TheraBarn

01/13/2025

Would this be called a “moon dog” 🙂😉

So pretty…. But so cold….

01/08/2025

Join us tomorrow!

This powerful quote from our EquiScholars Plus training, highlights the connection between attachment, Polyvagal Theory, and neuroscience. As mentors, our role goes beyond immediate support—we create environments that can reshape neural wiring, building resilience, safety, and emotional growth.

By applying these insights, we’re not only supporting children and young people (CYP) in the present moment—we’re helping build a lasting foundation for lifelong well-being. 💪💖

Want to learn more? Join us in our upcoming EquiScholars Plus programs and discover how you can make a lasting impact. www.equischolarsplus.com

❓Did you know we're holding a FREE webinar tomorrow delving into our two flagship programs the Early Intervention program and EquiSchools? Why not join us to find out more!

👉 Here's the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/short-term-interventions-lasting-impact-equischolars-plus-tickets-1127502734029?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

01/07/2025

🐎 Ever wondered how to keep your horse mentally engaged and curious? 🤔 Sensory enrichment is a fun way to stimulate their seeking system—the natural drive that helps horses explore, gather information, and stay alert to their surroundings. 🐴✨

In feral populations, horses get sensory enrichment naturally as they roam vast landscapes, encountering different smells, textures, and sights throughout the day. From sniffing unfamiliar plants to investigating new terrain, their environment constantly stimulates their senses. 🌿🌄

Domesticated horses, however, don’t always have access to such diverse environments. That’s where homemade sensory enrichment comes in! 🎉

Why is sensory enrichment important?
🔹 Keeps our equine friends’ minds active
🔹 Reduces stress and boredom
🔹 Encourages natural behaviours like sniffing and touching
🔹 Promotes well-being by meeting their mental needs

12/29/2024

So excited to join this webinar to learn more! Anyone want to join me???

🚨 Reminder: Don’t Miss Our Webinar Tomorrow! 🚨

Join us for an insightful and interactive session diving into the EquiScholars Plus Programs! 🌟

🗓️ When: Tomorrow
📍 Where: Online (Free!) https://facebook.com/events/s/short-term-interventions-lasti/930451232521534/

Hosted by:
✨ Kate Blackmore, Founder
✨ Claire Cottrell, Head of Therapeutic Programs
✨ Toni Woodbridge, Director of The Ranch Weymouth

This session is your chance to explore our flagship Early Intervention Program and EquiSchools Initiative, designed to empower children and young people (CYP) through accessible, impactful interventions within resource-strapped educational and public health systems.

🌟 What’s in Store?
✅ Discover how our programs build inclusivity and meet funding requirements.
✅ Hear real-world insights from Toni Woodbridge on running these initiatives in socio-economically challenged areas.
✅ Learn about innovative methodologies and funding opportunities.
✅ Engage in a live Q&A session to address all your questions!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how EquiScholars Plus is making a real difference for CYP.

✨ See you there! ✨

12/26/2024

One of our traditions is ending Christmas Day with a book…. I couldn’t pass up giving this one to my daughter. Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss and horses! ❤️

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

12/24/2024

Merry Christmas from our herd to yours…. ❤️

🎄 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲! 🎄

As we deck the halls this festive season, let’s also create some holiday magic for our equine friends! During the colder months, it’s crucial to keep our horses mentally stimulated as shorter days and less time outdoors can limit their natural urge to explore. Here are a few fun and festive activities to enrich your horse’s day:

🎁 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡
Why not set up a little holiday-themed course? Arrange some safely wrapped boxes, a bit of tinsel, and some gently jingling bells around the paddock or barn. Watch as your horse gets curious and checks out these new, interesting objects at their leisure. It’s a great way to engage their minds and encourage a bit of festive investigation.

🍎 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙣
Set up a ‘treat station’ with some horse-friendly goodies like apples, carrots, and a bit of hay. You could string up some snacks in a garland or tuck them away in boxes or under hay for your horse to discover. It’s a fun way for them to engage in some natural foraging behaviour and keep their spirits bright.

❄️ 𝙁𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨
Take a leisurely walk with your horse and let them explore a bit more of the world. Pausing to let them sniff around, taste a bit of safe greenery, or just amble through the crunchy leaves can break the monotony of winter and bring joy to your daily routine.

🌟 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨
Spice up their environment with some horse-safe scents like cooling peppermint or calming lavender. Apply these scents to blankets or toys around their area. It’s a unique way to stimulate their powerful sense of smell and keep their seeking system engaged even on the chilliest days.

Wishing you and your horse a wonderful festive break from all of us at Equischolars. 🎉🎀

12/24/2024

Have you ever considered
that, at any given moment, you are exactly who the world needs?

That you're the tune to someone's lyrics when no other melody seems to fit.

That you're the stars to someone's sky when it is drowning in inky darkness.

That you're the moon to someone's ocean when it cannot find its way back to the sand.

And it might not be forever.

Songs end,
the sun rises
and the tide turns.

But maybe for a while - maybe in this moment -
you are exactly where you're supposed to be.

Because it gives you a chance
to sing, to shine and to make waves.

And your light,
your music,
your guide...
Oh the world needs it.

It really, really does.

*****

'Any Given Moment' by Becky Hemsley Poetry

12/13/2024

Yes there is!

Always ♥️

12/11/2024

A great reminder…..

Gentleness is often mistaken for weakness, but in truth, it is a profound strength.
To be gentle in a world that can be harsh takes courage.
Gentleness is the soft hand that soothes in moments of distress, the calm voice that brings peace in the midst of chaos, and the open heart that chooses kindness over anger.
True gentleness begins within.
It’s about being kind to yourself, nurturing your own spirit, and approaching your life with a sense of grace. When you carry gentleness in your heart, you bring a quiet strength into every situation.
You move through the world with a soft power that can heal, uplift, and inspire.
Remember, gentleness doesn’t mean avoiding challenges or standing down in the face of difficulty. It means facing them with compassion, both for yourself and others.
It’s about choosing patience over frustration, understanding over judgment, and love over fear.
Be gentle with yourself.
Be gentle with others.
In that gentleness, you will find strength, resilience, and the power to create a world filled with light and peace.

~ Han Suyin

~ Photo by Jaxon

12/09/2024

What an exciting announcement!!! We look forward to dive into this incredible program soon!

🌟 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲! 🌟

We know you’ve all been waiting patiently for the launch of our EquiScholars Plus Programs—and we’re so excited to say the wait is nearly over! 🐴💫
This Monday, we’ll officially open registration for our training programs, and we can’t wait to share them with you. These programs have been carefully crafted from years of experience and a deep passion for equine-assisted learning. Whether you’re interested in our EquiSchools Program or the Early Intervention Program, there’s something here to inspire, educate, and empower you.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:

✅ EquiSchools: Perfect for supporting young learners in groups of up to six, this program aligns with Ofsted’s Personal Development criteria, making it an invaluable resource for schools and educational settings.
✅ Early Intervention: A deeply personal 1:1 program designed to build resilience and growth in children, young people, and adults—all while honouring the incredible role of horses.

Both programs start with our EquiScholars Plus foundation training, giving you a solid base in key theories like attachment, polyvagal, and equine behaviour.
We couldn’t have done this without YOU—our amazing community. Your enthusiasm and belief in our work have been the driving force behind everything we do.

With only 10 spots per intake, we know these will fill fast, so keep an eye out for Monday’s big announcement!

12/07/2024

How are you spending your time today?

12/05/2024

How exciting is this!!!!!

🌟 Save the Date! 🌟

Our EquiScholars Plus Programs are launching this Monday! 🐴🎉

Whether you’re seeking to inspire students in educational settings or provide tailored support through intervention, our programs offer transformative opportunities for both participants and equine partners.

What We Offer:

✅ EquiSchools Program:
This group-based curriculum inspires young learners while meeting key educational outcomes. It’s designed to align with Ofsted’s Personal Development criteria, making it a valuable tool for schools. Comprehensive Ofsted-aligned guidance ensures that those delivering EquiSchools can confidently present the program as a measurable, outcomes-focused initiative that supports emotional regulation, social skills, and personal growth.

✅ Early Intervention Program:
A 1:1 program designed to empower children, young people, and adults. With a focus on emotional resilience, self-awareness, and personal development, this program is adaptable to a wide range of needs. Built around equine-assisted learning, it provides a unique and impactful approach to nurturing growth while maintaining the highest standards of horse welfare.

Why Choose EquiScholars Plus?

Our training is rooted in evidence-based frameworks, including polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and equine behaviour, and reflects over 17 years of combined expertise in the field. Both programs share the core EquiScholars Plus training, ensuring every participant gains the foundational knowledge and skills needed to make an impact.

With live online sessions, interactive materials, outcomes trackers and resources tailored to each program, you’ll be equipped to create meaningful outcomes.

11/27/2024

🌟 𝘼 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙮: 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 🌟

Ever wondered how horses experience their world? One crucial but often overlooked aspect is their whiskers! At EquiScholars, we’ve designed an engaging activity that helps learners discover just how essential whiskers are for a horse to navigate its surroundings.

Imagine experiencing the world the way horses do, using your sense of touch to guide you. It’s an eye-opening part of our curriculum that truly brings to light the sensory capabilities of our horses. We dive into why preserving a horse’s whiskers is crucial to their safety and wellbeing.

Curious to learn more and see this in action? This is just a glimpse of what our comprehensive EquiScholars programs offer. Designed for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about providing a deeper, more empathetic understanding of equine behaviour, our curriculum is filled with unique, hands-on activities that bring equine science to life.

🐴 Join us now for exclusive access to our full range of educational modules, expert-led webinars, and a community passionate about advancing equine welfare. For just £39/month, unlock a world of equine knowledge and help your learners connect with horses in amazing new ways.

www.equischolars.co.uk

11/26/2024

So excited to listen in to this Q & A

🌟 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 🌟

Mark your calendars for November 27th! We’re excited to host a special webinar on the “Therapeutic Applications of the EquiScholars Curriculum.” This session will focus on expanding the adaptations of our curriculum for 1:1 work, building on our comprehensive module dedicated to this important aspect. Whether you’re working with groups or one-on-one, our curriculum is designed to be inclusive and adaptable to various learning environments.

This webinar is ideal for anyone working with children and young adults through horse-related activities, whether in therapeutic settings or other educational equine programs, and is looking to enhance their techniques and deepen their understanding. We’ll be sharing valuable tips and best practices derived from years of experience in the therapeutic space with children and young adults.

🔹 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 🔹

Not a member yet? For just £39/month, here’s what you gain access to by joining EquiScholars:

👉 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙧: Engaging, interactive content that brings equine behaviour to life.
👉 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙌&𝘼 𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: Live interactions where you can ask questions and get insights directly from the field.
👉 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩: Ongoing guidance from our experienced team, ready to help you tackle any challenge.
👉 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚: Run your own EquiScholars programs and make a difference in your community.
👉 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨 Everything from camp schedules to lesson plans and learner activities, designed to maximize engagement.
👉 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨: Boost your sessions with our ready-to-use promotional tools.
👉 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚: Connect with peers, share experiences, and find support.
👉 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙌&𝘼𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙨: Never miss out, with access to our archive of past sessions.
👉 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨: Recognise achievements and track progress with certificates for your learners.

🐴 Join us to learn, grow, and share in the journey of equine education.

www.equischolars.co.uk

11/23/2024

We love this program and are always looking to add information to our camp experience!

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀!

Horses and humans share a lot more than we may realise, and one of the most fascinating connections lies in our seeking system. This system is what drives curiosity and exploration—it’s why horses nudge new objects in their paddock or simply graze while moving, and it’s why we feel excited about learning something new or solving a challenge.

When the seeking system is working well, it’s a sign of engagement. For horses, this can look like calm exploration, playful interactions, and a sense of curiosity about their surroundings. For humans, it’s when we feel motivated, connected, and focused.

But when the seeking system is working at a low level, the similarities between us and horses are just as similar. Horses stuck in environments without movement or enrichment often show signs of boredom and frustration—pacing, chewing, or even shutting down entirely. For humans, it’s the same: we might lose energy, feel stuck, or disengage from the things that matter to us.

By observing horses—how they explore, play, and engage with their world—we see the value of staying connected to our natural drive for curiosity and learning. These are vital lessons horses teach us: the importance of movement, discovery, and staying present in the moment.

We’ve created some amazing activities that bring the seeking system to life, helping kids and young adults truly understand how it works—for both humans and horses. They are all part of our membership along with so many other aspects of the horse and the lessons we can learn from them 🐴💡🐴🧠

www.equischolars.co.uk