EquiBound is a Therapeutic Equine Assisted Learning Project dedicated to supporting children and young people. Our innovative programme offers a blended approach to learning, designed to enhance engagement, promote well-being, and foster emotional stability.
Our approach sits within the National Framework for Unregistered Alternative Provisions, combining Equine Assisted Learning and Mentoring to help children and young people to Thrive in Nature.
Nestled in a tranquil, nature-based setting within the Staffordshire Moorlands, EquiBound serves as a safe haven where every individual—regardless of their background or challenges—can thrive.
At EquiBound, we support individuals to thrive through several pathways. All pathways are underpinned with a therapeutic, non-clinical approach.
We achieve our goals by combining three core elements:
Harnessing the unique connection between humans and horses to encourage personal growth and emotional development.
Providing guidance and therapeutic support to help each individual on their learning journey.
Offering tailored educational opportunities to suit diverse needs and interests (ASDAN Accredited).
At Equibound, we underpin the following core values:
In addition to the natural learning our horses provide, our approach is also informed by Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and guided by the PACE Model - an evidence- informed approach in trauma and attachment work, which emphasises safety, trust, and connection through relationships built on empathy and understanding.
Amy Sales Ma,Ba (Director and Facilitator) offers a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with young people and families, including:
All Staff trained in First Aid, Safeguarding and DBS enhanced cleared.
IMPACT focussed- We want to make a difference and show how we make a difference through regular Impact reports.
We have established relationships with Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Virtual School.
Vic Lymer, Ba (Co-Facilitator), offers a wealth of experience in Equine and Animal Care. Vic is also the owner of Maggie and Freddie, our two beautiful chestnut horses, and a keen mountain biker and rugby player.
Horses are powerful emotional mirrors- sensitive to energy, emotion and body language. Through connection with them can facilitate increased awareness of one's own emotions and those of others, as well as contribute to the development of self-regulation strategies and social-emotional growth.
| Healing Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity and Energy | Horses are Prey animals, attuned to body language, tone and energy; pick up on subtle changes in breathing, posture, or tension; make people feel ‘seen’, open door to self-awareness and emotional release. |
| Non Judgemental Presence | Horses don’t care about past, appearance, mistakes, job title; respond only to present; unconditional acceptance creates safe space for those who feel judged or misunderstood. |
| Mirroring Emotions | Horse often mirror human emotions; anxious people may make them unsettled, calm people help them relax; feedback loop helps understand emotional impact, thoughts, feelings, and learn self regulation. |
| Grounding Effect | Being around horses’ slow, rhythmic breathing and calm presence can slow heart rate, reduce stress hormones; touch such as stroking or grooming triggers oxytocin release, promoting trust and connection. |
| Encouraging Authenticity | Horses don’t respond to hidden agendas or false calm; require congruence between inner feelings and outer behaviour; pushes people to drop masks and be authentic, which is healing. |
| Nature Connection | Working with horses usually means being outdoors, moving, engaging with the natural world; linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety. |
