Engaging & Therapeutic Animal Sessions for Early Years Children
We are delighted to offer a variety of specially designed, interactive, and therapeutic experiences tailored for children in nurseries and preschools, particularly those in the early years age group (0-5 years). Our sessions involve gentle interactions with our well-trained Miniature Shetland ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals.
We recognize how special it is for young children to experience animals for the first time. For many, it may be their first opportunity to get up close to a pony or hold a soft rabbit, and we believe this is a moment that can truly make a difference in their emotional, social, and physical development. Our interactive animal therapy sessions are designed to introduce children aged 0-5 years to the joy and comfort that animals can bring, all while fostering a calm, supportive, and fun environment.
Our gentle, friendly ponies and small animals offer a unique opportunity for children to experience the world of animals in a way that feels safe, nurturing, and exciting. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a bunny or a gentle brush of a pony’s mane, these experiences are designed to support emotional well-being, boost confidence, and spark curiosity in young minds.
These hands-on experiences allow children to connect with animals, build confidence, and develop social, emotional, and physical skills through safe and nurturing interactions.
Why Animal Therapy for Young Children (0-5 Years)?
- Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Spending time with animals has a calming effect. For children who may be anxious or unsure, the presence of a gentle pony or small animal provides a sense of security and relaxation. Animals don’t judge—they simply offer quiet companionship, helping children to feel at ease in a new environment.
- Building Confidence and Trust: Many young children feel a sense of accomplishment when they interact with animals for the first time. Whether it’s the joy of petting a rabbit, feeding a guinea pig, or brushing a pony, these small successes help build confidence and empower children to try new things. It’s a huge boost for their self-esteem and encourages them to explore further.
- Encouraging Empathy and Compassion: Even though young children may not fully understand the concept of empathy, caring for and interacting with animals helps lay the foundation for these important emotional skills. As children gently care for their new furry friends—whether it’s feeding them, petting them, or simply watching them move—children start to understand kindness and develop a nurturing attitude.
- Sensory Engagement: For children under 5, engaging with animals is a fantastic sensory experience. They can feel the soft fur of rabbits, the smooth coat of a pony, or even the gentle peck of a chicken’s beak. These sensory interactions help to improve sensory processing and can be incredibly soothing for children, especially those who may experience sensory sensitivities.
- Creating Joyful, Memorable Moments: For many of these young children, meeting a pony or holding a small animal is something they’ve never done before, and it creates a moment of pure joy. These experiences are not only memorable, they’re also developmental milestones in their early years, helping to shape their curiosity, love of nature, and emotional growth.
How We Tailor Sessions for Children Aged 0-5
- Gentle, Slow-Paced Interactions: Our animals are trained to be calm and gentle, making them ideal for young children. We ensure that interactions are relaxed, allowing children to engage at their own pace and comfort level. For children who may be a little apprehensive, we offer a chance to observe the animals first, building trust before engaging in closer interaction.
- No Pressure to Participate: If a child is unsure or nervous, they can simply watch and learn. Observing the animals can be just as valuable, as it gives children time to process and build confidence before they feel ready to participate.
- Safe, Close-Up Experiences: Our animals are all well-trained to interact safely with young children. Whether it’s gently petting a pony or cuddling a rabbit, our handlers are there every step of the way to ensure that children feel secure and that the animals are comfortable.
- Sensory-Friendly: For children who may have sensory sensitivities, we make sure to create a calming environment. The interactions are kept simple and gentle, with lots of opportunities for children to touch, feel, and explore at their own pace, without overwhelming them.
Supporting Children with SEN and Disabilities
- Wheelchair-Friendly: Our ponies and small animals are trained to interact with children who use wheelchairs, ensuring that they can participate in the sessions as fully as anyone else.
- Sensory Support: For children who may be sensitive to touch or sounds, we adjust our sessions to make sure they are comfortable, whether it’s by allowing for quieter, more controlled interactions or providing space for breaks.
- Positive, Non-Judgmental Experiences: Animals create a calm and non-judgmental atmosphere, which is particularly beneficial for children who may feel overwhelmed or anxious in other social settings.
Our Animals
- Ponies: Our Miniature Shetland ponies “Bella, Pippa, Missy, Spirit” are calm, gentle, and love spending time with you. They’re perfect for brushing, petting, and offering that special pony cuddle. They happily navigate around your home, don’t worry if you are unable to sit out of bed. Our ponies will join your bedside for special cuddles and rest their heads and even have a little nap themselves.
- Small Animals: Our Rabbits and Guinea Pigs are calm, soft and cuddly. They are ideal for offering comfort and companionship. Their soft fur and gentle nature provide the most amazing comforting sensory experience.
- Farm Animals: Our Goats and Sheep are always friendly and curious, they bring an element of fun and excitement as you get to observe them up close. Our Chickens and Ducks are a fun way to observe and interact, learning about their natural behaviour in a safe, controlled environment. Our Chickens especially will happily sit on your arm for a stoke, or even perch on your head. Our Cockerel is always the star of the show with his cock-a-doddle-do.
Please note: Only a selection of our Animals are brought to each session, tailored to your preferences and needs, to ensure a calm and focused experience.
Interacting with these animals can provide numerous therapeutic benefits, including stress relief, improved mood, and enhanced social interaction.
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced Handlers: Our team is skilled in working with young children, ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for every child, regardless of their comfort level with animals.
- Flexible Sessions: We offer sessions that can be adapted to the unique needs of your nursery or preschool, whether for a short visit or an extended day of animal interactions.
- Safety First: Our animals are well-trained, and we follow strict safety guidelines to ensure the safety of both children and animals.
- Inclusive and Supportive: We aim to ensure that every child, including those with special needs or disabilities, can enjoy the experience in a way that feels comfortable and beneficial for them.
How our Pricing Works
One Hour Session
- One Hour Visit with One Pony or Small Animals: £150
- One Hour Visit with One Pony & Small Animals or Two Ponies: £225
- One & Half Hour Visit with One Pony or Small Animals: £200
- One & Half Hour Visit with One Pony & Small Animals or Two Ponies: £275
Half-Day Sessions (AM or PM) Based on two hours
- Morning Session: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Extended Morning Session: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (including a 30-minute break)
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pricing:
- 1 Pony or Small Animals, or Hobby Horse Session with 1 Staff Member: £250
- 2 Ponies, 1 Pony with Small Animals, or Hobby Horse Session with 2 Staff Members: £325
Full-Day Session
- Timings: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (includes a 30-minute break and a 1-hour lunch break)
Pricing:
- 1 Pony or Small Animals, or Hobby Horse Session with 1 Staff Member: £500
- 2 Ponies, 1 Pony with Small Animals, or Hobby Horse Session with 2 Staff Members: £650
Fuel Charges
We apply a fuel charge to cover travel costs and ensure our animals are transported safely and comfortably. We offer free travel for the first 10 miles (5 miles each way), and after that, we charge £1.50 per mile for any additional distance.
Example Fuel Charge Calculation:
- Total Distance (Round Trip): 60 miles
- First 10 Miles Free: Subtract 10 miles, leaving 50 chargeable miles.
- Fuel Charge: 50 miles × £1.50 = £75
Additional Charges: Ultra-low emission or congestion zone fees (if applicable) will also apply.
Book Your Animal Therapy Visit Today
We’d love to work with your setting to provide an unforgettable experience. Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs or book a session and receive a customised quote.
We look forward to hearing from you, and questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
Kind Regards
Jessica Everill
Miniature Shetland Therapy Ponies Ltd
07912681564
Info@shetlandtherapy.co.uk
www.shetlandtherapy.co.uk
License Number of Activities involving Animals: 009223
North Warwickshire Borough Council
Together, we can make every day brighter—one cuddle, nuzzle, and smile at a time.