Welcome to Foxfields Therapeutic Horse Riding Centre
About Us
At Foxfields Therapeutic Horse Riding Centre we offer Equine-Assisted Therapy sessions for individuals with disabilities and special educational needs. Working with horses can improve social, cognitive and physical skills, as well as being an enjoyable activity for all ages. Established in July 2019, Foxfields is a 5* Centre licensed by Bolton Council.
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License Number: M132730
License Holder: Clare O'Donnell
Sessions
Tailored to the Individual
All of our sessions are tailored to the needs of each individual. Focussing on progression to achieving their own personal goals.
Benefits of Horse Riding
The three dimensional movement of the horse helps riders to build core strength, improve balance, develop coordination and enhance posture. It is also an activity those with limited mobility can take part in and feel a sense of freedom. All riders progress differently with some riders gaining the benefits from walking on the horse, with others progressing to trotting and cantering independently. Each rider is individual with their own personal goals.
Effect on Mental Health
Working with horses can help improve self-confidence, reduce anxiety and stress and increase positive thinking. Horses respond to individuals instantly but in a non-judgemental way. Individuals can learn to trust and form a relationship with a horse with many referring to a horse as a companion. In a stable yard setting individuals don't feel the same pressure they might feel in a traditional talking therapy setting.
Situated on the outskirts of Rivington
We have access to fantastic off-road hacking and our sessions provide an excellent way to experience the great outdoors. The location of our site means we have regular visits from our local wildlife including foxes and deer.
Teamwork
Sessions are ideal for siblings to take part in together. Regardless of their individual needs, ages or abilities, sessions can be tailored to provide them with enjoyable activities.
Why Horses?
Work with many types of animals has been found to have therapeutic effects for individuals with additional needs. Horses have certain unique qualities which sets apart Equine-Assisted Therapy. Horses are constantly observing a person's behaviour. They give instant feedback on an individual's behaviour and body language. The benefit of this is the horse's ability to teach an individual to self-regulate their interactions. If a person becomes aggressive or anxious the horse will react instantly. In order to undertake tasks with the horse, an individual must work to communicate successfully with the horse. The skills learnt from communicating with a horse can be applied to everyday human to human communication.
Horse Care
Horses rely on humans to provide a high level of care. They require carefully managed diets, exercise regimes, daily grooming and mucking out as well as regular hoof care and visits from other professionals such as vets, dentists and physios. Many of the skills used whilst caring for horses can be transferred to improve clients own self-care and independent living. Managing a horses diet, measuring feeds, monitoring water intake is equivalent to an individual eating a healthy diet. Daily grooming of horses can be compared to an individual's own daily hygiene regime, in the same way the need to exercise a horse is exactly the same as us taking part in our own daily exercise. Helping to care for our horses can help individuals understand the need to care for themselves in order to stay fit and healthy.
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Foxfields Gallery
FAQ
What age can children start riding?
Children can take part in sessions from age 2 years. We advise that children under 4 years of age ride for a maximum of 15 minutes.
What happens if it rains?
Ridden sessions take place in our outdoor arena meaning if it rains sessions will still go ahead and riders should therefore dress appropriately. Clients always have the option of horse care activities if it rains, these can take place inside. Should the weather be unsuitable for the session to take place we may have to rearrange the session but this would be discussed with the client/parent/carer. We always try to provide an alternative i.e horse care for clients that would find the cancellation of a session too disruptive to their routine.
How much does it cost?
Due to the variety of sessions we offer prices vary. 30 minute sessions usually cost between £21-25 for one person. Contact us for more exact pricing.
Can siblings take part?
Absolutely! Sessions are a great activity for siblings to do together regardless of their ages and abilities. Sessions must be booked for the number of individuals taking part to ensure we have enough members of staff present.
Are sessions one-to-one?
The majority of our sessions are one-to-one, this means the client benefits as much from the session as possible. If required we can have additional staff present to support riders in the saddle or assist with mounting/dismounting. Contact us to discuss this further if you have any particular concerns/queries.
What to wear?
We have riding hats for clients to use. Clients should wear comfortable clothing. Ideally footwear with a small heel (prevents the foot slipping through the stirrup). We also have body protectors available should clients wish to wear them. All safety equipment must comply with current BHS guidelines, clients are welcome to use their own but this will be checked for safety by a member of staff.
When do sessions take place?
Foxfields is open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Booking is essential, as sessions are individual. Client sessions are booked throughout the day.
Meet the Team
Meet our amazing team of four-legged friends.
Belgian Ardennes
Dora is a yard legend!! Dora has been with us since 2021. Prior to coming here she was a brood mare, don't be put of my her impressive size, she really is a gently giant.
Riding Pony
Betty has been with us since 2017, she came to us as an unbroken horse (never having been ridden). Clare and Emma backed her and taught her everything she knows. Betty is primarily ridden by Clare, who enjoys taking her to dressage competitions, fun rides, camps and cross-country. Betty is used only for more advanced riders.
Irish Sports Horse
Connie has been at Foxfields since 2018. She came to continue her education after having an unfortunate accident and injuring her back. Thankfully it all healed and it now does not affect her in any way. Connie has made so much progress during her time with us and is now a confident mare with a great attitude towards her work. She loves hacking out and is used for advanced riders both on the flat and for jumping. She is rather talented over a fence.
Shetland
Fleur is one of our smallest horses, but don't be fooled by her size, she can be very bossy! You might see Fleur accompanying some of the other horses on their hacks, this is to ensure she gets her exercise. Fleur is not ridden but she takes part in all horse care sessions, she especially enjoys taking part in leading sessions and will stand to be brushed for hours - she loves a  pamper!
Cob
Hamish has been at Foxfields since 2017. He is well known for his very long mane and feathers! Hamish is a really versatile horse, he is happy to take it steady with complete beginners but will also teach horses to walk trot and canter. His favourite thing to do is hacking and he will happily go exploring all around Rivington.
Warmblood
Clare has owned Jupiter since 2016. He is one of the biggest horses at Foxfields. He is a very cheeky character always checking his visitors pockets for any treats and getting grumpy when the other horses get given treats because he wants them all! He loves jumping and has been known to jump out of the field.
Cob
Leo has been with us since 2022, he has a quite nature and works with a range of our riders. He likes to take things nice and steady and he his very popular with our clients.
Cob
Bruce has been with us since 2024, he found a new home with us after his previous riding school closed. He is a super allrounder and stands out from his friends due to his colour. He is a lovely Tobiano, I think you'll agree he's a super handsome boy.
Welsh Pony
Smudge has been at Foxfields since 2019. His previous owner wanted him to come here so he would have a home for life and because he is so good with children. He is a brilliant lead rein pony and is also happy to step up a level for more experienced riders, he especially loves his jumping!
Shetland
Tilly has been with us since 2019, when she arrived with her baby Toffee. She might only be small but she is definitely one of the loudest and makes sure everyone can hear her. Tilly has settled into her new life with us, previously she lived with alpacas. Tilly takes part in all of our horse care sessions, she loves going out for walks and she will stand to be pampered for hours.
Shetland
Toffee has been at Foxfields since 2019 when she arrived with her Mum, Tilly. Toffee takes part in our horse care sessions. She is good to lead round an obstacle course, she will also walk at the side of a wheelchair for leading too. Although she is still young, she is used to life at Foxfields as she has grown up here since she was 18 months old so she is a brilliant pony!
Dartmoor
Winnie has been at Foxfields since 2018. She is a very sociable pony,  she prefers living out in the field so you won't always see her in the stables. Winnie is happy to take things steady with the smallest of riders but is also able to teach the more experienced riders. She might not be the biggest pony, but Winnie can keep up with the big horses when she goes out galloping, she is very quick!
Cob
Ruby is a Skewbald cob, she has been at Foxfields since 2023. Despite being one of our older horses, Ruby takes part in a variety of sessions both on the flat and hacking out. She is very patient and quiet natured making her suitable for even the most nervous riders.
Cob
Dolly is a super cob and has been with us since 2023, she started with us as a just backed 4 year old and has continued her education with us. She is a great allrounder and is proving to have quite a jump. Dolly is very bold when it comes to jumping cross country fences and we are very excited to see how good Dolly will become.
Cob
Dinky has been at Foxfields since May 2020 coming to us from World Horse Welfare Penny Farm. He is such a happy horse and is a firm favourite with our clients due to his calm nature. Despite being an older horse he loves his job and is never short of energy! When he isn't working he enjoys spending time in the field with Pippin, if Pippin goes anywhere without him you'll hear him whinnying for her!
Cob
Tally has been with us since August 2020. She joined up from a trekking centre in Scotland that was closing. She arrived with Fliss and the two have been friends since. They enjoy their time out in the field and are often never far away from each other. Tally is a very quiet natured horse that isn't phased by anything. She is happy to take it steady with riders on the lead rein and she is happy to step up a level for for novice riders off the lead rein.
Cob
Fliss joined us in August 2020 with Tally. She was originally bought for the school, however Fliss is much better suited to one rider. She is incredibly talented over a fence and in particular cross-country. Clare takes Fliss competing in eventing, showjumping and dressage. She is still has lots of experience to gain, we are excited to see what she can achieve in the future.
Cob
Elvis joined us in February 2021 from a riding school that was closing down. He is a very cheeky character and a firm favourite amongst our clients. Elvis has only one eye, we don't know what happened which resulted in it being removed but vets must have had no other option. It doesn't stop Elvis in any way though he is the king of escaping! He is brilliant with our complete beginners through to more competent riders who jump him.
Welsh X
Lollipop joined us in February 2021 from a riding school that was closing down. She has been a brilliant addition to our team. She is great for complete beginners and more competent riders and she is very talented over a fence! Lollipop has brilliant stable manners which makes her a perfect pony to have here at Foxfields.
Welsh X
Penny has been with us since August 2021. She is owned by Alice who enjoys taking Penny to shows and doing dressage with her. Penny was very inexperienced when she arrived at Foxfields but over the last couple of years she has learnt so much and progressed really well in her education. Most recently she has really shown herself to have a good jump!
Meet Our Staff
Clare
Proprietor
Clare studied Equine Science at Myerscough College, gaining an FdSc with Distinction, a First Class BSc (Hons) and an MSc with Distinction. Upon completion of her studies Foxfields was founded, facilitating Equine-Assisted Learning to improve the lives of many individuals with additional needs.
Barbara
Yard Owner
Barbara can often be seen on the yard caring for the horses and occasionally can be seen riding! Formerly, Barbara worked in a nursery with Early Years children, since retiring she enjoys spending time with the horses and assisting with clients.
Natasha
Instructor
Tash has been with us since 2023. She studied Equine at Myerscough College. She enjoys working with all of our clients and is a valued member of our team.
