What We Offer
At Small Strides, we provide a variety of programs, workshops, and courses, along with 1-1 client-led Therapeutic Horsemanship sessions. The sessions take place on our small, private yard, offering a friendly and relaxed environment. We prioritize individual attention, with only the facilitator, client, and sometimes a volunteer present. Our goal is to create a safe and nurturing space for our clients, particularly those with mental health concerns or neurodivergent and SEN children. We offer both 1-1 sessions and small group sessions for up to 4 learners, and our activities are tailored to each client's needs and abilities, while also promoting choice and responsibility.
Big Steps Foundation Program
The Small Strides - Big Step’s Programme is designed to support vulnerable individuals facing difficulties in educational settings, the community, or at home. Our expertise lies in assisting neurodivergent children or adults and those with additional learning needs. Suitable for individuals of all ages.
Therapeutic Horse Care Course
Our Level 1 Therapeutic Horse Care Course spans over 6 weeks and focuses on a combination of traditional horse care, therapeutic horsemanship, and experiential learning. This course not only imparts essential skills in horse handling and care, but also aims to foster emotional self-regulation, self-awareness, and provide therapeutic support for individuals facing challenges in their everyday lives. It is particularly suitable for children below the age of 14.
Explore Taster Session
Our taster sessions are ideal for those wanting to explore what we are about. Come and meet the horses and facilitators and have a look inside the many things we have to offer here at Small Strides. Contact the center to book
Connected Horsemanship
The pursuit of connection is a fundamental aspect of human nature, as it brings numerous advantages to our mental and physical well-being. Connected Horsemanship sessions prioritize the client's needs, focusing on developing both emotional regulation and emotional fitness through partnering with horses. The skills acquired in this program can be applied to relationships beyond the stable, fostering growth and understanding in oneself and others. These sessions are designed for clients aged 14 and above who have completed our previous programs and are prepared to deepen their horse-human relationship.
Client Lead Sessions
Our client-led sessions cater to individuals on extended placements who have established goals outlined in their EHCP or EOTAS and aim to achieve specific outcomes related to these goals. We collaborate with the client, parents, and other professionals to provide a highly effective and supportive service that addresses their unique requirements. These sessions initially span 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the placement if needed.
Reiki Courses for People & Animals
We provide Reiki Level 1 and Animal Reiki courses for individuals of all ages who are interested in learning how to utilise the powerful energy. Reiki has become increasingly popular as a means of promoting holistic healing, benefiting individuals of all ages, including children. It not only addresses physical ailments but also enhances emotional and mental well-being. Reiki for children presents a special chance for them to tap into the power of energy healing, equipping them with improved coping skills for the typical challenges faced during childhood.
Reiki Healing
Jenny, a Reiki Master & Teacher, offers unique Reiki Healing sessions with animals in natural surroundings. These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to unwind and find relaxation after the daily stresses of life. Each session is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual, with the option of incorporating movement breaks. Additionally, sound healing, essence, and crystal healing are included as part of the treatment.
EFT Tapping Sessions
Emotional freedom technique (EFT), which people often refer to as EFT tapping, is an alternative therapy for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and some other conditions. Tapping on different parts of the body helps balance energy and reduce physical and emotional pain.
"My son has been attending the horse care courses,each time he has attended the 6 weeks courses, this has made a dramatic change for the better in his behaviour at home, as he refuses to attend any other social activity, this has been amazing for him. Jenny works so well with all the clients in such a positive and friendly environment. Each time he attends he feels more positive and feels he has achieved something each week, he always struggled making friendships, on this course he interacts very well. I highly recommend small strides! Thank you so much."
Parent of a child attending 6 week Therapeutic Horse Care Course
Big Steps Foundation Program
The Big Steps Foundation Programme offered by Small Strides, is specifically designed for vulnerable individuals who are facing difficulties in educational settings, the community, or at home. Our expertise lies in working with neurodivergent children or adults, as well as those with additional learning needs or mental health challenges. Our program combines therapeutic horsemanship with experiential learning to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of each participant, while also boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Through engaging in various activities with the horses, individuals with poor concentration can improve their focus, and the social and emotional interactions with others and their horse can help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, horses can serve as transitional objects to assist participants in overcoming specific challenges in their lives. The Small Strides – Big Steps programme is a 12-week course that is structured to support learners in making progress across a range of different areas.
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“I have been taking my 6 year old son to small strides for the last 3 weeks.. he has autism & concentrating difficulties but has a deep love of animals especially horses... after only 3 sessions he has progressed to being able to just cope with 30 mins to now a full hour session & is absolutely loving it!.... jenny is lovely.. very professional & extremely patient & I'm over the moon with my little boys progress so far! Thanks jenny!”
Therapeutic Horse Care Course
Level 1
Our Therapeutic Horse Care course is designed specifically for children under the age of 14 and spans over a period of 6 weeks. Throughout the course, students will gain knowledge and skills in various aspects of horse care, including safety precautions, grooming techniques, feeding practices, stable maintenance, basic horse anatomy, and leading horses.
In addition to learning about horse care, participants will also have the opportunity to explore therapeutic interventions that can benefit them in their daily lives. These interventions include techniques for regulating the nervous system, mindfulness practices, EFT Tapping, co-regulation with an experienced facilitator, and other scientifically-based methods aimed at supporting the clients' self-regulation.
Upon successful completion of the course, all participants will be awarded a certificate and a rosette as recognition of their achievement. It is important to note that all sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis, unless otherwise specified. In the case of group sessions, there will be a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 4.
Connected Horsemanship
At our organization, we strongly believe that establishing meaningful connections is crucial for facilitating change. By engaging in positive physical and emotional interactions and striving for secure attachments, individuals can experience numerous benefits, such as improved mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as overall well-being.
We have specifically designed these sessions to address the challenges that many young people face in relationships and emotional regulation. Through our program, participants have the opportunity to develop new skills, gain self-awareness, learn self-regulation techniques, and have fun in nature while interacting with horses.
The outcomes of these sessions include reduced anxiety, improved confidence and self-esteem, enhanced focus, and a deeper understanding of the importance of setting boundaries and effective communication in relationships. All activities are conducted on the ground, and no horse riding is involved. These sessions are typically conducted on a one-on-one basis, unless otherwise specified, and are suitable for individuals aged 14 and above.
Reiki Courses
Our courses have been specifically designed to help young people become more attuned to the healing power of reiki. Through these courses, they will receive attunement to the energies of First Degree Reiki, gain knowledge about different energy systems, learn self-healing techniques, and discover how to provide healing to their family and friends.
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Reiki is a powerful practice that promotes deep relaxation in both humans and animals. By balancing the energy within the body, it stimulates the body's natural ability to heal itself. Reiki focuses on the subtle energy systems of the body, such as chakras, meridians, and aura, and can address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, physical discomfort, and more.
Our Animal Reiki course builds upon the knowledge gained in Level 1 and teaches participants how to apply Reiki healing specifically to animals. While typically offered as a second day to our First Degree Reiki course, individuals with any level of Reiki certification who wish to learn how to use Reiki to heal their animals are welcome to join.
This course covers various aspects, including understanding basic animal health, interpreting animal behavior and energy through body language, scanning animals for energy imbalances or blockages, utilizing Reiki on oneself to benefit animals, learning clinic protocols and writing vet reports, enhancing the ability to sense and communicate with energy through Reiki, understanding the energy systems of animals (chakras, auras, and meridians), and practicing different techniques to provide comprehensive treatments to animals.
One participant shared their positive experience, stating that they thoroughly enjoyed learning how to apply their Reiki healing skills to animals. They praised the instructor, Jenny, for her excellent explanations and demonstrations. They highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to heal their animals.
For more information and to book a spot in our Reiki courses, please contact Jenny at smallstrides@outlook.com via email.
Reiki Healing
Experiencing healing in the presence of animals enhances the enchanting journey. Our skilled Reiki Master, Jenny, combines various techniques such as Reiki, energy clearing, sound healing, spiritual healing, crystals, and essence to cleanse your energy, harmonize your chakras and aura, and facilitate self-healing.
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Reiki, a hands-on healing method originating from Japan, harnesses the universal life-force energy. It encompasses a structured system of non-invasive techniques that utilize the life-force energy surrounding all living beings to assist in releasing blockages in the body's energetic nervous system, expediting recovery from dis-ease. Similar to acupuncture, shiatsu, and reflexology, Reiki operates on the same principle.
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Clinical studies have demonstrated that Reiki effectively reduces stress, aids in pain management, accelerates recuperation from illness and surgery, and provides mental support for individuals navigating traumatic life changes and challenges. While Reiki does not cure illnesses or diseases, it facilitates the body's innate healing abilities.
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These sessions are beneficial for both children and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, pain-related issues, lack of focus, or simply in need of self-care.
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Each session lasts for 60 minutes and is priced at £50 per session.
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"I am truly amazed by the results of my treatment. I feel more balanced than I have in weeks. Your ability to identify the pain in my side without me mentioning it is truly remarkable. I eagerly anticipate our next session, Jenny. Thank you so much!"
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EFT Tapping Sessions
EFT, also known as tapping or psychological acupressure, first came to prominence in the 1990s with founder Gary Craig, it has since developed and evolved and it a very powerful self-help technique.
It involves tapping specific points on the body, primarily on the head and the face, in a particular sequence. While doing this, the person focuses on the issue that they wish to treat.
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EFT can be helpful for people with:​​
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chronic pain
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stress
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anxiety
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depression
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weight loss issues
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fears or phobias
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other problems
Tapping, similar to acupuncture and acupressure, focuses on the body's energy meridian points, which are integral to Chinese medicine. These points are believed to be pathways through which energy flows, and any disruptions can result in health problems. By tapping on these points using the fingertips, the energy balance is restored, addressing both physical and emotional concerns. These sessions are available online or in person and cater to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. During the initial conversation, we will discuss the specific problem or issue you wish to address and determine the number of sessions required. Please note that sessions are currently scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays only, and there are no horse interactions involved.