What we do:

We have created a stress-free, non-judgmental environment for families to enjoy with our ponies and other animals.

We offer therapeutic activities for all abilities.

Who we work with:

Working with children on the Autism Spectrum and their families.

What are the Outcomes:

Improved confidence, communication, self-esteem, skills & personal development.

We believe in tailoring each session to individual needs and empowering the parent’s knowledge and skills to be able to use our approach at home even without the ponies.

Our innovative project using aquaponics creates academic learning opportunities, independence and a deeper understanding of nature.  The ponies help with our therapeutic approach, therapeutic riding is successful for many conditions including Autism, PDA, ADD, ADHD, anxiety and depression.   The funds raised from the Apartment go straight back into the Little Explorers Activity Club Community Interest Company to pay for the ponies feed, bedding, vets bills, farrier and new projects that we are developing to support families like our Online E-booklets.

Spending time in nature with animals lowers blood pressure, increases oxytocin, aids concentration, calms, builds confidence and social interaction.

The Little Explorers has been working in conjunction with the Leicester University on the Dream Project to understand the ethics behind using robotics to help Autistic children and their families.  More recently we have advised the National Space Centre about how to create Autism Friendly Events and we were interviewed for the Open University Course on Autism sharing our approach and views which has reached nearly 70,000 worldwide.  

We are always open to new ideas and approaches and will support research projects around the world.