"We believe every child deserves opportunities to build self-respect, responsibility, and positive relationships. Whether working with children with their own ponies, those at riding schools, or children who need additional help in facing life challenges, we help them develop life-changing skills while achieving their horsemanship goals. Our approach fosters empathy, kindness, and mutual respect, transforming both children and ponies. With our dedicated team, we've created a global community that empowers children to grow in confidence and resilience, making a lasting difference every day." — Lynn Henry, Founder of Think Like a Pony
Our mission is to empower young people through horsemanship. We pledge to provide a safe learning environment so that a young person can thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.
The Think Like a Pony ethos is based around learning to respect self, respect others and take responsibility for ones' own actions.
In order to develop a relationship with a pony and excel in practical skills, children learn strategies such as controlling breathing, body language and voice.
By learning how ponies communicate and form relationships, children and young people have an opportunity to reflect and improve on their own communication and relationship skills.
We promote the education of an holistic approach to riding, handling and caring for horses both locally at our horsemanship centre in Leeds, and nationwide through our online Club and team of freelance instructors.
We are committed to making these positive, life-changing
experiences accessible to children from all walks of life. We offer sessions to
a range of children from the local community including vulnerable children who
are referred through Leeds City Council, schools and the NHS's mental health
provision for children.