Horses Helping To Heal: New Equine Therapy Centre Combats Loneliness and Stress
Written by Louise Carty on 20th February 2025
An Equine Assisted Therapy facility has opened in County Durham offering a supportive community designed to combat loneliness and help those struggling with anxiety, stress, PTSD, and more.
Shelly Bruce, 44, owner of Shelly’s Equine Assisted Therapy (SEAT), based in Houghton le Spring, is striving to create a fun and friendly environment where people are encouraged to be themselves while learning an array of new skills. Shelly said: “Being around the horses is calming, you learn a lot about yourself, without being judged by anyone. The horses won’t judge you.”
Equine therapy can benefit many people and sessions are tailored to suit individual needs, for example, Shelly said: “I have quite a few children who come with autism, the parents will sometimes not know how to deal with day-to-day life but being around the horses chills them out, so it has a positive effect for when they go home too.”
Millie is one of the therapy ponies at Photo credit: Louise Carty
Horse riding for people with physical disabilities is recognised as having therapeutic benefits as it engages muscles, helps to build strength, balance and co-ordination. Whilst they are still up and coming, funding is currently limited, but Shelly said: “With future funding we could investigate more options like getting a hoist to give people with severe physical disabilities the option to ride.”
Mother Amy Muncaster, 34, is a regular visitor with her daughter Heidi. She said: “I love to see the children enjoying the horses whether that be riding or just grooming, it reminds me of my childhood. It’s also great to see them cheering each other on when they overcome something or working as a team. As an adult I enjoy being around others who share the same love of horses”.
Through coming here Amy gets to spend time with her daughter Heidi, and they do activities together. Amy said: “It’s nice we can share the same hobby; we have been out on hacks together which is lovely.”
Heidi, 11, said: “I’ve learned how to act in an emergency. We were on a hack and got attacked by a swarm of wasps, it was really scary.”
Prices vary, and sessions can be as often or as little as you can afford, depending on availability. It has been designed to offer lasting support that can help aid families who might be struggling.
Shelly said: “I try to keep my prices down to help less fortunate people, but eventually I would like to go down the funding route so I can offer free spaces for people who otherwise may never be able to afford it.”
Volunteer Stephanie Clark, 58, said: “I think it’s amazing for kids. There is that much for them to do and learn, they are learning all the time, they get to be together, they get to enjoy life up here at the farm, it’s brilliant!”
The facility is open to all ages and backgrounds and no previous riding experience is necessary to join as everything you need to know will be taught in the sessions.
Meet and greet sessions are available at a price of £15 per half hour, this session will allow you to meet the horses and team, ask questions and discuss exactly how you might benefit from equine therapy. Non-riding sessions are also available for those who are not confident with riding immediately and the option to ride is available to add on later, providing a no pressure environment.
Overall, SEAT strives to teach valuable lessons and skills that can be used and adapted in everyday life, attempting to create a welcoming atmosphere for various people and is working to combat loneliness and improve mental health.
You can find Manor Stables at: Manor House Stables, Leamside, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6QB
For more information: Facebook
Call: 07956714435
Email: shellybruce1980@gmail.com
