“Improving lives through horses”
Equine Facilitated Learning and coaching centre near Battle, East Sussex
We offer a range of activities with our horses and ponies which are suitable for children, young people and adults. We can also facilitate sessions for the less mobile and seniors who would like the opportunity to meet our ponies.
What to expect
The interactions with our ponies are done from the ground, from meeting and grooming to learning how to halter and lead the ponies, each activity is created and adapted to suit the individual and always taken at a comfortable pace.
During the sessions we learn how to care for the ponies and what they require to stay happy and healthy . Learning how our horses understand us through our energy and body language and how that communicates to them , also explaining what our horses are trying to say to us.
Some of our activities can be taken into schooling areas so learners can practise their leading and handling skills also building a bond with their equine friend.
EFL is experiential learning in a way that by carrying out tasks such as feeding, grooming and leading helps build a mutual trusting relationship, working with the ponies helps us to become more aware of our own feelings and inner dialogue and how by focusing on the task in hand and staying present in the moment helps to achieve a better connection with the ponies. Participants may also want to work towards achieving goals such as increased confidence, assertiveness or leadership skills.
Nicola works with her team of horses, they range in size and personality! The smallest being 33 inches to the largest being 14 hh, all the horses and ponies are chosen for their temperament and personalities that bring their own uniqueness to the sessions.
We allow 1 hour for sessions but shorter and longer sessions can be discussed.
One to one sessions start from £25 per person.
Other charges apply for group and family sessions please enquire for more details
More information
Sensory Horse was established in 2020
NIcola completed her training and qualified in 2019 as an Equine facilitated learning practitioner and studied Equine Behaviour and psychology level 3 qualification.
Has also studied animal assisted therapy.
ACCHP accredited member
Fully insured
First aid and safeguarding
About me
Growing up, my interest in horses allowed me to retreat to them through reading, creative art and imagination, and I took the chance to be with horses at every opportunity. In my early 40’s I was lucky enough to own my first horse.
I have taught horseback riding and taken trail rides in America and worked in various riding establishments over the years. I have also coached lessons with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
I have experienced the incredible difference that horses can make to people’s lives, having worked with children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities, also working alongside therapists and their clients. My passion for helping people, my own experiences and my first horse “Daisy” inspired me to study and become qualified as a Equine Facilitated Learning coach
“Why Horses”
The ancient Greeks recognised the therapeutic value of horses and Sir Winston churchill said “ There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”
Because horses are flight animals they have developed finely tuned senses, and are in tune to their environment and to the feelings and intentions of those around them. Horses are curious and calm by nature although sensitive to our actions. They are able to mirror and respond to human behaviour meaning that they are very effective at interacting with us in a non judgemental manner.
When we can build a trusting bond and connection with these large animals it can feel wonderful, rewarding and empowering.
How the EFL sessions work
The session activities with our ponies can be set out to create obstacles and small challenges which can help engage young people to promote creative thinking, problem solving, decision making and sense of achievement.
Participants can also benefit from spending quiet time grooming and placing their hands on the horse, this can help us feel present in the moment and be very calming.
Equine facilitated learning can help in many ways, in the sessions we can practise grounding exercises and mindfulness techniques which we incorporate into the activities we offer.
Many of our sessions are offered on a one to one basis, we can also cater for small groups.
We offer
Meet and groom sessions; if you are new to horses this is a nice introduction.
Horse care and nurture sessions, these sessions cover more about the daily care and handling of the ponies
Pony walks on the beautiful Normanhurst estate, we have some wonderful walks that take in part of the historic 1066 footpath
Energetic work and exercises with our ponies learning how our energy and body language communicates to our horses and how it can help us when we are working with them.
Mindfulness grooming sessions
We also have ponies suitable for visits to care homes and educational settings , please enquire for more information
Therapeutic riding sessions, age and weight restrictions apply
“Who it can help”
Many people can benefit from Equine sessions and we strive to make them accessible to everyone.
Benefits of EFL include but are not limited to…
- Help reduce anxiety
- Increased self confidence
- Improved self awareness
- Promoting emotional stability
- Improving relationships
- Working through trauma
- Bereavement
- Leadership skills
- Children with learning difficulties, Autistic spectrum
- ADHD
- Creative thinking and decision making
- Problem solving
- Assertiveness
- Building trust
We are open 7 days a week, depending on the weather as all activities are taken outside.
We have good car parking facilities and are wheelchair accessible.
What to wear…
Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather conditions, boots with low heels or sturdy shoes.
We can provide safety helmets if required for the activity.
Please contact me for more information or to discuss your requirements prior to an appointment
COVID 19
Please be assured that I follow all current government guidelines to keep us safe. Please do not attend a session if you are feeling unwell .