Our equine assisted learning team provides young people with the opportunities to engage in therapeutic horsemanship and riding activities in a calm and peaceful environment.
We are a non-profit organisation offering equine assisted learning opportunities to children and young people. Sessions take place on our 12 acre site set in a peaceful and private location. We have a small herd of horses and ponies who enjoy lots of attention and grooming from our visitors and there are plenty of horse care tasks to get involved in for those who enjoy the practical elements. We also offer some ridden opportunities led by our British Horse Society qualified Coach and conducted in both our beautiful 60 metre x 30 metre riding arena as well as around the grounds.
All session leaders hold current DBS checks, have completed Safeguarding and First Aid training and are appropriately insured for the activities that take place.
MEET THE TEAM
As the Founder of Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch, I bring a wealth of experience and passion to my role. Before dedicating myself to horses and the ranch, I had the privilege of working with the younger generation for a significant period of time. Alongside my dedication to Judo, I achieved the World Judo Master Athlete Title for the U57K category in both 1999 and 2000. I also served as a Club Coach for Barlestone Judo Club, as well as fulfilling the role of Leicestershire County Coach and Midland Area Coach.
Over the past 15 years, my passion has expanded to include horses and the profound calming effect they have had on not only my life but also the lives of our visitors. I thoroughly enjoy running the ranch and working with young people during sessions. It brings me immense joy to provide assistance in session structure and ensure a safeguarded and soothing environment for every individual at Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch.
MEET THE TEAM
I bring together over 25 years of experience in psychology, coaching, and a lifetime of working in partnership with horses. I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology alongside specialist training in behaviour change intervention design and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy. I am a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society and a Registered Member of the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP).
As an experienced equestrian and instructor, I also hold British Horse Society qualifications and additional certifications in equine psychology and equine nutrition. I founded and ran Island Equus, an equine assisted therapy, riding centre, and alternative education provision on the Isle of Wight for over ten years. During this time, I supported hundreds of children, young people, and adults through therapeutic programmes. Developing specialist SEND and behavioural programmes for schools and local authorities, as well as teaching horse care and riding, and providing NVQ qualifications.
I am now pleased to join the Heartfelt Ranch, helping individuals not only develop practical skills but also grow in confidence, self-belief, and emotional resilience. I offer warmth, understanding, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. My approach is gentle, person-centred, trauma-informed and empowering, creating a space where people feel heard, supported, and encouraged to move forward with greater confidence.
Supporting the valuable work of the Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch is a great way to show you care. You can support our work with a donation via PayPal using the link below.
What a place! Absolutely stunning venue, all the animals are loved and cherished. Staff are super friendly and supportive to parents and children who visit. Our daughter has loved riding and helping out. It brings her such joy and peace. Thank you everyone, the ranch is a special place for us all to visit
Our child absolutely loves horse riding/horse care sessions. Staff are friendly, encouraging and caring. It’s been great to see how the site and facilities have developed since opening. For N it’s an hours oasis in a beautiful setting and an opportunity to be himself and have a break from the challenges in his life.
It’s brilliant, thank you!
We are based in Leicestershire, just outside Market Bosworth. For safeguarding purposes, our exact location is only shared once a booking has been made.
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My son Harley loves his time at the heartfelt ranch. He loves spending time with the horses and especially Buddy the sheep. He enjoys riding, leading, feeding, and grooming the horses. The ranch is a safe and calm environment, which gives Harley, the freedom to be himself and have fun. Karen is amazing, and his confidence and his ability to follow instructions is growing with each visit.
Lisa Parent