OUR APPROACH
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning"
— Fred Rogers.
EQUINE PLAY
playing, learning, wellbeing
EQUINE PLAY is a developmentally informed, play-based approach that blends therapeutic play with the calming, ridden and non-ridden presence of ponies. Designed to support children’s social, emotional, and developmental wellbeing, this unique model honours each child’s individual pace, voice, and strengths.
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Children are gently guided to explore their feelings, build emotional regulation, and develop confidence through hands-on experiences with ponies and purposeful, creative play. Sessions are grounded in safety, connection, and co-regulation, creating a nurturing space where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
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This approach integrates therapeutic play therapy modalities with educational practices and developmental goals, all supported by the powerful presence of ponies. Whether a child is building trust, strengthening communication, or navigating change, EQUINE PLAY is a responsive and empowering framework tailored to their needs.
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EQUINE PLAY offers
Key features of EQUINE PLAY include:
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Therapeutic Play Sessions: Play encourages communication, expression, creativity, and emotional regulation.
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Capacity Building: Focused support to develop life skills such as problem-solving, self-care, and social connection.
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Educational Integration: Play experiences informed by early childhood and educational principles to enhance learning and developmental outcomes.
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Equine-Supported Sessions: Where suitable, gentle interactions with ponies (riddon and non-ridden) are included to support regulation, relational skills, and self-esteem in a calm, outdoor setting.
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Family Support: Collaborative communication with carers to help reinforce skills and celebrate progress beyond the therapy room.
At its heart, EQUINE PLAY believes that play is how children grow, connect, and thrive. Through personalised, engaging sessions, we help each child step into their strengths, explore their potential, and say a confident “Yes!” to learning, well-being, and positive change.
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Emotional
Support
Helping children safely explore and regulate emotions through creative, therapeutic play.
Social
Development
Encouraging connection, communication, and cooperation in playful, supported interactions.
Cognitive
Growth
Enhancing imagination, critical thinking, and curiosity through child-led exploration.
Physical
Engagement
Promoting coordination, movement, and body awareness through active play.
Key Elements of PLAY THERAPY WITH PONIES
1
Play as a Pathway for Growth
Purposeful play is used to support emotional regulation, resilience, relationship building, and cognitive development.
2
Play as Communication
Recognising play as a child’s natural language for expressing thoughts and feelings.
3
Whole-Child Focus
Guided by the understanding that learning and well-being are deeply interconnected. Each session honours the child’s unique developmental journey.
4
Empowering and Strength-Based
This approach trusts children to lead their own play—honouring their voice, choices, and autonomy while nurturing confidence, emotional safety, and a strong sense of self-worth.
5
Safe, Respectful Environments
therapeutic setting is thoughtfully created to be authentic, predictable, and responsive—offering the child a space where they feel safe to explore and grow.
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Grounded in Research and Practice
Informed by contemporary child development theory, strength-based, and evidence-based play therapy frameworks, this approach is both effective and responsive to individual needs.
How does it differ from traditional play therapy?
Unlike traditional play therapy, which often focuses solely on emotional healing, EQUINE PLAY integrates therapeutic modalities with educational and developmental goals, all supported through meaningful connection with ponies. This holistic approach draws on a range of evidence-informed frameworks, creating a flexible and responsive model that meets each child where they are—socially, emotionally, and in their learning journey.
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