The Transformative Power of Breathwork with the Herd
This was from a few years ago, but I thought i would reshare
There is something truly magical about the connection that unfolds when we combine the art of breathwork with the calming presence of horses. Today, we focused on Heart-Centred Breathing, a gentle yet powerful practice that anchors us fully in the present moment, allowing us to release stress, quiet the mind, and open our hearts.
As the group embraced this mindful state, something incredible happened, the horses, so attuned to the energy around them, responded in the most beautiful way. One by one, they chose to lie down in the warm sunlight, mirroring the peaceful, loving calm radiating from the clients. It was a profound reminder of how deeply these sensitive beings resonate with our emotions and intentions, reflecting back the energy we bring into their space.
Breathwork not only soothes our nervous system but also creates a ripple effect, touching those around us — including the animals we share these moments with. When we breathe with awareness and from the heart, we foster an unspoken bond, a silent language of trust and harmony between human and horse.
Today was more than just a session; it was a shared experience of stillness, connection, and mutual healing. An unforgettable moment for everyone involved.
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#HeartCentredBreathing #BreathworkWithHorses #Mindfulness #EquineAssistedLearning #CalmConnection #HealingWithHorses #PresentMoment #InnerPeace
I want to introduce Georgia, the newest member of the team.
Georgia has over 20 years of horse experience. Inspired by the positive impact horses have had on her own life, she decided to pursue training in equine-assisted services, with the hope of helping others experience relational human-equine interactions and the benefits they can bring.
Her journey began with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), where she became a coach, working with individuals with special educational needs and disabilities. This invaluable experience motivated her to further develop her career by training in the IFEEL Method of Equine Facilitated Psychotraumatology—an evidence-based, trauma-informed methodology highly respected in the field of equine-assisted services.
Through this training, Georgia gained a deep understanding of trauma informed facilitation skills, equine welfare, and relational horsemanship, which she incorporates into her practice. In addition to her IFEEL Method training, Georgia has also completed in-house training with Small Strides and is staring the Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner Diploma with Small Strides.
Alongside her ongoing professional development, which includes recent specialist Neurodiversity training, Georgia is currently completing a Level 2 Certificate in SEND. She is also first aid trained and fully insured, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for her clients.
Georgia is a keen photographer and enjoys capturing the beauty of horses and spending time with her own herd in Devon. She is excited to be working for Small Strides and looks forward to supporting clients on their personal journeys.
#equineassistedgrowth #equinefacilitatedpsychotherapy #trauma #bristolalternativeprovision #equestrianlife # equine-assistedservices
#horses #playfulhorses #horsetherapy #horsesinnature #equinefacilitatedlearning #equestrianlife
Recently myself and my colleague Louisa, the privilege of facilitating a group of parents on our Mental Well-Being with Horses program.
Over the years of working with children, it's become more apparent to me the need to work directly with the parents and offer them a space to help them with their mental well-being.
So many parents of the children I work with don't take the time for themselves as they put their children first, which is rightly so. However how can we show up for our children if we are running on high stress levels.
This is a reminder to all the parents out there who are fighting for their neurodivergent children, please take a moment for you.
Your mental health matters as well!
You are important!
We are currently fundraising for the @ciaofoundation who are aiming to raise £10,000 to support equine therapy for mental health. We are one of the chosen charities that they are supporting with their donations.
Please help us in raising funds by donating to the link below 👇 please keep an eye on our page for more information about our sponsored right which will be held later this month.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/jennifer-macsharry-1688065795011?checkoutMode=Headless&fbclid=IwAR3eTHGzeqlYjmoqWlribVWAvNTlhB2sO153Sedp8M6ebvvG_92Zi8jxnds
#fundraising #equinetherapy #mentalhealthmatters #mentalwellbeing #bristolautismsupport #parents #mums #equinefacilitatedlearning #selfcare
I would like to take a moment to introduce you to the newest member of our team.
Louisa has started working alongside me running Equine Assisted Learning and Activity sessions here at Small Strides CIC
Louisa has recently completed training in Trauma Informed Equine Facilitated Learning with Natural Lifemanship and qualified as an Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner as well as in-house training here.
Louisa has a background in Early Years Education and Care with specialist knowledge in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and emotion coaching, and the importance of this in building lifelong skills and relationships.
Knowledge of early years development hugely informs, and helps to make sense of the complexity of later childhood/teenage experiences. As a neurodivergent adult and parent to neurodivergent teens, Louisa brings lived experience of the challenges and impacts of being neurodivergent.
Combining her early years knowledge about how children develop, and an understanding of autism, adhd, sensory processing and learning difficulties and the complexities of dual diagnosis, she uses this knowledge to inform her practise in equine assisted learning.
Louisa partakes in regular supervision as part of my professional practice and personal development. She also holds her certificate in first aid.
Louisa says, "I love being with animals and as an undiagnosed teenager and young adult I found being with horses enabled a complete recharge and reset of my mind and body. I am absolutely loving this new chapter in my life and look forward to the future with Small Strides."
🐴🐴 Small Strides Fun Days 🐴🐴
Unsure of what to do this half term?
Why not come along to our Own a Pony Day 🤔
Set in the quiet, picturesque country side, between Bitton & Lansdown, it’s the perfect setting for children to interact with our horses and have fun in nature.
We provide a safe, friendly environment where our fully qualified & experienced facilitators will teach children all about caring for a pony for the day 🐴😁
Own a Pony Day;
🐎Learn How to care and look after your pony - from feeding, mucking out, grooming and more.
🐎Participate in a fun, friendly competition leading your pony through a range of crazy obstacles and win a rosette.
🐎No previous experience with horses necessary
🐎No riding involved - all ground based activities
We specialise in working with children with ASD or other additional needs.
All children welcome.
£50 per person.
£10 deposit secures your place the remaining balance is due on the day.
Limited places available.
Please email Jenny at [email protected] to book your place.
#naughtypony #equineassistedlearningcentre #horseshelpingpeople #horsetherapy #cheeky #horsesinnature
Tap Away Back to School Anxiety's
A short video to help children who are struggling with difficult emotions around going back to school, including anxiety & worry.
I will talk them through some simple tapping exercises to shift these negative emotions.
Enjoy :)
Sideways to me
Having a little play in the sunshine this evening with little Smokey.. 😍
Frosty Mornings
I love frosty mornings 😍
Bristols leading Trauma Informed Therapeutic Horsemanship Centre & Registered Alternative Provision. "Small Strides is such a wonderful, magical place.
