Heavy Horses
Running Deer School’s Heavy Horse Equine Team provide Equine Assisted Education and Learning for students in Devon.
Running Deer’s herd of heavy horses are an integral part of life at Running Deer and have a positive impact on the students who work with them.
Horses are very special animals. Horses are emotive and people are animated by the sight, sound, touch and smell of them. Horses are sensitive and responsive, they give immediate and honest feedback, are non-judgemental and can detect emotions and mirror them. Horses don’t lie or hold grudges.
Equine Assisted Education is all about making connections between students and our horses. Working with the horses is about building relationships and developing emotional bonds based on trust and respect.
Touch is an important part of this work so can be beneficial for students with sensory issues. Our Equine Assisted Education programme will support students by improving self confidence and self-esteem by learning new skills and solving problems.
Our Equine Assisted Education covers the following:
- Developing confidence and self-esteem (as an individual and in a group environment)
- Assertiveness – a positive attitude reflects on the horse
- Problem solving – the horse is feeling very stubborn – how are we going to resolve this?
- Working as a team – with the horse and with students alike
- Leadership (through kindness rather than force)
We also adhere to the 5 freedoms for all our animals
- FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST – by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigour.
- FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE. – by providing appropriate preventative measures, along with rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR – by providing for species specific requirements with respect to space, enrichment and social needs.
- FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS – by ensuring species specific conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
Running Deer School is a DfE registered independent school (registration number: 878/6067) for young people with Special Educational Needs.
Running Deer School (Butterdon) Community Interest Company is a not for profit organisation and limited company.
Company no: 13136726.
Running Deer School (Butterdon) Community Interest Company is part of the Running Deer C.I.C Group.
Running Deer C.I.C provide activities and opportunities based around traditional rural skills and land based studies, bushcraft, equine assisted education, dog therapy, green woodworking and conservation.
Running Deer CIC is a not for profit organisation and company limited by guarantee. Company No: 7605814.
VAT Reg No: 289345260
Head of School:
Nick Hurst
Running Deer School,
Butterdon Wood,
Moretonhampstead,
Devon, TQ13 8PY
Telephone: +44(0)1647 400201
For interventions or alternative provision enquiries:
Telephone: +44(0)1647 279332
School hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed