Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know anything about horses?
No. You don’t need to have any experience with horses. You could be meeting a horse for your real first time or be an avid horse rider. It makes no difference at all since Equine Assisted Therapy does not involve any riding; However as a bonus you may learn some gentle horsemanship skills in the process.
What if I am scared of horses?
Horse are large animals and understandably they can be intimidating to some. If that’s your case, don’t worry, you can be as close or as far as you want to be from them. You will meet the herd from a safe distance and with a fence between you. We will not ask you to interact with the horses until you are comfortable and ready to do so.
If after careful and gentle introduction you still remain uncomfortable around horses, don’t worry, your session can still go ahead as there are a number of activities we can offer without you handling the horses.
Is it safe?
Yes. We are committed to offer a safe environment for everyone. The sessions are co-facilitated with safe, docile horses, who enjoy the interaction with clients. You will also be provided with our Health & Safety Policy which covers all the arrangements we have put in place to protect our clients, staff and volunteers. Send us a message if you would like to request a copy of it before meeting with us.
Is there a First Aider present on-site?
Yes there is. Your practitioner Loredana is trained and certified in first aid. As the work is carried out outdoors, Loredana has attended an intense two days (16 hours) Outdoor First Aid Course and she holds a Certificate ITC Level 3 Award In Outdoor First Aid, issued by ITC First which is an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation.
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Are there any age limits?
We provide horse assisted therapy for clients age 12 and older.
I have a physical disability, is that a problem?
No. Contact us to discuss how we can work together.
What should I wear?
It is important to wear appropriate footwear such as boots, wellies or sturdy closed shoes. Never open toed shoes or sandals.
You should wear comfortable clothing for outdoors activities, think sports or country walks; ideally long trousers all the time, warm layers during winter time, and waterproofs in case of rain. Also hats and gloves for extra warmth.
And don’t forget your sunblock during the hot summer days!
Can I come for a session even if it rains?
Yes you can. Our work is carried out outdoors all year round. We welcome clients during all seasons therefore under sunshine but also rain or snow. You can count on attending your session as long as it is safe for you to do so; we may be cancelling under extreme weather conditions.
I am not comfortable in sharing my feelings, can I still benefit from Equine-assisted Therapy?
Absolutely. You do not need to feel comfortable talking about your feelings to benefit from Equine-Assisted Therapy. Our sessions are client-led, so you can share as much or as little as feels right for you, without pressure or judgement.
Much of the experience comes from simply being with the horses. They are highly sensitive to human emotions, energy, and intentions, allowing you to connect and explore what you are feeling without having to put everything into words. Your facilitator will gently support you throughout the session while respecting your boundaries and your pace.
How many sessions do I need to sign up for?
There is no minimum number of sessions required. You can attend a single session if that is your wish, however in order to achieve the best therapeutic results we recommend a minimum of 6 sessions.
What can I expect from my first session?
We understand that for some clients the first session may trigger big emotions such as curiosity, excitement, anticipation, perhaps even anxiety. For this reason we like to take it extra slow and gently introduce you to the work; you will be given the time to familiarise yourself and get comfortable in our environment and around the horses.
Remember that the session will be filled with what YOU choose to bring to it, and of course with the lessons that the horses choose to teach you on the day…
I have a very low income, can I still afford this?
It is our wish to help as many people as possible and so we offer a special discount rate for those on a low income. There will only be a limited number of discounted sessions available every month. Contact us to register your interest.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that sometimes plans change and you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. We require at least 7 days’ notice for cancellations or changes to appointments. This allows us enough time to offer the appointment to another client. You can contact us by phone or email to let us know.
- 7 days or more notice: No charge.
- Less than 7 days’ notice: 50% of the appointment fee will be charged.
- Same-day cancellation or no-show: The full appointment fee will be charged.
What if I have an emergency?
We understand that genuine emergencies can happen and that sometimes cancelling an appointment is unavoidable. If you experience an unexpected and serious emergency, please take care of yourself and the situation first, and let us know as soon as you are safely able to do so.
Emergency situations will be considered on an individual basis, and we may waive or reduce the cancellation fee where appropriate.
Do you have insurance?
Yes. Loredana currently holds £6 million in professional, public and product liability insurance through Balens Specialist Insurance Brokers.