Equine Facilitated Learning uses ground based activities with horses to allow participants to consider their own emotions, model change and ultimately build life skills. Following the isolation of the last 18 months, more children than ever are struggling with their mental health. It can be hard for many to access services which can really help them explore these feelings. Schools are beginning to explore the benefits of alternative therapies in helping students maximise their potential but this can pose logistical challenges. Taking students off site, allocating appropriate staffing levels and the additional time and funding involved in travel can prevent programmes such as ours from being a viable option. We would like to take our work on the road, taking the horses to the children who need them most. By providing EFL on site, we can support more children as well as the staff who work with them on a day to day basis.

What we'll deliver:

• Purchase safe and secure round pens for working with the horses on school property.
• Purchase equipment to support EFL session activities.
• Fund additional staffing and travel expenses.
• Fund supportive healthcare (osteopathy, veterinary reviews etc.) to ensure the comfort and welfare of the equines.
• Create informative materials to help educate schools and parents on the benefits of our work.

Why it's a great idea:

The benefits of Equine Facilitated programmes in young people are widely documented with many participants reporting increased confidence, empathy, assertiveness and focus alongside enhanced communication and language and relationship skills. Our project will bring all of these benefits to school children in Kent, particularly those who may not usually be able to access these services due to financial/travel/home situation constraints. By working on school property we can include school staff, support curriculum activities and adapt our sessions for the children who most need support on a given day. We can work in larger groups/classes or on a one to one basis as required; inviting participation/consultation from others involved in the children's care. By utilising a designated and secure round pen we can create a safe space within the school for children to work with the horses, express themselves and model important changes which can then be implemented within their learning.

Steps to get it done:

• Purchasing round pens
• Purchasing equipment to support session activities
• Engaging with schools and providing informative resources
• Introductory visits with participating schools

Skreppa Horses CIC is a not for profit organisation helping children in Kent. We are partnered with Skreppa Horses Riding for the Disabled and are committed to being a fully inclusive, supportive company who welcome every child who can benefit from our work.