Family Nest Therapy horses visit Pencalenick School in Truro

Family Nest Therapy, based in Par, brought ponies Sven and Shadow to Family Nest Therapy as part of their goal to provide access to equine therapy to as many people as possible.

Pupils enjoyed meeting, grooming, painting, and taking ponies for a walk on their lead reins in the comfort of the school’s sports hall.

Sarah Baker founder of Family Nest Therapy said: "We set this up to help children from all walks of life experience the benefits equine therapy can bring.

"I have found from personal experience that horses have their own communication methods which can bring out communication from non-verbal children.

"Being able to gently paint horses means children with extra sensory needs get to experience grooming and touching the horses when they would otherwise be unable to, using the paint to create a barrier that’s enjoyable for the children and the animals."

Sarah Baker from Family Nest Therapy and therapy pony Sven meeting pupils from Pencalenick School, Truro.

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Sharon Adams from Pencalenick School said: "It was a fantastic day and we’re thankful to Sarah and Jess from Family Nest Therapy for bringing Sven and Shadow to meet our children.

"Animal therapy is so useful, particularly with our pupils who have additional needs.

"It provides a calming effect and stimulates positive reactions and engagement."

Family Nest Therapy’s service is available free of charge to schools and groups who request their support.

However, Sarah is looking for financial backing to ensure she can provide the service to as many people as possible.

"We would like to buy a special hoist to enable disabled people to ride our larger horses and it costs £1500 per month to look after our horses.

"Then there’s the additional costs of travelling to schools, hospitals and other services that benefit from equine therapy.

"We want to help as many as many people as we can of all ages and backgrounds to give them a new experience and newfound focus to project and communicate their feelings and emotions.

"We want to reach out to as many as schools and services as possible."

UPDATE

Family Nest Equine Therapy has since been dissolved as a community interest company. 

In February 2024 James Baker, 55, and Sarah Baker, 33, from Par, were sentenced after admitting six counts between them of causing unnecessary suffering to horses, ponies, a donkey and a goat.

The Bakers were jailed for nine months for each count, suspended for two years, at Truro Crown Court.