Hi, I’m Katy Smith and I started KL Pony Therapy in 2011 with my American Miniature Horses to bring the benefits of this very positive therapy to care homes, hospitals and other organisations. Originally just in the North East but now nationwide.

I have been involved in horses and ponies all of my life so know from experience how much pleasure they can bring. Having worked for many years in the care sector with elderly as an activities/trip co-ordinator, I found that when the residents came into contact with horses or ponies – feeding or stroking or talking to them, their reactions were incredibly positive. In particular, those with poor mobility or touch co-ordination, poor eyesight or who were unable to communicate well seemed to gain the most benefit.

Pony therapy is a very tactile, soothing and calming therapy, with known benefits for all kinds of medical conditions such as depression and dementia amongst others. My mini horses all have very gentle temperaments and are experienced in in being indoors (including traveling in lifts). They love meeting people, whether on a one-to-one basis or in groups and love the attention and being made a fuss of.

All the minis bring their own special qualities to their visits and are quiet and well behaved. They have a great rapport with people and are experienced in going into bedrooms when for example, someone is bed-bound. They will rest their heads on the bed and rest quietly – these are some touching moments.

The pony therapy sessions aren’t rushed and all residents have a chance to spend time and be involved with them. The KL Pony Therapy staff are on hand at all times to help where necessary and of course take photos if required, which can then but saved onto a disk to keep as a memento of the visit.

When not working they enjoy their spare time together in the field, having a gallop and a play, as well as going to shows. They are shown “In-Hand” and have had success at major shows such as the Horse of the Year Show, Royal International Horse Show and Royal Windsor. Mr P and Monet have been particularly successful and love the attention and being in the limelight of it all.

Since I started KL Pony Therapy, I have visited care homes and hospitals in the North East and as far afield as Essex! I get a lot of booking via word of mouth and recommendations from the care hoes we visit.  Mr P and Wish are seasoned media personalities too, with appearances on local and national TV and radio as well as in the press.

Check out this BBC news item about us …….. BBC with KL Pony Therapy

KL Pony Therapy is fully licensed, insured and DBS checked.
Please, if you required further information contact me either by completing the online form, drop me and email or good old fashioned telephone.

Now, why don’t you meet the gang…..