This August, we were thrilled to team up once again with our friends at The Avon Centre to offer an unforgettable Pony Experience Day for the families we support.
Held in the peaceful surroundings of The Avon Centre’s beautiful woodland and stables, the session offered children and their siblings a gentle, hands-on introduction to ponies – and so much more than that.
Before the main event, families gathered to enjoy some food and face painting to get us all in the spirit of the day. The excitement and smiles set the tone perfectly for what turned out to be a truly special afternoon.
As it was raining, all activities were indoors. Each child took part in a carefully designed session, run by the fantastic volunteers at The Avon Centre. The experience was split into three engaging sections:
- Time with the Shetland ponies – getting up close, learning to interact, groom, and build confidence with the animals.
- A ride on the mechanical horse – an accessible and safe experience (with a hoist available), offering children the sensation of riding, tailored to their strength and ability.
- Time in the stables – where children explored the environment and got a feel for the day-to-day care of horses; preparing and cleaning the saddles and feeding them.
Importantly, these sessions were open to both Jessie May supported children and their siblings. We were so pleased to see a great mix of families getting involved – some for the first time, and others returning for another go.
There’s something undeniably calming about being around horses – and as Ruthy, one of the equine therapists at the Centre, explained, there’s real science behind it:
“There’s real science behind why horses are so effective in calming children. Horses have an electromagnetic field around their hearts, which can have a profound physiological effect on people – especially those dealing with anxiety. I’ve seen it time and time again: a child arrives visibly agitated, and once they’re near the pony, they begin to calm. Our whole role is about facilitating that connection—because, really, the horse does all the work.”
– Ruthy, Equine Therapist
For families caring for children with complex needs, that kind of connection can be really powerful.
Brenhin, Dad to Phoebe shared:
“It went really well – we honestly didn’t know how it was going to go, but she really loved it and connected so well with the pony. Having a child with complex needs can be isolating at times, so events like this are amazing. They give us the chance to get out, meet people, and feel part of something. It was really heartwarming to see how relaxed Phoebe was – it meant a lot.”
— Brenhin, Parent
We’d like to say a huge thank you to The Avon Centre for hosting us again and for the care, patience, and enthusiasm of their brilliant volunteers. Their thoughtful planning and hands-on support made the day accessible, enjoyable, and memorable for all involved.
A big thank you also goes to our wonderful Jessie May staff and nurses, who came along to support the families and ensure everyone had a smooth and enjoyable experience.
And of course – thank you to Alice, as always, for organising such a fantastic day!💜🐴
