EQUINE SUPPORT TESTIMONIALS

My daughter is autistic and also has ADHD. She suffers from high levels of anxiety which make things very difficult for her and her behaviour quite challenging, especially during lockdown in early 2021 when schools were closed. I'd heard a lot about equine therapy and Old Town Riding School was recommended to me by parents on a Facebook support group. It's been amazing for her. The sessions are taken at her pace, while still gently encouraging her to push herself a little bit, which has given her a great sense of achievement. She loves the mix of riding and grooming - she really enjoys getting close to the horses and sees this as a safe place for her. The whole environment is nurturing and supportive and when we've needed an extra session, for example during school holidays, Laura has done what she can to fit her in. I cannot recommend enough. Mother of a young person with autism and ADHD.

I have been going to Old Town Riding School for 18 months for Equine Support and have loved every minute. Laura and the team are really welcoming and supportive, not to mention the horses. I look forward to going every Friday, its a great escape from life and being around the horses has helped me so much with my anxiety. I would recommend Equine Support at Old Town Riding School to everyone . Young Person that attends Roman Fields Provision. 

My son, Conner, has been receiving equine therapy for around 18 months now at the Old Town Riding School and he has enjoyed every minute of it. Conner has complex needs and is out of school more than he is in. However the equine support has not only helped develop his cognitive and language skills but also helped him with emotional bonds which we hope will help him further with his social and communication skills with other people later on in life. The whole team are friendly, polite and welcoming making him feel calm and settled every time he attends. Mother of a young person with complex needs. 

We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU for all of you support with a young person that has been attending your sessions over the past few months. She has learnt a lot and really enjoyed coming down each week to your riding school and also the positive relationship you have built with her. This has been a transformational experience and you really "get her." Support staff of a 17yro young person. 

My wife had been really struggling with her mental health especially after having to shield for over a year due to Covid-19, she became withdrawn and depressed. My wife started to spend time at the stables doing equine support as we have seen how well it had worked with our children and hoped it would work for adults just as well. Grooming the horses has helped to boost her morale and improve her well being. Being outside in the fresh air and having something to focus on enabled my wife to be able to clear her mind and forget about the worries of Covid-19. I have been ill and not been able to support and help my wife, Laura and the stables have been absolute lifesavers and helped so much at the extremely challenging, unpredictable and worrying time with constant support. They have always gone above and beyond. Thank you so much. Husband of wife that attends equine support sessions. 

Our daughter first attended Old Town Riding School on her 8th birthday in 2019, where she took part in a unicorn experience. It was then that we realised just how much of a calming effect horses have on her. Laura took the time to talk to us about our daughter and her needs, and suggested that we try an equine support session specifically catered to her needs. We did and since then have never looked back. Laura and her team have made our daughter grow and blossom into the young person she is becoming. She refers to the stables as her "happy place," "it's like being home with family but better as there are horses." She has not only become a good horse rider but she has grown in confidence and gained life skills to help her in the future. She has been accepted for who she is and been able to from strong friendships with adults and children. We will never be able to thank Laura and her team enough for everything they have done and continue to do. We would strongly recommend Laura and her team. Mother of 10yro.

My son has been having Equine Support Sessions at Old Town Riding School for just 2 months now, already he is starting to come out of his shell, we've seen an improvement in his anxiety, his confidence is increasing, as is his communication and its really broadening his interests. Everyone at the stables has been friendly and welcoming, he LOVES the horses (and doggies) and as soon as he finishes a session he cannot wait for the next. It’s really been fantastic and my son is the calmest he’s ever been when he’s there. We’re just so grateful to Laura and all of her staff. May 2021.

Fantastic staff, lovely ponies, fantastic with children, would certainly recommend. Would give them an excellent rating especially with children with additional needs. May 2021.

Laura and her team are so patient with my son who has challenging behaviour and autism. From the very first day he attended he was looked after and encouraged to help out and help groom the horses. No pressure was put on my son or myself to make him do anything he didn't want to. Absolutely recommend Old Town Riding School for their patient and kindness to my son. July 2019. 

These sessions have worked wonders with my daughter. Her confidence has improved, she's calmer and happier in herself. Her happy place is at the stables with the horses. Laura and her staff are amazing and very understanding. They are so good with the children who go there. My daughter never wants to leave and can never wait to go back. May 2019.

As parents of an SEN child, we had reached a situation where our child was barely engaging either inside or outside of the home or school. Being introduced to Old Town Riding School was a huge milestone for us. It quickly became apparent that our child became calmer around horses and that there was an important therapeutic aspect to their attendance. With the inspirational guidance of Laura, the manager, we were not only able to see our child engage in a healthy, outdoor pursuit, but also to open up in a safe environment where they felt free to express their worries without fear of judgement. In addition to riding, they were able to take on and even enjoy the responsibility of undertaking many tasks without feeling overwhelmed by demand. They became confident enough to mentor younger children and proud enough of their achievements to show others around and instruct them on the workings of the stables. One unexpected bonus was that they were able to function with a sibling present and not succumb to the usual rivalries found within the home. We would endorse, without hesitation, the achievements and benefits to be gained by attending the Old Town Riding School. October 2018. 

I can never thank this riding school and Laura enough, I owe my daughter's life to her. My daughter was in a dark place of depression and mental health. I spent nights being her nurse, prison officer, mum, psychologist and anything I could to stop her self harming again. I never thought one person could put so much effort into getting my daughter back with horses and in a good place again, Laura spent time and effort into my daughter, giving me a break as I had only just got out of a wheelchair after my own illness.  My daughter 2yrs on has completely come back to the caring girl she was. I  know without Laura and the love, time and care she gave I probably wouldn't have my daughter, wonderful place - a safe haven. Laura we owe you so much. Many thanks. October 2018. 

Old Town Riding School has and will always be the best thing to ever happen to me. Before coming to Old Town Riding School I was going through a really tough time; I was in counselling for depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal thoughts and I was genuinely lost in life. When counselling wasn’t working I’d given up all hope of ever finding my way in the world and thought I’d feel this way forever, that I’d never get better so what’s the point in trying anymore. Then along came Laura at Old Town Riding School. Within the first few months of spending a majority of my time down the stables I finally started to feel better, I felt like I belonged somewhere and forward nearly two years later, I am the happiest I have ever been spending every day at the stables, I am a much stronger person and it’s all thanks to Laura and the stables. Laura and the stables work miracles for people, with nothing but genuineness I can say that Laura is a life saver. Without the help, time and care Laura gave me I wouldn’t be where I am now, let alone at all! I cannot highly recommend Old Town Riding School enough, it genuinely saved my life and I will always hold a special place in my heart for the stables for the rest of my life. October 2018.

Absolutely loved it the horses and staff are really kind and understanding, as I’ve got SEN, ADHD and dyslexia the staff made the lesson easy and enjoyable. The stables are really clean as well - really recommend it. June 2018.

As the father of an SEN child who uses the stables regularly, I have nothing but admiration for Old Town Riding School. Laura's leadership is inspirational and her expert team are dedicated, down-to-earth and friendly. The progress my child has made has been a joy for all our family. The horses are clearly loved and well-cared for and even on the dullest day, the picturesque location makes it an enjoyable place to hang out. Thoroughly recommended. April 2018.

What an amazing yard. Everyone who works there support all the younger ones to get involved and learn all aspects of owning a horse and yard management. Excellent at supporting young people with additional needs. Would never consider going anywhere else. March 2018.