Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is Equine Assisted Learning?
- Equine Assisted Learning involves spending time with horses and trained staff to facilitate personal growth, development, and learning. It combines experiential learning with the unique qualities of horses to help individuals build skills like communication, trust, teamwork, and emotional regulation.
Who can participate in Equine Assisted Learning?
- Equine Assisted Learning is beneficial for individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It is used for personal growth and development, therapeutic purposes, and team-building activities.
Do I need to have previous experience with horses to participate?
- No prior experience with horses is required. Our trained facilitators will guide you through all the activities, ensuring that participants feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience.
What should I wear to an Equine Assisted Learning session?
- We spend the majority of our time outside so please dress for the Great British weather! Please wear sturdy boots, shoes or wellies with low heels and closed in toes where possible. Wellies or walking boots and warm socks are the best option for keeping feet dry and warm.
In cold/wet weather, bring a warm, waterproof coat, and gloves and hat to keep toasty.
Sun hats, t-shirts with sleeves and sun cream (already applied) for warmer weather.
Being field-based, we often have mud so its best to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Several layers are useful so that you can warm up or cool down as needed.
Avoid wearing anything that could easily get caught, such as jewelry or scarves.
Do you have a toilet?
- We are firm believers in the benefit of a fresh air wee! There are a number of discreet spots around the site for making water. We do have a small porta-potty for emergency number-twos, but respectfully ask that you go before you leave home. We will be building a compost toilet in the near future to cater for all eventualities.
Can I wash my hands?
- We have hand washing facilities along with soap and hand gel.
Do I need to bring my own drinks/food?
- We recommend you bringing your own filled drinks bottle. We can offer water as a refill if you need a top-up. We also have tea and coffee if you would like a hot drink. We ask that you bring a packed lunch if your session happens over the lunch period, or snacks if you think you will need them. We can include a break where necessary during your session unless you prefer to eat before you arrive or after your session.
Where are you based?
- Our sessions take place on private land in Butleigh, Near Glastonbury, Somerset. For the wellbeing of participants and animals, and to maintain a calm, focused environment, the site is not open to visitors or drop-ins. We meet at a central point in the village and walk to the premises together. The exact location is shared once a booking is confirmed, and all children and young people will be accompanied at all times. Thank you for helping us keep the space safe, quiet, and supportive for everyone involved.
Sessions and Services
What kind of services do you offer?
- We offer a variety of services, including individual sessions, group workshops and courses, home education options, team-building exercises, and specialised programmes for children with SEND, at-risk youth, and corporate teams.
How long is a typical session?
- We generally offer half- and full-day sessions, depending on the programme. The exact duration may vary based on the needs of the participants and the goals of the session.
Can Equine Assisted Learning help with specific challenges like anxiety, stress, or communication difficulties?
- Yes! Equine Assisted Learning is particularly effective in helping individuals develop coping strategies for anxiety, enhance emotional awareness, improve communication skills, and build confidence.
Do the horses perform activities during sessions?
- The horses are actively involved in activities such as leading, grooming, and groundwork exercises. However, riding is not a part of our Equine Assisted Learning services. The focus is on non-riding activities that help foster connection and personal growth.
Do you offer horse riding or riding lessons?
- At Serendipity, we do not offer horse riding or riding lessons.
Our work is grounded in Equine Assisted Learning and nature-based personal development. This means we focus on relationship, connection, and communication with horses—on the ground, side by side—not on riding. We believe in honouring horses as sensitive, intelligent beings with their own emotions, needs, and preferences.
Rather than using horses as a means of transport or performance, we create space to learn from them—developing emotional awareness, confidence, self-regulation, and empathy through shared experiences in nature.
If you're curious about a more relational and therapeutic approach to being with horses, you may be interested in our Private Sessions or our Group Programmes that run throughout the year.
Safety and Care
Is it safe to work with horses?
- Safety is our top priority. All sessions are led by trained and certified professionals who ensure that safety protocols are followed at all times. Horses are carefully selected for their temperament and suitability for Equine Assisted Learning programmes.
How do you ensure the horses are well-treated?
- Our horses are well cared for by experienced professionals and are regularly visited by veterinarians and other relevant professionals as necessary. They have a high standard of living, including appropriate nutrition, exercise, and rest. The well-being of our horses is just as important as the well-being of our participants.
Cost and Scheduling
How much does a session cost?
- The cost of a session can vary depending on the programme and duration. Please contact us for detailed pricing information for private or corporate services or visit Our Groups and What's On? pages for rates of current workshops and courses.
How do I book a session?
- You can book a session through our website, by phone, or by emailing us. Booking in advance is essential for all our services.
Session and Payment Information
Are session fees refundable?
- Session fees are non-refundable. Please ensure that you are able to attend the session before confirming your booking.
What if I can’t attend a booked session?
- If you are unable to attend a session for any reason, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we do not offer rescheduling or refunds for missed sessions.
How much notice do I need to give if I need to cancel?
- We appreciate as much notice as possible, but at least 24 hours' notice is appreciated for cancellations. As we rely on careful planning and scheduling, we are unable to offer rescheduling or refunds for missed sessions.
Why can’t I get a refund or reschedule?
- We understand that circumstances can change unexpectedly. However, due to the nature of our services, including the care of the horses and the scheduling of our facilitators, it is often not possible to fill a missed session at short notice. As a result, we are unable to offer refunds or rescheduling.
What happens if I cancel within 24 hours of the session?
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled session will result in the full session fee being charged. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting our policies.
Additional Information
Can Equine Assisted Learning be used for team-building in the workplace?
- Absolutely! Equine Assisted Learning is a great way for teams to develop better communication, trust, and problem-solving skills. We offer tailored services for businesses and organisations looking to improve team dynamics. For more information, visit our Corporate page.
Do you offer any discounts or financial assistance?
- We offer discounts for group bookings. Please reach out to discuss your needs.
We are currently unable to offer sliding scale pricing for individuals who may require financial assistance although this is something we hope to do in the future.
Is Equine Assisted Learning available for individuals with disabilities?
- Yes, Equine Assisted Learning is accessible and beneficial for people with physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. Our facilitators are trained to modify activities to suit each participant's needs where possible. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
How do I get started with an Equine Assisted Learning programme?
- Contact us so we can discuss your goals, answer any questions, and match you with the appropriate programme. Alternatively, if you would like to book a space on one of our regular groups, fill in a booking form and we will invoice accordingly. Once we have received payment in full we will send you a booking confirmation with the information you need to join in.