

Forest Equine Therapy
Forest Equine Therapy is located in Thorney Hill, a village set within the open heathland and ancient woodland of the New Forest national park. Led by directors Liz and Emily, the practice grew from witnessing firsthand the profound impact of equine-assisted work.
We offer equine-assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) to individuals of all ages, including those looking for new ways to engage, build confidence and self-esteem, and enhance overall wellbeing. Our sessions provide a unique opportunity to connect with horses in a natural, forest setting, and experience the benefits of working alongside these highly intuitive animals.
Our horses are an intrinsic part of the process, and are given the space to express their innate behaviours and live as a small herd in the surrounding fields. Next to the yard, the annex provides a quiet, relaxing space to sit and reflect.
As prey animals, highly attuned to their environment, horses reflect how we are really feeling, beneath any masks we may need to wear throughout the day.
By working with and understanding their highly sensitive nature - which mirrors human emotions - moments of profound self-discovery and awareness arise, and opportunities emerge for new ways of being and engaging with the world, driven by a desire to connect.
Our work is grounded in the human-equine bond, built on trust, mutual respect, and autonomy. Sessions take place in the yard, surrounding fields, and open forest, with no prior riding or horse-handling experience required.

Equine Assisted Therapeutic Sessions:
These sessions involve guided interactions with horses, with a focus on observation, awareness, and how we respond in the moment. Sessions can support emotional regulation, confidence, boundaries, and self-understanding, and are offered either as one-off experiences or as part of an ongoing series of sessions.
For those who benefit from hands-on and experiential learning, we also have a modular alternative learning programme, which can be adapted to individual learning needs.
Psychotherapy and integrated work:
We offer psychotherapy for adults and children in the annex next to the yard, for those looking to further explore their inner world. Sessions can be offered independently or combined with equine-assisted work as a gradual introduction to talking therapy, starting with non-verbal, reflective experiences in the presence of horses.
Forest Art:
This year we are introducing a new Forest Art programme, guided by an art therapist. Using the surrounding forest as a source of inspiration, participants are invited to slow down, observe the world around them, and explore new forms of creative expression.
To learn more about our work or to book a session, please get in touch using the link below.

EAAT offers a complementary approach rooted in several interconnected frameworks and principles that address human and equine wellbeing, including the human-animal bond theory, the biophilia hypothesis and the five domains model.
Our equine facilitators hold the nationally recognised Level 3 OCNLR Diploma in Equine Assisted Services and bring years of horsemanship experience. Committed to ongoing professional development, they are members of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI). Psychotherapy and art therapies are delivered by qualified therapists, offering structured, evidence-informed support for emotional exploration, expression, and psychological wellbeing.
Our services are fully insured, including public liability, and all activities thoroughly risk assessed. We follow strict safeguarding policies to ensure a safe environment for all clients, and all facilitators are first aid trained and hold an enhanced DBS check.

EAAT has expanded in recent decades and the evidence base is growing - please find below a selection of findings on its effectiveness:

Mon | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Tue | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Wed | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Thu | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Fri | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Sat | By Appointment | |
Sun | By Appointment |