Horses for Wellbeing support disabled children and young people and those with mental health conditions. They help build on their strengths and develop important emotional and social skills – to support their journey towards a positive future.

Horses for Wellbeing uses Equine Assisted Learning. This means spending time with horses to support the physical and mental wellbeing of young people aged 5 to 18 facing challenges, such as mental health conditions and trauma. Being around horses in a safe and caring setting helps them heal and grow.

Through partnerships with local schools, social services, community groups, and health professionals, they are able to reach those who need their support the most.

What our funding has been used for

The funding was used to enhance their offer in Cheltenham by employing a Yard Manager to oversee the health and welfare of their horses and to assist with the sessions. This enabled over 140 disabled children and young people to take part from April 2024 to March 2025.

Having another person in the team helps improve how they track and review their sessions. They use feedback and staff observations to make changes that help young people get the most out of their time at Horses for Wellbeing.

Through the hands-on activities like grooming, leading, problem solving and positive social interactions, young people gain confidence and social skills. These experiences can help reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem and build trust in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

The funding has allowed Horses for Wellbeing to reduce the cost of sessions so more families can afford to access the activities. The skills and confidence children gain can also lead to positive changes at home, improving family relationships and reducing behavioural challenges.

Looking ahead

The plan for 2025 and 2026 is to continue to deliver high quality Equine Assisted Learning sessions to as many young people as possible throughout the year.

By helping young people early, hands-on activities with horses can reduce the need for more intensive wellbeing support. This eases the pressure on local services, contributing to better health and inclusion for children and young people in Gloucestershire.