Wrekin View Counselling

Pony Pals Wreking

Equine Assisted Therapy for Neurodiverse Young People

Pony Pals Wrekin is an Equine Assisted Therapy centre set at the foothills of the Wrekin in Telford, Shropshire, where horses are at the heart of every therapeutic journey.

We specialise in supporting neurodiverse children and young people — including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory differences and learning needs — through a calm, horse-led and child-centred approach.

Our sessions are designed to help young people feel safe, regulated and understood. Guided by the unique connection between humans and horses, we nurture confidence, emotional regulation and resilience in a way that feels natural and accessible.

Alongside equine work, therapeutic approaches such as CBT provide gentle, practical support to help build coping strategies for everyday life.

Pony Pals Wrekin

Equine Assisted Therapy

Supporting Neurodiverse Young People Through an Equine-Led Approach

I’m Wendy — a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I’m also the founder of Pony Pals Wrekin, an Equine Assisted Therapy centre based at the foothills of the Wrekin in Telford, where horses are central to every therapeutic experience.

At Pony Pals Wrekin, I specialise in supporting neurodiverse children and young people — including those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, trauma or learning needs — who may find traditional talking therapy overwhelming or inaccessible.

My work is grounded in the belief that horses offer something truly unique for neurodiverse young people. As highly sensitive, social animals, horses naturally respond to emotional states, body language and energy. Their calm and honest presence helps create a sense of safety and trust, often before words are needed.

For young people who experience heightened anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or difficulties with regulation, this safe, sensory-aware environment can help the nervous system settle. When the body feels calm, learning, connection and confidence can begin to grow.

Therapy at Pony Pals Wrekin is shaped through meaningful interaction with horses — whether that is quiet time alongside them, grooming, leading, observing, or simply being present. These horse-led experiences gently support emotional regulation, confidence, self-awareness and resilience.

Alongside the equine work, I draw on my professional training in CBT to help young people understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and to build practical coping strategies that work in everyday life. This integration of equine experience and therapeutic understanding allows sessions to be both nurturing and purposeful.

Sessions are always flexible, creative and child-led. I plan around the individual — their strengths, interests, sensory needs and personal goals — pacing each session to suit where they are on their journey.

Above all, my approach is neurodiversity-affirming, warm and person-centred. I aim to create a supportive environment where your child can feel safe, understood and empowered — guided by the steady presence of horses and informed therapeutic practice.

Pony Pals Wrekin

How We Support Neurodiverse Children & Young People

Our services are centred around Equine Assisted Therapy, with horses playing a key role in creating a calm, supportive environment for emotional wellbeing and personal growth. Each session is thoughtfully designed to meet individual needs, with the horse–human connection guiding the therapeutic process.

Our integrated approach supports confidence, emotional regulation and resilience, allowing individuals to progress at a pace that feels safe,
comfortable and empowering, guided by trust and connection.

Equine Assisted Therapy

Horse-led therapeutic sessions designed to support neurodiverse young people. Working on the ground in a calm, predictable setting, we focus on emotional regulation, confidence and building trust through gentle, guided interaction with horses.

Sensory & Regulation Sessions

Gentle, child-led sessions created to support nervous system regulation and reduce overwhelm. Ideal for young people who experience anxiety, sensory differences or emotional dysregulation, in a space that feels safe and unhurried.

Therapeutic Support

Alongside equine work, we offer CBT-informed therapeutic support tailored to individual strengths and needs. Practical, person-centred sessions help young people develop coping strategies, resilience and confidence at their own pace.

This support may be helpful if your child:

Feels frequently overwhelmed or anxious

Finds traditional talking therapy difficult or inaccessible

Struggles with emotional regulation

Appears to cope at school but feels exhausted or distressed at home

Would benefit from a calmer, more flexible environment

Counselling Hours

Horse and animal-assisted therapy has been shown to benefit individuals experiencing challenges such as autism, anxiety, trauma, behavioural difficulties, addiction and learning needs. During sessions, we create a supportive physical and emotional environment where learning, mental wellbeing and physical regulation can take place naturally.

Humans and horses share many similarities. Both are social animals who rely on connection and a sense of safety within a family or herd. Positive interactions between humans and horses activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine — the “feel good” hormone — which supports emotional wellbeing and engagement.

For individuals living with challenges such as anxiety, trauma or autism, the brain’s threat system (the amygdala) can become overactive, increasing cortisol levels and triggering fight, flight or freeze responses. This limits attention and learning. The aim of Pony Pals Wrekin sessions is to reduce stress responses, restore calm, and support confidence, regulation and positive progress at a pace that feels safe and empowering.

Pony Pals Wrekin

Our Gallery

Here are a few images of our charming and rustic therapy getaway, nestled in the serene hills and valleys of the Wrekin. This tranquil retreat offers breathtaking natural beauty, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Pony Pals Wrekin

What Customers Say

I saw Wendy for 2 separate 5 week sessions( a couple of years between each stint) it was fast work on both occasions to get me back to a good head space and I would not hesitate to get back in touch if needed or to recommend her services. I noticed substantial benefits to my physical health, as well as my mental health and am extremely grateful for her services.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Wendys services and would contact her again if needed. I experienced significant improvements in both my physical and mental health, and I am very grateful for her support. Within a handful of sessions I was able to re-assess and make changes in my life that not only helped me but helped my family as a whole.

Ponly Pals Wrekin

Let's Keep In Touch

We prioritise open and approachable communication with those we support. Whether by phone, email, or in person, we are always happy to discuss individual needs and offer guidance. Staying connected allows us to provide the best possible care and adapt our support as required. Please feel free to reach out at any time — your wellbeing is always at the heart of what we do.