ALBA Therapy Ponies

15/08/2024

✨WHATS ON✨.
What’s on at ALBA Therapy Ponies in the coming weeks?
Find a list below of the ponies plans..
Sunday 18th August: SUMMER FUN DAY☀️. At Dobbie Hall, Larbert.
Sunday 25th August: PONY ADVENTURES @ our home base in Blairgowrie. Spaces left on the 2pm adventure!
Saturday 31st August. PONY ADVENTURES @ our home base in Blairgowrie. Spaces left on the 1pm adventure!
Sunday 1st September. MINI FARM TOUR. Come and meet our mini farm, at our home base in Blairgowrie. Spaces left at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm.
Sunday 8th September. BLAIRGOWRIE HIGHLAND GAMES. Event held at Bogles Show Field, Blairgowrie.
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September. MINI FARM TOURS. Spaces available on both days at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm.
Please email us at: [email protected] to book in for any of our experiences. Or pop by at Dobbie Hall or Bogles Show Field to see the ponies on event day✨🐴🫶

14/08/2024

Our ponies loved attending this event last week. We get to meet some truly incredible people and organisations🩷

14/08/2024

Our ponies are SO EXCITED for this !!

📅 THIS SUNDAY 📅

📌 Dobbie Hall, Main St, Larbert, FK5 4BL

⏰️ 1 pm - 4 pm

🚪 FREE ENTRY

☕️ FREE TEA OR FILTER COFFEE

🏰 FREE BOUNCY CASTLE

🐎 ALBA Therapy Ponies

💙 Bluey

🍭 candyfloss, popcorn and more from All Under One Roof Entertainment LTD

🍫 KandyBox Ltd - sweetshop

🖌 face painting - Lady Paintbrush

🎈balloon twisting + animal walkerz - AG Balloons Glasgow2019

🎨 Kids Bee Happy With Carol - Sand Art

🛍 Market Stalls - small business showcase

13/08/2024

🐔🐹🐴🐐🐰FARM TOURS.
MINI FARM TOURS RUNNING THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER.
Come and meet our animals, most of which being rescued- including pony grooming, donkey feeding and goat cuddles… plus much more!
A fun and hands on experience suitable for all ages.
Small groups sizes to maximise 1-1 interactions with the animals.
£2️⃣0️⃣ per child + adult included.
£5️⃣ per additional adult.
‼️Sunday 1st September 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm‼️.
‼️Saturday 14th September 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm‼️.
‼️Sunday 15th September 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm‼️.
Sessions last approx 1hr.
Email us to book: [email protected].

12/08/2024

🐐Gini and Gigi🐐.
Our girls are becoming cheekier and friendlier every day.
Did you know we don’t only have ponies at our therapy farm but goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits and Guinea pigs too!
We know that not everyone is interested in ponies so having a variety of animals means there’s hopefully something for everyone!
During school term time we offer 1-1 sessions where participants can learn how to handle and care for our farm animals. This is open to all regardless of age, level of need or experience.
Email us at: [email protected] to book your animal experience.
Our animal experiences can help reduce stress and anxiety, build confidence and bring lots of fun.. and that’s just the beginning of the benefits🩷🫶.

11/08/2024

🎉weekend roundup 🎉.
A super fun and busy weekend for us!
5 groups of pony adventures and 2 birthdays!
We feel so lucky and grateful that so many of you choose to spend your weekends with us, we love meeting you all and sharing our superstar ponies with you.
The ponies enjoyed a day at home on Friday with pony adventures and a very special birthday session too.
Saturday was a morning of pony adventures followed by a road trip in the trailer to a birthday bbq!
Today was another fun day of pony adventures and then an afternoon to relax in the field.
We also waved goodbye to two of our Guinea pigs that were successfully rehomed through our animal rescue centre. They have stayed nearby and are so loved already🩷.
We need to say a massive thank you to our volunteers this weekend, we couldn’t do this without you and appreciate the time you give to us so much🫶.
Our next pony adventure date is:
Sunday 25th August.
Saturday 31st August.
Please email: [email protected] to book.

06/08/2024

💤after school club + pony adventure info💤.

We sure hope Haggis wakes up in time for the start of our after school club🎉.
Thank you for all your interest into the after school club. We only have one space available on Tuesdays (under 8s) and two spaces available on Thursdays (8s and over). Beginning the week starting 26th August.
Email us at: [email protected] for more information.
Last availability for Pony Adventures this month.
✨Sunday 25th August (new date). 2pm.
✨Saturday 31st August. 1pm.
Email: [email protected] to book.

05/08/2024

‼️AFTER SCHOOL CLUB‼️.
Due to so much interest we have decided to run an after school club.
Activities to include:
✨ learning horse care (grooming, care, first aid).
✨ exploring through our area with the ponies (inhand not ridden).
✨ learning to care for our other animals (goats, ducks, chickens, Guinea pigs, rabbits and donkeys).
✨fun arts and crafts and outdoor learning opportunities.
✨gardening and growing vegetables.
There really is something to suit everyone!
When and Where?
✨at our home paddocks in Blairgowrie.
✨ under 8 year olds - Tuesdays from 4-5pm.
✨ over 8 year olds - Thursdays from 4:30-5:30pm.
This is a block of 4 weeks starting the week beginning 26th August. Numbers will be limited.
Block of 4 after school club sessions - £1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣.
One off after school club session - £3️⃣5️⃣.
These spaces will fill up FAST!
‼️email us at [email protected] to book‼️.

04/08/2024

🧡 Drew and Haggis modelling for the Courier at the Perth Show🧡.
A busy few days for us at the Perth Show, meeting lots of new and returning faces all while showcasing our therapy ponies amazing work.
Haggis and Drew even featured in the Courier Newspaper. Haggis enjoyed exploring the showground and meeting so many of you.
We are so thankful to each person who visited us and donated to the ponies. We appreciate it so much.
Now that the last duration show of the summer is over for the ponies- keep your eyes peeled for more events being run from our home paddocks. Including farm tours and after school clubs!

03/08/2024

🎀pretty in pink @ the Perth show🎀.
How gorgous does our girl Violet look after lots of lovely pampering and decorating.
Our ponies love coming out to meet you all and showcase some of their work.
They are having a lovely time at the Perth show and have enjoyed seeing other animals, listening to the pipe band and of course getting lots and lots of cuddles!

Our ponies attend various agricultural shows and are available for pony cuddles, grooming sessions and can even be seen out exploring around the show grounds.

02/08/2024

Perth Show Day 1🦄🩷.
The best hair of the day has to go to Squiggles👑.
The weather has been kind to us, and we have loved meeting so many of you and sharing the work that our superstar ponies do. We are back again tomorrow and looking forward to meeting more of you!

31/07/2024

🍦wonderful Wednesday🍦.
Our ponies were spoilt rotten today! They had a lovely day out at Monikie park to support Dundee Women’s Aid. This organisation does incredible work and it was an honour to be asked along to their event.
Haggis and Violet enjoyed meeting lots of new faces, being pampered, having a nap (haggis🤦🏼‍♀️), seeing the soft play and bounce house, and doing some hooking for ducks! While we enjoyed some ice cream from Frankie’s ice cream van🍦.
Thank you so much for having us at your special event and happy 50th birthday to Dundee woman’s aid 🎉 .

30/07/2024

🐴 review time🐴.
We received some lovely feedback from our most recent pony adventures this weekend:
‘I just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for today! The girls had a wonderful time; they said it was literally one of the best things they have ever done!’
We are so happy that you are enjoying our pony adventures and can’t wait to keep meeting more of you🫶.
It’s not to late to get booked in for our last few remaining walks this summer holiday, email us now: [email protected] to book!
A huge thank you to our superstar volunteers who helped out with the pony adventures this weekend and the care of the animals this week so far - Siobhan, Rachel and Ellie. We couldn’t do it without you!

29/07/2024

🪩weekend roundup🪩.
A busy and full of fun weekend for us!
Saturday seen the ponies attend a very special birthday- we were very kindly welcomed back by Trish at Wormit Woolies (thank you again, we are so grateful🫶). The family picked a superb day for a pony adventure in the nearby fields, followed by a visit to their gorgeous garden by Haggis and Squiggles. We have to say the garden was just stunning- and Haggis thought the grass was oh so comfy.
On Saturday afternoon the ponies were invited to attend Ladwalk House nursing home in Anstruther for their Summer Fete. The turnout was amazing and there was so much to do at the fete. Everyone had a great day and the ponies were well and truly pampered.
Sunday was spent at our home paddocks with some pony adventures. There was lots of smiles from the children, and of course cheeky antics from the animals. Including our 9 ducklings deciding to escape their enclosure and come visit everyone! The ponies just love showing you around their home and letting their personalities shine. Meighble was spoilt rotten with carrots, apples and cuddles and is definitely looking brighter after her surgery.
We have a few spaces left for pony adventures this summer, please email us at: [email protected] for enquires and bookings.
Thank you so much to everyone who spent time with the ponies this weekend, your support is so appreciated. As a small, self funded team we really couldn’t do this without you🩷🦄.

25/07/2024

❤️‍🩹💔 the hardest part of owning horses- when things just don’t go to plan 💔❤️‍🩹.
Life at the paddocks is usually filled with smiles, laughter and animal cuddles. Things have been a bit different lately as we have been worried about Meighble, and her ongoing eye issues. Many of you will have seen Meighble wearing her ‘superhero’ mask to protect her eyes from the sun. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with Uveitis (inflammation in the eye),which is the leading cause of blindness in horses. In our case it caused blindness in her eye but more recently has brought discomfort too. Even with us taking every precaution possible and various vet treatments, the issues in her eye have persisted.
Yesterday we made the decision that Meighble would have to undergo surgery to remove the eye. The eye was not healing and even if it did, there was a high risk the inflammation would return. This decision was not taken lightly and we have had many sleepless nights. The most important thing is to make Meighble comfortable and pain free as soon as possible, and under the expert advice of our vets the decision was made. But in true Meighble spirit she was so brave throughout the whole day, and of course her best friend Squiggles accompanied her for support.
We want to say the biggest thank you to Roddy and Maya at Thrums Veterinary Practice for the level of care and attention given to Meighble. We really are so lucky to have such a caring and knowledgeable veterinary team behind us.
Thank you to each person who has messaged to check in on Meighble or been so understanding when sessions have needed to be rescheduled to fit around her treatments.
We would be so grateful for your support in Meighbles recovery, this may include: considering donating to the cost of her vet bill, drawing her a picture, donating some carrots/ apples as treats for her, giving her an extra cuddle on your visit. Please email us at: [email protected] if you would like to make a donation or have any other enquiries.
Here’s to getting our gorgeous girl back to full health as quickly as possible🫶. We love you so much Meighble and if anyone call pull of an eye patch it’s you🤪🩷. Xx

21/07/2024

‼️DID YOU KNOW.. ‼️.
The simple act of being around animals has been shown to-
1. Release an automatic relaxation response within the brain.
2. Lower anxiety.
3. Provide comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness.
4. Increase mental stimulation.
These are just some benefits of spending time with animals.
We truly advocate for the power animals can have, but we know not everyone is comfortable to come to our paddocks for group sessions, as they may feel they really need 1-1 time with them.
So our next ‼️ DID YOU KNOW… ‼️.
Did you know that we run 1-1 sessions?
Come and meet our animals, learn about animal care, how to lead a horse, and see all the behind the scenes that goes on here at the paddocks.
1-1 sessions are most suitable to those needing some extra support or reassurance around our animals.
We offer one off sessions but we recommend a block of 4 sessions- one a week, to begin to see the true benefit of time with animals.
We have no age/ need restrictions - everyone is welcome here.
Please email us at : [email protected] for more information and to start your 1-1 sessions!

21/07/2024

What a lovely day we had yesterday at the Coupar Angus Fete.
Great turnout and lots of lovely stalls!
Our ponies were so welcomed and have a great day🐴🩷.

20/07/2024

🎠Coupar Angus Fete🎠.
What a lovely day for Haggis and Peps at the Coupar Angus Fete. Haggis loved seeing the fire truck and having a snooze. Peps enjoyed lots of cuddles and a wee snooze herself.
We love that our ponies feel so comfortable at these outings to have a nap- no stressed ponies here!
Thank you to every person who came by to see our ponies today, it is so appreciated! We are looking forward to next years Fete already! We love getting to know our new local community🫶🩷🦄.

19/07/2024

🎠WHATS ON THIS WEEKEND🎠.
Saturday- our ponies are attending the Coupar Angus Fete. We love having the ponies out in their local community and they get so much excitement from meeting you all!
We will be offering pony experiences at the Fete from 1-4pm.
Sunday- pony adventures at our home paddocks in Blairgowrie.
Learn to groom and lead your pony, lots of opportunities for cuddles with your pony and take them on an inhand walk through the countryside. It’s been a much enjoyed experience so far this summer!
We do still have a few spaces left for the pony adventure dates this month- email to book in: [email protected].
ADVENTURE DATES:
Sunday 21st July.
Thursday 25th July.
Sunday 28th July.
Saturday 10th August.
Sunday 11th August.
We look forward to seeing you this weekend🩷🐴.

17/07/2024

🦄Spending our Wednesday adventuring with ponies🦄.
Another fun day of Pony Adventures at ALBA Therapy Ponies. The ponies and donkeys were sure to keep us on our toes this morning with some escapees trying to join in on the adventure but it all adds to the experience🤪.
Thank you so much to everyone who visited us today. We so enjoy meeting you all, as do our ponies.
Our next adventure dates with availability are:
Thursday 15th July.
Sunday 28th July.
Sunday 11th August.
Saturday 31st August.
Please remember that PAYMENT = CONFIRMATION on your booking. If you have been pencilled in for an adventure but have not paid then there is a chance your space may be given to someone else🐴🩷.

16/07/2024

🐹DID YOU KNOW… as well as having our therapy ponies we also host ALBA ANIMAL RESCUE🐹.
We know people’s circumstances change and often this results in animals being in need of a safe home- quickly.
All animals big or small are welcomed here and we look forward to adding a ‘mini farm tour’ for you all to meet all of our animals when the time is right.
Pictured above is Popcorn🍿 the Guinea pig, who came to us at 2 weeks old with her mother and sister, with her mother already pregnant again. She needed some extra care and a lot of love when she first arrived but has now blossomed into a lively and very vocal little lady🩷.
If you would like to support our small animal rescue but are not in the position to rehome, we welcome donations that contribute to their care, or feel free to browse their Amazon wishlist which will soon be featured on our website.
Email us at: [email protected] with any questions or enquiries!

14/07/2024

🥰 super Sunday🥰.
We just LOVE seeing all the pictures and memories you make with our ponies.
Lots of happy faces on our pony adventures today.
Our ponies just love showing you around their home and giving you an insight into their individual personalities.
We are so looking forward to our next pony adventures🫶.

13/07/2024

🐴🎉 Due to our last Pony Adventure dates being so popular we have squeezed in some more throughout the summer 🦄☀️.
We have loved having so many people returning for a second adventure - our ponies just love the attention.
We try and keep groups small - with between 2 and 5 children.
We can’t wait to meet you all🩷.

12/07/2024

Fun Friday!😍.
Two of our superstar ponies- Haggis and Squiggles had a great day visiting lots of lovely children at Glenlaw House.
Squiggles loved meeting everyone and getting lots of cuddles, Haggis loved the opportunity to show off his personality, and of course the grass was just too inviting he had to have a roll on it😂.
It’s so special to us that our ponies have the opportunity to spread smiles and allow people to experience time with them🫶. We have the best job in the world.

11/07/2024

👑 Why the headbands?👑.
A question we are asked time and time again.
So here’s the answer:
When we are at events all of our staff and volunteers will be seen wearing a distinctive headband. It may be a crown, ears, a unicorn horn. The reasoning behind this is that it can be scary for a small person to come into our pony area- there are lots of adults and lots of ponies.
To make it easier and more comfortable for the children we work with- we direct them with where to go based on the headbands.
*Drew with the crown headband is going to be supporting you today*.
Not only do the headband bring some fun, make us look younger😜 and more approachable but they also have a fundamental role in organising our pony experiences🫶.
We are also looking at ways to adapt and make your experience with us a positive one.
Please feel free to send us a message with feedback after your experience, it will be so appreciated!

10/07/2024

We are looking for someone to come and put up some stock fencing in our paddocks, preferably local with availability as soon as possible.
We are based in Blairgowrie🫶.

09/07/2024

Our first Scottish Game Fair✅.
What a great experience we had at the Scottish Game Fair with our superstar ponies. We had not attended the Game Fair before so did not realise the full extent of the Fair.
There was so much to see and do with lots of different people all coming together to conserve the countryside.
Our ponies had the opportunity to showcase their work, meet lots of lovely people and spread smiles🫶.
They also got to have some new experiences themselves- from meeting and then hearing the Red Hot Chilli Pipers playing live, hearing the firing range close by, being next door to the axe throwing and so much more. We are in awe at our ponies and how they just love exploring the world and seeing new things.
Haggis was the star of the show as usual (even though he sleeps all day) and it was so special to hear so many people come to our stand specifically looking to meet him. He really is turning into a little pony celebrity🥰.
We need to thank every single person who came to meet us and our ponies, we really do appreciate the time you spend with us.
We need to thank our families (Sandra and Nicola) for supporting us on the daily, and all of the outstanding volunteers who waited on the ponies hand and hoof (Caitlin, Lizzie, Ellie and Summer). We appreciate you so much!
We hope you continue to support us and are excited to keep meeting you all at our next events🩷.

06/07/2024

Day 2 of the Scottish Game Fair and Haggis is ready for a fun filled day🎉.
Come and see us at the pony therapy area🩷. Offering pony cuddles and grooming sessions all day!

05/07/2024

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Game Fair Ready🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.
We are thrilled to be showcasing our ponies work at the Scottish Game Fair this weekend, held in the grounds of Scone Palace, Perthshire.
Scone palace has played host to
The Great British Bake-off 🎂.
Antique Roadshow🏺.
Outlander🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.
Just to name a few..
and now it’s host to
ALBA therapy ponies🐴.
How exciting is that!?
Our ponies will be attending all 3 days of the fair (5th-7th June). We will be offering educational grooming sessions for a suggested donation and also meet the pony opportunities where you can get to know their personalities and say hello.
There is no minimum/ maximum age on our experiences and we are fully licensed and insured for all activities.
Come and spend time in the wonderful world of ponies before enjoying the rest of the day at the fair🩷.
We are so excited to see you🫶.

04/07/2024

🦄Pony Fun🦄.
Thank you to those who came for pony adventures this week.
Thankfully we managed to dodge the rain for the majority of them.
We are having so much fun meeting you all and trialling different routes to see which suits the adventure the best.
Our next pony adventure dates are:
Sunday 14th July. 1 space available at 1pm.
Wednesday 17th July. FULLY BOOKED.
Sunday 28th July. 1 space available at 10:30am. 2 spaces available 1pm.
Email us: [email protected] to book.
We really want to provide a great pony experience to every person who comes to visit us, If you have already came for a visit please feel free to send us a message with some feedback. It will be so appreciated!