About Us
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About Us
The Team
Clare Smith – Director & Lead Facilitator
Equine Facilitated Learning has always been of particular interest to me and it is through Hooves in Harmony that I am able to combine my previous knowledge and experience to date. I have been around horses since an early age and they have played a huge part in my life ever since. Upon leaving school I studied at Warwickshire College gaining a BA(Hons) in Equine Studies. An industrial placement year formed a major part of my degree and I spent a year working at a specialist Riding for the Disabled (RDA) facility that was home to a number of RDA groups in addition to providing holidays for RDA groups from across the country. It was here that I really began to see and understand first-hand how just being around horses can have such a huge positive effect on people. On completion of my studies, I took a job at a residential college that offered Further Education to 16 -25 year-olds with learning disabilities and behavioural and emotional issues.
Here all the work centred around the horses on the yard, carefully combining this with the regular curriculum and independent living skills. It was inspiring to see students who had previously struggled with academic tasks begin to understand the concepts when approached from a different perspective. The horses themselves being in a teaching role and providing instant, honest and non-judgemental feedback.
I have also worked extensively in the youth work and education sector spending 7 years as Team Leader for the Prince’s Trust Team Programme at a then OFSTED Grade 1 Outstanding College. This twelve week personal development programme was aimed at 16 – 25 year olds who were not in education, employment or training (NEET). It was delivered with a high element of practical tasks in addition to classroom-based work for the young people to gain several accredited certificates and qualifications over its duration. Key themes included teamwork, reliability, communication, confidence, leadership and employability.
In 2020 I undertook my training with LEAP, completing a Level 4 Diploma in Equine Facilitated Learning. Through the LEAP Method the horse is treated as a co-facilitator rather than simply a tool for learning, something that I feel is important and this is reflected in all elements of our work.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my Border Terrier and spending time with my horse. I compete regularly in both dressage and eventing and when time allows, I can often be found volunteering at local events as a fence judge.
Qualifications
- BA(Hons) Equine Studies
- City & Guilds in Professional Licentiateship
- Crossfields Level 4 Diploma in Equine Facilitated Learning
- Prince’s Trust Team Leader Award
- Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
- Safeguarding Level 2
- First Aid at Work
- Level 2 Introduction to Counselling
- British Horse Society Stage 3 (Grooms Certificate & Riding)
- Enhanced DBS Disclosure
Horses & Ponies
Maisie’s official name is Forever Mayflower. She was born in 1995 making her the oldest horse on the yard. Maisie’s dad was a racehorse as was her great grandad (Shirley Heights) and great great grandad (Mill Reef), both of which won the Epsom Derby!
Over the years Maisie has turned her hoof to everything from hacking to eventing and dressage although is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement with the exception of some EFL work. Maisie brings a wealth of life experience and wisdom to the team whilst her calm and quiet demeanour instil confidence into those who are new to this setting as she helps them to ‘find their feet’.
Musty, short for Mustang Sally is a 10 hand pony who is on loan to Hooves in Harmony. Musty is 28 years old and has been part of the team for nearly 3 years. She generally helps out with sessions at the weekend and during school holidays. What Musty lacks in height, she makes up for with character and has proven herself a firm favourite with many of our younger clients. Musty enjoys rolling in the mud and eating the odd carrot in her spare time!
Popcorn has lived at Bubbenhall Bridge for many years and taught lots of people to ride.
Born in 2005 Popcorn brings a wealth of experience to the equine team and has ‘been there and got the t-shirt!’ She is a particularly sensitive little mare that looks to her humans for confidence and reassurance.
Popcorn is a firm favourite amongst clients. She enjoys being worked with quietly and once she trusts you, she will follow you anywhere and do everything to please.
In her spare time Popcorn loves nothing more than a good pamper and something nice to eat.
Speckles is a 13.3hh gelding who is 18 years old. Speckles is a cheeky chappy with a great sense of humour. He enjoys galloping across fields and jumping but hates having a bath which is unlucky as due to him being grey, he takes a lot of keeping clean!
When not looking for mischief, Speckles loves anything edible and will even give kisses in exchange for a carrot or an apple. Speckles is renowned for having a good roll at the start of every EFL session he’s been in to date and bringing a smile to a client’s face!
“I enjoyed having an hour every week where I felt understood and there was no pressure to engage in human interaction. Being around the horses and working through various exercises with them helped me to understand how to set boundaries. This has helped me in learning to set boundaries for myself too.” A Client who attended 10 sessions via Early Help.