At the heart of our Alternative Provision pathway are the individual journeys of the young people we support.

 

Each case study shared here offers a deeper insight into how Equine Assisted Learning—delivered in a structured, trauma-informed environment—can help learners reconnect with education, build emotional resilience, and rediscover a sense of purpose.

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These reflections demonstrate the diverse needs of our learners and the meaningful, measurable progress they’ve made—both in and out of the classroom. All names have been changed to protect identities.

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🌟 Rebuilding Confidence Through Connection – Emma's Journey

Age: 14
Referred By: School SENCo
Needs: Anxiety, low self-esteem, school refusal

Background

When Emma first arrived at Serendipity, she hadn’t been in school for over

three months. Her anxiety had become so overwhelming that even stepping

into a classroom triggered panic attacks. Social interactions were limited,

and she had started to describe herself as a "failure" who would "never catch up."

Emma was referred to Serendipity by her school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), who hoped the alternative, nature-based environment might help her re-engage with learning and build her confidence.

The Programme

Emma began attending twice a week, participating in both equine assisted sessions and outdoor learning. Initially quiet and withdrawn, she gravitated towards one of the ponies. Their connection became a turning point.

Over time, Emma began taking responsibility for the pony’s grooming and feeding. Through structured, supported sessions, she began to express her thoughts and feelings more openly. Parallel outdoor activities — like fire-lighting and den-building — gave her a sense of achievement and agency.

The Progress

By week six, Emma was speaking confidently in small groups. By week ten, she was setting her own goals — including writing a journal about her time with the horses. She even led a grooming session, demonstrating the empathy and patience she had developed.

At her review meeting, Emma surprised everyone by saying she felt “stronger outside than [she] ever did in a classroom.”

The Outcome

Emma has since returned to school on a part-time timetable. Her attendance is steady, and she continues to visit Serendipity one day a week to maintain the progress she’s made.

Her SENCo describes her as “a completely different young person — still quiet, but confident, thoughtful, and hopeful.”

Emma’s Words

“[The pony] didn’t judge me. She just let me be me. I didn’t think I was good at anything before. Now I know I’m brave.”

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🌸 Finding Her Voice – Lily’s Story

Age: 9

Referred By: School SENCo
Needs: Selective mutism, generalised anxiety
Duration: 12 weeks, 1:1 support

When Lily started at Serendipity, she hadn’t spoken to an adult outside

her immediate family for over a year. She communicated through

gestures and avoided eye contact. Social settings overwhelmed her.

Serendipity’s non-pressured environment allowed her to build trust at her own pace. Her bond with one particular pony, opened the door to nonverbal communication — leading to her eventually speaking during a grooming session.

By the end of the term, Lily was participating in small group sessions and confidently asking to lead the pony around the paddock.

Parent Feedback:

“I used to worry she’d never speak at school again. Now she’s talking about becoming a vet.”

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🌳 Back on Track – Jacob’s Story

Age: 13
Referred By: Pastoral lead, due to multiple suspensions
Needs: Behavioural difficulties, low self-regulation, ADHD

Jacob was at risk of permanent exclusion due to aggressive outbursts and

poor attendance. Traditional interventions weren’t working. His school

referred him to Serendipity as part of an alternative provision trial.

In his first few weeks, Jacob struggled with boundaries, but the structure

of caring for animals — especially feeding and mucking out — gave him a new kind of accountability. Working with horses helped him develop patience and emotional regulation.

By week eight, school reported that Jacob had stopped leaving class mid-lesson. He now participates in weekly mentoring and says his time at Serendipity “makes [his] brain feel calmer.”

Pastoral Lead Quote:

“The change in Jacob has been transformational. This programme has bought us time — and hope.”

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If you're supporting a young person who may benefit from this type of intervention, we encourage you to explore our referral process.

 

Let us help create a pathway that works—for every learner.

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