Hordle Equine Assisted Learning

05/10/2026

They say that eyes are the windows to the soul. Well with ponies they certainly give you a good indication of how they are feeling. Are they relaxed, anxious, curious, welcoming contact, fearful…..? It’s great to take the time to observe your pony’s subtle signals and body language x

23/09/2026

Not quite the ‘full’ Monty anymore after being gelded today. But he’s happily munching his dinner as if nothings happened. Huge thanks to a great job by The Barn Equine Surgery. And once he has recovered he can be gradually reintegrated into the herd which I’m sure he will be very happy about. I’ll keep you posted xx

14/09/2026

14/09/2026

Ginger Pickle enjoying a morning at the pony spa

01/09/2026

A day out always includes snacks on the way

26/08/2026

One of the joys of keeping ponies is that they teach me so much – every day is a new experience and a new adventure. The HEAL ponies each have their own unique background and personality; each one challenges and delights me in their own unique way. This week Toshy has reminded me not to take myself too seriously and to slow down and take it all in. Flo teaches me to see her quality and beauty beyond her anxiety and to relax and not to take things personally when she has to blow off a little steam. Ginger Pickle lets me know that he is a willing student and that his ‘little guy with a big attitude’ act sometimes masks the need for some clear communication and boundaries. Monty is still a baby, but his raw and authentic feedback is perhaps teaching me the most at the moment: about quality over quantity and reading the subtle signs that mirror my own feelings and behaviour. Every day is a school day at HEAL – not just for the clients, or even the ponies, but for me as well. I am humbled and forever grateful for my four legged teachers ###x

15/07/2026

It's been a busy week at HEAL. We hosted our first collaborative Green Social Prescribing workshop with Nurturing our Community CIC and the New Forest Primary Care Network where we welcomed some lovely people and shared a half day of mindfulness, horticulture, equine interaction and socializing. What a lovely way to spend a few hours. Also my little Monty man has made another big step in his training allowing me to put his head collar on for the first time. The patience and hard work is paying off as our relationship is growing ever stronger with the emphasis on him being a happy stress free learner.

23/06/2026

A little baby step forward with Monty yesterday which represents a big breakthrough in his training. We have been spending many months bonding and making human contact a pleasurable thing and not to be feared. A few weeks back he stopped looking at me with suspicion as if I am the enemy and his demeanor softened. We have also been playing lots of games with the headcollar to the point where he is happy to push his nose into the opening and feel it on his face. Yesterday I popped it over his head for the first time which surprised him a little - but only for about 20 seconds- then absolute calm acceptance. Nothing has been rushed and no force applied. Now we move onto doing it up around his nose. What a good boy my little Monty man.

16/05/2026

Just wanted to give a shout out to our very own BFG - the adorable Toshy:

For Toshy Pops
Stoic by nature; don’t take that for granted
He’s a sensitive soul, strong and big hearted
He’s fearless in traffic – stands his ground
while huge metal monsters thunder around
A comedy horse – he makes me laugh
a bumpy trot and a canter that’s way too fast,
like a three wheeled go cart (with a seat that’s comfy)
Loyal and dependable, but sometimes grumpy
Though he’ll stand patiently for anyone to brush him
He’ll huff just a bit if you over fuss him.
He can pull a cart or go on a hack
Along the winding New Forest tracks
Where he has to pose and look his best
But the New Forest mares are never impressed
He mooches down lanes at his own steady beat
Nosing into gardens, munching hedgerow treats
At the donkey field he’ll always stop and stare
And sigh with disappointment if they’re not in there.
He loves his food - yet so delicate when eating
Gentle and careful, a baby could feed him
At 12, he’s starting to grey round the eyes
He’s not very likely to win a prize
He’s the boss of the field, Flo’s lifelong companion
He’s a big hairy softie and for me he’s a CHAMPION.

LOVE THAT GUY ###

02/05/2026

The boys having a time-out after some boisterous pony playtime and in the background work on the allotments is well underway including planting out tomatoes and peppers and preparing the beds for more seedlings. Fancy getting back to nature? Join us at our friendly Saturday workshops at Robin's Nest in Hordle and enjoy some horticulture and pony interaction - no experience needed. Message Kim on 07972 040731 or email on [email protected] for more details.