Welcome to Foxfields Therapeutic Horse Riding Centre
About Us
At Foxfields Therapeutic Horse Riding Centre we offer Equine-Assisted Therapy sessions for individuals with disabilities and special educational needs. Working with horses can improve social, cognitive and physical skills, as well as being an enjoyable activity for all ages. Established in July 2019, Foxfields is a 4* Centre licensed by Bolton Council.
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License Number: M132730
License Holder: Clare O'Donnell
Sessions
Tailored to the Individual
All of our sessions are tailored to the needs of each individual. Focussing on progression to achieving their own personal goals.
Benefits of Horse Riding
The three dimensional movement of the horse helps riders to build core strength, improve balance, develop coordination and enhance posture. It is also an activity those with limited mobility can take part in and feel a sense of freedom. All riders progress differently with some riders gaining the benefits from walking on the horse, with others progressing to trotting and cantering independently. Each rider is individual with their own personal goals.
Effect on Mental Health
Working with horses can help improve self-confidence, reduce anxiety and stress and increase positive thinking. Horses respond to individuals instantly but in a non-judgemental way. Individuals can learn to trust and form a relationship with a horse with many referring to a horse as a companion. In a stable yard setting individuals don't feel the same pressure they might feel in a traditional talking therapy setting.
Situated on the outskirts of Rivington
We have access to fantastic off-road hacking and our sessions provide an excellent way to experience the great outdoors. The location of our site means we have regular visits from our local wildlife including foxes and deer.
Teamwork
Sessions are ideal for siblings to take part in together. Regardless of their individual needs, ages or abilities, sessions can be tailored to provide them with enjoyable activities.
Why Horses?
Work with many types of animals has been found to have therapeutic effects for individuals with additional needs. Horses have certain unique qualities which sets apart Equine-Assisted Therapy. Horses are constantly observing a person's behaviour. They give instant feedback on an individual's behaviour and body language. The benefit of this is the horse's ability to teach an individual to self-regulate their interactions. If a person becomes aggressive or anxious the horse will react instantly. In order to undertake tasks with the horse, an individual must work to communicate successfully with the horse. The skills learnt from communicating with a horse can be applied to everyday human to human communication.
Horse Care
Horses rely on humans to provide a high level of care. They require carefully managed diets, exercise regimes, daily grooming and mucking out as well as regular hoof care and visits from other professionals such as vets, dentists and physios. Many of the skills used whilst caring for horses can be transferred to improve clients own self-care and independent living. Managing a horses diet, measuring feeds, monitoring water intake is equivalent to an individual eating a healthy diet. Daily grooming of horses can be compared to an individual's own daily hygiene regime, in the same way the need to exercise a horse is exactly the same as us taking part in our own daily exercise. Helping to care for our horses can help individuals understand the need to care for themselves in order to stay fit and healthy.
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Foxfields Gallery
FAQ
What age can children start riding?
Children can take part in sessions from age 2 years. We advise that children under 4 years of age ride for a maximum of 15 minutes.
What happens if it rains?
Ridden sessions take place in our outdoor arena meaning if it rains sessions will still go ahead and riders should therefore dress appropriately. Clients always have the option of horse care activities if it rains, these can take place inside. Should the weather be unsuitable for the session to take place we may have to rearrange the session but this would be discussed with the client/parent/carer. We always try to provide an alternative i.e horse care for clients that would find the cancellation of a session too disruptive to their routine.
How much does it cost?
Due to the variety of sessions we offer prices vary. 30 minute sessions usually cost between £21-25 for one person. Contact us for more exact pricing.
Can siblings take part?
Absolutely! Sessions are a great activity for siblings to do together regardless of their ages and abilities. Sessions must be booked for the number of individuals taking part to ensure we have enough members of staff present.
Are sessions one-to-one?
The majority of our sessions are one-to-one, this means the client benefits as much from the session as possible. If required we can have additional staff present to support riders in the saddle or assist with mounting/dismounting. Contact us to discuss this further if you have any particular concerns/queries.
What to wear?
We have riding hats for clients to use. Clients should wear comfortable clothing. Ideally footwear with a small heel (prevents the foot slipping through the stirrup). We also have body protectors available should clients wish to wear them. All safety equipment must comply with current BHS guidelines, clients are welcome to use their own but this will be checked for safety by a member of staff.
When do sessions take place?
Foxfields is open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Booking is essential, as sessions are individual. Client sessions are booked throughout the day.
Community
Lancashire County Council's FIND Newsletter
Winter 2019
Foxfields was pleased to feature in the 2019 Winter Edition of the Find Newsletter. Thank you to Hayley who submitted the article after her son and daughter had a session together.
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Click the image above to access the full newsletter.
Reach North West
Foxfields is working alongside Reach North West to support individuals with Autism and their families.
Reach North West is a Bolton based voluntary community interest group that supports children and families affected by Autism and other social & communication difficulties.
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Our mission: Reach North West is committed to empowering parents and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to enable their children to flourish.
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We help children to REACH their true potential by providing services that assist children to overcome communication difficulties and barriers to learning using a multidisciplinary approach. We also run activities for our children and support our families via get togethers, support meet ups and self care groups. In addition we also provide practical advice, we provide information, training and build lasting partnerships with families, schools and other professionals.
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Click the logo above to be directed to the website.
The A World UK
The A World UK is working in partnership with Foxfields to provide children and young adults (aged 2-25) with an Autism Spectrum Disorder with FREE taster sessions (Contact The A World UK directly)
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The A World UK CIC is a non-profit organisation based in the North West of England.
Our aim is to help and support the Autistic Community and their families/carers. We aim to be an advocate for Autism and raise awareness within the community, by promoting acceptance and inclusion.
We are continuously expanding and developing our services, activities, and community shops, to support even more areas
Meet the Team
Meet our amazing team of four-legged friends.
Bella
Thoroughbred
Clare has owned Bella since 2013, she was her first horse. Bella's journey has had many ups and downs, in 2016 she had to undergo invasive surgery on her back. Ridden prognosis was very poor, but despite the odds Bella made a full recovery and Clare enjoyed a few more years of low-level competing and generally having fun! Sadly Bella's injuries got the better of her and she is no longer ridden however she is fully enjoying her life in retirement.  Bella is used for horse care sessions, she is especially patient letting even the smallest children brush her. When she's not in her stable you'll usually find her in the field with Betty and Connie.
Betty
Riding Pony
Betty has been with us since 2017, she came to us as an unbroken horse (never having been ridden). Clare and Emma backed her and taught her everything she knows. Betty is primarily ridden by Clare, who enjoys taking her to dressage competitions, fun rides, camps and cross-country. Betty is used only for more advanced riders.
Connie
Irish Sports Horse
Connie has been at Foxfields since 2018. She came to continue her education after having an unfortunate accident and injuring her back. Thankfully it all healed and it now does not affect her in any way. Connie has made so much progress during her time with us and is now a confident mare with a great attitude towards her work. She loves hacking out and is used for advanced riders both on the flat and for jumping. She is rather talented over a fence.
Fleur
Shetland
Fleur is one of our smallest horses, but don't be fooled by her size, she can be very bossy! You might see Fleur accompanying some of the other horses on their hacks, this is to ensure she gets her exercise. Fleur is not ridden but she takes part in all horse care sessions, she especially enjoys taking part in leading sessions and will stand to be brushed for hours - she loves a  pamper!
Hamish
Cob
Hamish has been at Foxfields since 2017. He is well known for his very long mane and feathers! Hamish is a really versatile horse, he is happy to take it steady with complete beginners but will also teach horses to walk trot and canter. His favourite thing to do is hacking and he will happily go exploring all around Rivington.
Jupiter
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Warmblood
Clare has owned Jupiter since 2016. He is one of the biggest horses at Foxfields. He is a very cheeky character always checking his visitors pockets for any treats and getting grumpy when the other horses get given treats because he wants them all! He loves jumping and has been known to jump out of the field. You will often see Jupiter out in the field with his best friend Thornton, they're quite a boisterous pair! Jupiter is used for advanced riders both on the flat and for jumping.
Pippin
Welsh Pony
Pippin is our oldest resident and has been with us since 2018. Her nickname is Princess Pip. Before coming to us Pippin had been in a riding school for over ten years so she is very experienced at teaching children to ride. Pippin is such a versatile pony, and has quite the fan club! She's happy to take things slow and is so careful with her beginner riders, but when she gets to cantering and jumping she's super speedy! Even at her age she will happily pop round a course of jumps, sometimes proving to be a bit too keen! Â She really is a very special pony.
Roanan
Connemara
Clare has owned Roanan since 2013. He is very experienced in teaching people to ride. He is an older horse so takes part in our lower-intensity sessions and he loves hacking. Roanan has a very strict diet, which means he loves having carrots and apples as treats, his favourite is definitely turnips though!
Smudge
Welsh Pony
Smudge has been at Foxfields since 2019. His previous owner wanted him to come here so he would have a home for life and because he is so good with children. He is a brilliant lead rein pony and is also happy to step up a level for more experienced riders, he especially loves his jumping!
Tilly
Shetland
Tilly has been with us since 2019, when she arrived with her baby Toffee. She might only be small but she is definitely one of the loudest and makes sure everyone can hear her. Tilly has settled into her new life with us, previously she lived with alpacas. Tilly takes part in all of our horse care sessions, she loves going out for walks and she will stand to be pampered for hours.
Toffee
Shetland
Toffee has been at Foxfields since 2019 when she arrived with her Mum, Tilly. Toffee takes part in our horse care sessions. She is good to lead round an obstacle course, she will also walk at the side of a wheelchair for leading too. Although she is still young, she is used to life at Foxfields as she has grown up here since she was 18 months old so she is a brilliant pony!
Winnie
Dartmoor
Winnie has been at Foxfields since 2018. She is a very sociable pony,  she prefers living out in the field so you won't always see her in the stables. Winnie is happy to take things steady with the smallest of riders but is also able to teach the more experienced riders. She might not be the biggest pony, but Winnie can keep up with the big horses when she goes out galloping, she is very quick!
Chester
Welsh Pony
Chester is Amber's s pony and has been here since 2017. Chester is well known for sucking his tongue, he usually does it after eating something sweet. He loves hacking out and will go exploring for hours, he never gets tired! Chester is used for novice riders as he is still learning and he can be quite speedy, but with the right rider he shows how much of a capable pony he is with his jumping!. He has excellent stable manners and is used for all aspects of horse care especially lunging.
Thornton
Thoroughbred
Thornton is owned by Emma and has been here since 2017. Thornton used to be a racehorse and he still enjoys going for a gallop. He can often be seen playing out with Jupiter, they are quite a comical duo, often pulling each others boots off or sharing the same piece of hay. Thornton is used for advanced riders, both on the flat and for jumping. Emma enjoys taking Thornton out to clinics and shows when she can.
Dinky
Cob
Dinky has been at Foxfields since May 2020 coming to us from World Horse Welfare Penny Farm. He is such a happy horse and is a firm favourite with our clients due to his calm nature. Despite being an older horse he loves his job and is never short of energy! When he isn't working he enjoys spending time in the field with Pippin, if Pippin goes anywhere without him you'll hear him whinnying for her!
Tally
Cob
Tally has been with us since August 2020. She joined up from a trekking centre in Scotland that was closing. She arrived with Fliss and the two have been friends since. They enjoy their time out in the field and are often never far away from each other. Tally is a very quiet natured horse that isn't phased by anything. She is happy to take it steady with riders on the lead rein and she is happy to step up a level for for novice riders off the lead rein.
Fliss
Cob
Fliss joined us in August 2020 with Tally. She absolutely loves hacking out and is brilliant even for the smallest of riders. She is primarily used for hacking but she is used for our more advanced riders in the school as she isn't a novice ride. Clare rides Fliss a lot herself to continue her education as she is still quite a young horse with lots to learn. She enjoys taking her to fun rides and clinics when she can. Fliss loves jumping, especially cross-country, which she is very brave at!
Elvis
Cob
Elvis joined us in February 2021 from a riding school that was closing down. He is a very cheeky character and a firm favourite amongst our clients. Elvis has only one eye, we don't know what happened which resulted in it being removed but vets must have had no other option. It doesn't stop Elvis in any way though he is the king of escaping! He is brilliant with our complete beginners through to more competent riders who jump him.
Lollipop
Welsh X
Lollipop joined us in February 2021 from a riding school that was closing down. She has been a brilliant addition to our team. She is great for complete beginners and more competent riders and she is very talented over a fence! Lollipop has brilliant stable manners which makes her a perfect pony to have here at Foxfields.
Meet Our Staff
Clare O'Donnell
Proprietor
Clare studied Equine Science at Myerscough College, gaining an FdSc with Distinction, a First Class BSc (Hons) and an MSc with Distinction. Upon completion of her studies Foxfields was founded, facilitating Equine-Assisted Learning to improve the lives of many individuals with additional needs.
Barbara O'Donnell
Yard Owner
Barbara can often be seen on the yard caring for the horses and occasionally can be seen riding! Formerly, Barbara worked in a nursery with Early Years children, since retiring she enjoys spending time with the horses and assisting with clients.
Emma Hurley
Yard Manager &Â Instructor
Emma has been around horses all of her life, having worked in various equine establishments. She is a fully qualified BHSAI.
