interaction with animals
Our Learning Pathway With Horses
Our horse-related learning pathway is supported by the ABRS+ Advanced Rosette Syllabus, designed to help learners develop practical understanding of horses while building confidence, responsibility, emotional awareness and decision-making skills through calm, hands-on experiences.
The progressive pathway is particularly suited to Equine Assisted Services (EAS) and alternative education contexts, allowing children and young people to learn and progress at their own pace through relationship-based learning with horses.
Stage 1 – Understanding Horses: Body language, behaviour and building trust.
Stage 2 – Working with Horses: Handling, communication and cooperation.
Stage 3 – Care & Responsibility: Daily care, feeding, routine and wellbeing.
Stage 4 – Welfare & Decision Making: Understanding welfare, safety and making good choices.
Our Approach
We keep sessions small to help create:
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Individual attention
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A calm, safe and structured environment
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A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
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Opportunities to build confidence, engagement and overall wellbeing through positive experiences with animals
We are not a therapy provider, but we offer a calm, supportive and structured environment where individuals can feel comfortable, build confidence and learn at their own pace.
Sweetlands Farm is proud to be a member of the Equine Assisted Services Partnership (EASP) and listed on the Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR), reflecting our commitment to safe, supportive and professionally recognised equine assisted services.
Session Details
Small group and 1:1 weekday daytime sessions available.
Generally suitable for children and young people aged 10 years and over.
Suitable for a wide range of abilities and experience levels.
Schools, organisations, SENCOs, commissioners and small groups are welcome to enquire about private or small group sessions by arrangement.
Sessions are adapted to suit the individual and may include horse and animal care, groundwork, behaviour, communication, welfare, confidence-building and safe interaction.