Kingswood Shetlands
Pony and Animal
Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy (also known as AAT) improves individuals’ mental, physical, social and emotional functioning with the aid of animals. Depending on the needs of the person, many different animals can be used in therapy. Our animals include Horses, Pygmy Goats and other small animals.
Our Animal Assisted Therapy takes place in a variety of settings, including
hospitals, nursing homes, schools and nurseries or in our woodland setting in Kingswood, Surrey.
This form of treatment can take place individually or in groups, and is led by our qualified therapists and professionals.
Much more than simply spending time with an animal, animal assisted therapy involves specific therapeutic goals, strategies and outcome measures. Therapeutic experiences can include walking, brushing, petting and caring for our animals, as well as processing the experience of trying to achieve a given task.
What Are The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy?
There is a strong bond between animals and people. Animals are accepting, non-threatening and non-judgemental, making it easier for people to open up.
Some of the benefits of AAT include:
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Improved fine motor skills
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Improved balance
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Increased focus and attention
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Increased self-esteem and ability to care for oneself
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Reduced anxiety, grief and isolation
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Reduced blood pressure, depression, and risk of heart attack or stroke
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Improved willingness to be involved in a therapeutic program or group activity
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Increased trust, empathy and teamwork
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Greater self-control
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Enhanced problem-solving skills
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Reduced need for medication
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Improved social skills
Because many children, teens and adults enjoy working with animals,
animal assisted therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are resistant to treatment or have difficulty accessing their emotions or expressing themselves in talking therapy.
WHAT CONDITIONS/DISORDERS DOES ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY TREAT?
People with a variety of conditions can benefit from animal-assisted therapy, including:
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Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and Additional Needs
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Cancer in children and adults
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Dementia
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Developmental Disorders
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Bereavement
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Emotional and Behavioural Support
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Chronic pain
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Bullying, Friendship and Trust Issues
Care Home Visits
Feelings of loneliness, dependency and isolation are often experienced by seniors who are unable to live in their own homes or with family members.
In the presence of our therapy animals even residents suffering from dementia tend to be less withdrawn and more in touch with their own feelings.
If you are an Activities Co-ordinator within a setting we would love to hear from you.
Prices start from £125 per session.
Special Educational Needs Schools and Charity Organisation Visits
We bring our therapy animals to your school or organisation, for a hands-on interactive learning experience. Students will learn about all our animals with a fun and informative session adapted to their learning abilities.
Sessions will include a sensory, hands-on experience that will help to improve fine motor skills with grooming, games, teamwork and lots of pony cuddles.
If you are interested in a visit from us, we would love to hear from you.
Please email us for further information.
Hospital and Hospice Visits
Our beautiful miniature ponies bring a tremendous amount of joy and pleasure to those that are hospital bound. They have a calming effect during stressful situations providing affection, comfort and companionship during difficult times.
Research has proven the many benefits animal therapy provides; it stimulates the release of endorphins - the feel good hormones, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, aids in communication with others and builds self confidence and trust.
Our ponies will light up every room when they visit and leave an unforgettable impression on the hearts and minds of your patients. If you are a healthcare professional and would like more information, please get in touch by clicking here.
Individual and Group Animal Therapy
We offer therapy sessions within our idyllic woodland setting allowing you to get closer to nature as well as our animals.
Our sessions are suitable for children and families living with Autism,
ADHD, Anxiety & Depression,
Behavior Problems, Bereavement,
Bullying, Difficult Family Circumstances, PTSD, Special Needs and Disabilities.
TYPES OF SESSIONS WE OFFER
Therapy Talk with Animal Friends – Gentle, non-threatening environment in the
presence of our ponies or pygmy goats to discuss and work through issues and
concerns.
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Session time - 45 minutes
One to One Client and Pony Time - Personal time to enjoy and relax with our ponies and
pygmy goats. Clients are free to talk, groom and play with the animals under distant
supervision from our therapist.
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Session time - 45 minutes
Child Friendship Group Therapy - With the inclusion of our animals, this therapist led
session is beneficial to children struggling with friends and those suffering from bullying.
This includes animal based activities.
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Session time - 1 hour
Family Time Therapy - Gentle, non-threatening environment in the presence of our
ponies or pygmy goats for families to bond, talk and work through issues with animal
based activities and riding.
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Session time - 1 hour
Sibling Bond Therapy – Gentle, non-threatening environment in the presence of our
ponies or animals for siblings to bond, talk and work through issues with animal
based activities and riding.
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Session time - 1 hour
Pony Activity Therapy - Gentle, non-threatening environment in the presence of our
ponies or pygmy goats to discuss and work through issues and concerns while taking
part in animal based activities.
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Session time - 1 hour