EQUINE-ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS AND MORE
TheHorseCourse is a world leader in well-evidenced high impact equine-assisted interventions. Having started in prisons, we now run a busy community-based HQ in Weymouth, Dorset, UK – an area of high deprivation. Employing 6 facilitators and 14 horses, we work with young people from 8yrs old, families and adults. In Dorset we help over 600 people with complex challenges and needs each year, and we do not charge the participants – our funding comes from a mix of commissioning and charitable grants/donations. We also provide Alternative Provision for young people out of education, accredited qualifications, and supported volunteering through our Working Wellies project. Our Non-verbals Toolbox training is a unique approach to emotions and relationships which we offer to professionals and the public on zoom or in workshops.
We train and assess others to replicate our programmes and we work hard to support them in setting up their own centres around the UK. Independent centres running our programmes are becoming increasingly busy and more are opening. We monitor their impact data to ensure they are as effective as we are, and provide ongoing training.
We hold an Animal Activity Licence from Dorset Council, No: 8060, licence holder: Harriet Laurie. We also maintain Social Farms & Gardens Green Care Quality Mark and the Charity Excellence Framework Quality Mark.
what to Expect WHEN YOU ARRIVE
When talk-based support is not working, we teach, rehearse and repeat key psycho social skills in an intensive and challenging, but fun, 5 day programme with feedback in-the-moment from specially trained horses and 1-to-1 facilitator support.
In this video we walk you through what you can expect when you arrive at our farm in Weymouth and introduce our staff and horses.
Weymouth & beyond
To contact our Weymouth HQ or any of our approved facilitators and centres, visit the contacts page.
outcomes & evidence
Numerous external studies and evaluations of TheHorseCourse method shows that we have huge impact on measurable outcomes for both young people and adults, making us world leaders in the field of action-based interventions. See published studies, videos, and presentations of hard data, efficacy, bio-phys, service user perspectives, and more.
VR PROJECT
With Bournemouth University we are working towards a Virtual Reality version of TheHorseCourse ReStart that would use the player's neuro-physiology signals to drive the interactions with the virtual horses. This project has potential for mass reach, to combat the epidemic of mental health difficulties, particularly amongst young people.
Read more about this project on the Evidence page, or email if you have an interest in partnering/supporting.
non-verbals toolbox
Regular 1.5-2 hour workshop, in person and online, for public and professionals on reading body language and managing difficult emotions in yourself and others. We specialise in non-verbal strategies to move behaviour from red to green, a game-changer for teens, adults, parents/carers and professionals.
Book on eventbrite, or to arrange a group session for your school or organisation email or call 01305 819669.