Sessions – Child & Youth Heartfelt Ranch

Our Sessions

Learn more about the physical, psychological, educational and social benefits of equine assisted learning and therapeutic horsemanship or click the button below to find out how to book.

Benefits of our Equine Sessions

The equine experience at the Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch allows for a holistic perspective to riding and horsemanship. Providing young people with a full experience of working with horses in the stable as well as in the saddle. Each client is an individual and we help make each experience unique and beneficial to your specific requirements.

The benefits to therapeutic riding and equine assisted learning can be seen in these four key areas:

Physical

The physical benefits are apparent at all levels of ability and are extremely enjoyable for all. Improvements in physical strength, flexibility and stamina. Especially useful for clients who find traditional physical therapy difficult to engage in.

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Psychological

Sessions provide a range of psychological benefits and improvements in well-being, as well as increased self-esteem, confidence and motivation. Our calm countryside environment also provides the ideal place to take time out and relax.

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Educational

Getting hands-on with the horses in the stable as well as in the saddle provides many learning opportunities. Young people can learn the skills and knowledge of practical horse care as well as incorporating learning of key skills into sessions.

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BENEFITS OF SESSIONS

Physical

From your first session, working with our horses as well as riding helps your body to develop core strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Riding stimulates muscle development at all levels as the movement of the horse challenges the body to constantly readjust to maintain balance. The rhythmical movement of the horse, even at walk, stretches and strengthens throughout the entire body. With additional progressive exercises tailored to your ability, balance, increased stamina, strength and suppleness will occur over a series of sessions. The enjoyable nature of the activity means that you will be getting fitter and gaining multiple benefits without demanding exercise regimes. This is especially useful for clients who find traditional physical therapy difficult to engage in.

The physical benefits are apparent at all levels of ability, from improvements in athletic performance to helping those who have profound physical disabilities.

Physical benefits include:

Improved co-ordination is needed to correctly influence the horse and horses provide feedback instantly in the form of the correct or incorrect movement. Sessions including practicing a range of patterned movements thereby improving motor skills, co-ordination and planning.

Stretching for tight muscles including spasticity can be improved through sitting with or without stirrups. Gravity can enable stretch in all lower limbs and through the hips when working without stirrups. Whilst use of stirrups requires stretch through the calf and heel to enable security in the saddle.
Core strength in the stomach and back muscles is gained through constant muscle tension and relaxation to maintain good upright posture and balance whilst moving.
Arm and hand muscles are worked in holding the reins in the correct position, as is relaxation through the shoulders and upper body.
The partnership and bond created whilst riding and working with another living creature provides a sense of well-being and physical relaxation.
Abnormal muscle movements and spasms are seen to be inhibited when participating in ridden exercise.
Increased motor control and range of movement is improved, not only whilst in the saddle but in grooming, tacking up, mounting and dismounting.
Improvements in cardiovascular strength can also be seen as trotting and cantering work improves circulation and respiration. As with any physical activity, metabolism is increased; as is appetite, which can help aid in general fitness and weight management as well as improvements in digestive and eating disorders.
Sensory integration and perception is stimulated through the tactile and environmental stimuli of the stable yard and the horses themselves. All senses are activated in the relaxed environment we work within.

BENEFITS OF SESSIONS

Psychological

Riding and equine assisted learning activities provide a range of psychological benefits toward the improvement of well-being for all. The Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch helps to facilitate behaviour change through tailored sessions with the individual or in small group sessions.

Self-Confidence & Mastery

Through a series of sessions clients will notice improvements in self-confidence and self-esteem. Confidence is gained by learning new skills with horses on the ground and in the saddle. Learning new skills in communication with the horses can then be translated to the wider social world. Mastery of a skill considered difficult by the general population increases confidence, acceptance and normality.

Routine and Patience

Equine assisted learning and riding encourages the development of patience working on the ground and in the saddle. Increased understanding of the perspective of the horse and how to best communicate with them can take much repetition and patience is needed in learning how to provide clear signals to the horse. Riding effectively requires practice and involves repetition and routine, which helps to develop patience in the individual.

Rehabilitation in trauma

Traumatic events can be characterised by an individuals inability to cope and lead to long-term physical and psychological consequences. Equine assisted activities and therapeutic horsemanship has many benefits in helping individuals reconnect with their identity and regain coherence in their life story through horses. As well as gaining improvements in the other beneficial aspects of the therapy it is hoped that individuals who have experienced traumatic life events can improve their self-understanding and their place in the world.

Improved social behaviour

Working with our horses, individuals can learn to understand the importance of altruism and reciprocity and show improved sharing behaviours. Attending to the daily care of the horses encourage less selfish behaviours and increased sense of responsibility.

Well-being and relaxation

General experience of well-being and relaxation is gained from the calm and friendly environment at the Ranch. Senses are stimulated and the countryside setting gives the feelings of freedom to get away from daily stresses and worries. Many individuals love to ‘get away from it all’ and the focus on the horse means that all thoughts can be put aside whilst concentrating on the task at hand.

Awareness and Control

Self-awareness and control of behaviours as well as emotions are learnt through appreciation for the perception and nature of the horses. Behaviours and emotions are reciprocated in the reactions of the horse, helping individuals to learn how self- control is important in influencing others and their perceptions. If the client is out of control emotionally and behaviourally then this will be mirrored in the horse.

Stimulation and motivation

Gaining new skills and stimulation from a new activity and the exhilaration of riding results in a new narrative, which can be shared socially outside of the stable yard, encouraging speech and communication with others. For those who are unable to participate in traditional exercise or games, riding and horsemanship allows individuals to discover a new part of their identity. Involvement with the Ranch and the special relationships formed with the horses encourages overall improvements in daily motivation.

Confidence

Confidence is gained through progressive and controlled activities enabling gradual improvements in the beliefs we hold about ourselves. Mastery of riding and horse care skills challenges the individual to attempt and succeed at new activities which require skill and dedication to gain. Although we facilitate the activities in a secure and safe environment the individual must learn to trust the horse and facilitator and work with fears involved in what appears to be a ‘risk’ activity. When success is gained, the experience is exhilarating and confidence will be increased.

BENEFITS OF SESSIONS

As a small family run centre we encourage a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Sharing our love for the horses (and other animal friends at the Ranch!) we build the basis of shared experiences and good friendships. Many new friends have been made at the ranch and we are planning more events in the future, including our Heartfelt Fan Club social.

Respect for animals

The dedication required to care for horses is a great responsibility and commitment. Learning how to properly care for all aspects of the horse’s well-being involves a great appreciation for the knowledge and duty to the animal. Putting the needs of the horse above our own we learn more about generosity and altruism and in turn improves our relationships with others.

Fun and enjoyment

Riding and horse care is above all enjoyable and with so many different experiences involved at the stables from learning how to groom and tack up and enjoy a ride on your favourite horse, there is a host of enjoyable activities to experience. There’s always something new to learn and continual learning and infinite scope for progression means that there is always fun to be had.

Teamwork

Working as a team to look after the horses and work within the routines of the stable yard is an important activity that can help individuals in many aspects of their social lives. Teamwork encourages shared experiences, improvements in interpersonal and communication skills, critical thinking, leadership, conflict resolution, creativity, strength and support for one another.

Social Events

Friendship and teamwork are found at the Child and Youth Heartfelt Ranch and we are looking forward to sharing with you upcoming social events, where we hope you will join us.

BENEFITS OF SESSIONS

Educational

As a small family run centre we encourage a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in which to learn, for individuals, home educators and for schools.

For individuals

Home education

For Schools

Whether you are looking for group sessions for your class or one-to-one sessions for students with individual needs, we can create a bespoke plan to best meet the needs of your students.

Individual Students

We offer individual sessions including therapeutic riding and equine assisted learning tailored to the individual student to provide the most beneficial outcomes.

Groups

We can provide half-term or termly courses for enrichment or specific learning needs. We can encompass the many social, psychological and physical benefits already outlined above to your requirements. Courses can also provide inspiration and a new perspective on learning through working with our horses and in the outdoors.

If you are a teacher thinking of new ways to inspire and motivate your class we can help facilitate learning in a new and effective way.

Client Love

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

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

Michelle Parent

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!

Lynn Grandparent

Learn more about the ranch and our equine assisted learning sessions

We are based in Leicestershire, just outside Market Bosworth. For safeguarding purposes, our exact location is only shared once a booking has been made.

Get in touch today to find out more.

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Our Sessions

Benefits of our Equine Sessions

Physical

Psychological

Educational