Island Riding Centre and Wight Horse are continuing to transform the lives of children and young people on the Isle of Wight through specialist horse-led wellbeing and therapeutic sessions.
The RDA Accessibility Mark centre focuses on supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Through calm, nurturing interaction with horses, young people are helped to build confidence, emotional wellbeing and self-belief at their own pace.
The centre’s work is based on the sensitivity of horses, which naturally respond to human emotions and body language. For many children who struggle in traditional settings, the non-judgemental connection with a horse can reduce anxiety and stress, improve communication and encourage trust and empathy.
In 2025, Island Riding Centre and Wight Horse delivered a wide-reaching programme of accessible support across the Isle of Wight. This included over 300 RDA lessons for children with additional needs, 576 Short Break sessions for children and families, and 62 sessions for home-educated children. A further 144 sessions were delivered to adoptive families through Adopt South, with 24 sessions provided for young offenders to encourage emotional development and positive engagement.
Children supported through the Free School Meal (HAF) programme included 135 during Easter, 324 in summer, and 192 at Christmas. Four children from Mountbatten Hospice were also supported during the year, alongside 60 children who accessed free wellbeing sessions.
Louise Buckner, founder of Wight CIC and owner of Island Riding Centre, has said:
“Horses change lives, I see it every day in the children who arrive anxious or withdrawn, but leave smiling, calmer and more confident.
“We support so many Isle of Wight children through equine wellbeing, but not enough people know what we do. Our main goal is to have more young people – and adults – experience the healing bond with horses and understand how deeply they support mental wellbeing.”
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The centre continues to work closely with families, schools, local authorities and support services to ensure every child receives the right level of individualised care. Sessions are designed with a focus on emotional support rather than performance, creating safe and inclusive experiences for all participants.
For further information or to enquire about support sessions, email [email protected]
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