Youth Development Programme
From Struggle to Strength
“I have seen Think Like a Pony change the lives of some of the hardest to reach children in our community. These are children who are at high risk of self-harm, suicide, depression and chronic anxiety.” – Annie Mandelstam, Child Clinical Psychologist
A Pony Can Reach the Heart When Words Cannot
Some children carry burdens too heavy to put into words. Others feel disconnected, angry, anxious, or lost. For these young people, a pony can offer a lifeline.
At Think Like a Pony, we harness that unique bond and take it further. Our ponies don’t just soothe; they teach. They help children understand trust, respect, and empathy – not through lectures, but through real, felt experience. The pony becomes both a mirror and a mentor, reflecting the child’s emotions and responding with quiet honesty.
Lessons Learned Here, Lived Everywhere
Our work goes beyond simply being around animals. Every session is a guided journey where children learn how to:
- Breathe to calm their bodies and minds.
- Notice their intention and how it shapes their relationships.
- Communicate with their body language to earn a pony’s trust.
- Plan and problem-solve with clarity and confidence.
These lessons with a pony become life lessons – building a young person’s foundations for healthier relationships with themself, with others, and with the world.
Who We Help
Our programme supports children and young people facing:
- Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem
- Trauma, isolation, or emotional withdrawal
- Behavioural challenges at home, in school, or in the community
- School non-attendance or disengagement from education
- Risk of exploitation, offending, or contact with youth justice services
We also work alongside children known to CAMHS, social services, and other support agencies.
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