Shetland Pony and Friends Animal Therapy

07/02/2025

🌟Busy, Busy, Busy!🌟

We’ve been flat out with school visits, care home visits, and welcoming wonderful people to our site, so much so that we rarely stop to take photos! 📸🐴

That’s why it means the world to us when we receive feedback like this from a recent school visit. 💛

This is exactly why we love what we do… bringing joy, connection, and learning through our incredible animals.

Thank you to everyone who supports us! 💕

07/02/2025

Loved taking this little one on her first hack on Sunny this morning, she smiled the whole time.

To book a pony ride* either in our woodland space or out on a hack around part of the lake, please email [email protected]

* Please note, we only have small Shetland ponies, weight and hight restrictions apply.

07/02/2025

We work with some amazing young people from the .skills.hub Do you know anyone who would be interested in applying? Please share.

06/02/2025

Feb Half Term Clubs!

*Priority is given to young carers*

booking is now live on www.lifeskillshub.co.uk or you can contact Samantha on reception [email protected], places are limited and usually book up fast!

06/02/2025

Arnie, you mean the world to me!

At 19 years old, he is the oldest of our Shetland crew and has brought so much joy and love into my life. ❤️

As he ages, it’s essential to give him the extra care he deserves. Older Shetlands may require special attention, including a tailored diet, regular vet check-ups, and gentle exercise to keep him healthy and happy. 🐴✨

Thank you, Arnie, for being such a wonderful companion. Here’s to many more cherished years together!

06/02/2025

Beautiful Rollo 🐐🫶❤️

06/02/2025

Could not be a more appropriate audio for this cheeky goat 🐐, always up to mischief 🫶

30/01/2025

Look what we have found in and around our woodland! Comment below what you think they might be… ⬇️💀

30/01/2025

Today the young people from the Life Skills Hub Limited have been feeding our goats different fruits to see which was their favourite. They tried Grapes 🍇 , Water Melon 🍉 , Blueberries 🫐 , Strawberry 🍓 and Apple 🍏.

Apple was a clear winner 🏆

🐐

20/01/2025

Introducing the new additions to the SP&F gang: pygmy goats Ragnor and Rollo. They have been really curious and brave meeting the ponies and settling into their new home.
We can't wait to see what this cheeky duo gets up to!

20/01/2025

Connecting with nature has been proven time and time again to work wonders for our wellbeing. Nature connections can help boost children’s moods, improve focus and help them to feel less stressed and anxious. But busy lives mean that making time for nature can be tricky…
We think everyone deserves time in nature. That’s why we are joining in the WWF ‘Daily Dose of Nature’, if you visit Shetland Pony and Friends, we will be recording all of the wildlife we see each week and you will be given your WWF sticker from us.

17/01/2025

Ponies all had a hoof spa and trim today

14/01/2025

Arnie and Bertie are ready and waiting in our outdoor 'classroom'. This is one of our working areas that allows our young people to build trust with our ponies, cuddle our guinea pigs and spot some wildlife. We were lucky enough to see a fox and a barn owl in the last week!

11/01/2025

Another beautiful morning at Shetland Pony and Friends!
The ponies were busy tucking into their breakfast while Bailey the Border Collie had a walk around the lake. There were some brave people taking to the water and those preferring something cosier enjoying the Calm Waters Cafe.
What a wonderful way to start the weekend!

30/12/2024

We are super excited to announce that we’ll be partnering with the Life Skills Hub next year!

We can’t wait to work together and empower individuals with essential life skills that make a real difference.

Let’s embark on this incredible journey together! 💪✨

We are delighted to start working with Shetland Pony & Friends Animal Therapy, based in Welton, in the new year! We loved recently visiting the site and are looking forward to working with Gemma, Rebecca and team! Shetland Pony and Friends Animal Therapy

22/12/2024

Embracing Nature for Sensory Growth!

Spending time outdoors with animals can significantly support sensory needs. Engaging with the natural world provides unique opportunities for sensory exploration and development.

Here are a couple of recent examples:

🐴 A Young Boy's Journey
Initially reluctant to touch animals, a young boy discovered a remarkable bond with Bertie (who also has sensory sensitivities) connected over their shared discomfort with touch. Bertie dislikes his ears touched and the boy found the courage to explore this new experience. Together, they embarked on a sensory journey where the boy learned to gently touch Bertie, and in return, Bertie became more comfortable allowing him to touch his ears. This beautiful exchange highlights how understanding and empathy can bridge gaps in sensory experiences. Through their connection, both the boy and Bertie not only expanded their comfort zones but also formed a special bond that supports their individual sensory needs.

🥕 A New Experience
A young girl who typically avoids touching fruits and vegetables surprised everyone when she eagerly picked up a carrot to feed her favorite pony. This moment not only showcased her ability to overcome sensory barriers but also highlighted how animals can create a safe space for exploration.

Being outdoors and interacting with animals can break down sensory barriers, encourage new experiences, and promote emotional well-being. Let's celebrate the incredible impact that nature and animals can have on our sensory journeys!