Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds North West recently visited Think Like a Pony’s new centre in Horsforth, where he met with its founder Lynn Henry.
Alex said, “Lynn showed me round all the new facilities including a new indoor arena, so the children can still ride in bad weather, it also includes a viewing platform for parents to watch from.”
“The new facilities are really impressive, and Lynn explained how the aim of Think like a Pony is to be inclusive of all children and that this has proven to be particularly life-changing for vulnerable children”.
Think Like a Pony was established in 2013 and has been empowering children to be more confident, resilient and build powerful communication skills.
They are a leading organisation in the following fields for children, natural horsemanship, equine therapy, and online horsemanship. They also provide a holistic riding school, therapeutic programme, and have an online learning programme where young people can learn how to communicate with a pony as well as learning to ride.
Since then, it has been going from strength to strength and the new centre will enable it to continue to do so. It has also won various awards including The Child Friendly Leeds Awards and Equestrian Business of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards.
Lynn explained how they work with vulnerable children, who may be suffering with mental health issues or in a Youth Justice Programme. She is also hopeful that two Ukrainian child refugees, they are in contact with, will be joining them on their next programme to help them to work through the trauma they have suffered.
Alex continued that “As well as meeting Lynn and hearing about the fantastic work they do, it was great to meet May and the other ponies who have been given a new start and now spend their time helping vulnerable families and children.”
“Lynn has recently got a puppy, which she hopes to train as a Therapy Dog”.
The centre has also been donated some picnic benches which are located at the front of the new centre for families to sit at. They have plans to plant wildflowers in the same area over the summer.
Alex continued “I wish Think Like a Pony, every success with their new centre and in continuing the excellent work they do and the opportunities they provide for local children through the various programmes they offer.”
You can find out more about the centre at www.thinklikeapony.co.uk