opening Summer/Autumn 2025
Amy’s Trust offers Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) to children and young people experiencing mental and emotional distress in the format of 2-hour sessions at our Redmile site.
Sessions are facilitated by our lead EFL practitioner, Ruby Cox.
We acknowledge that every package of support will be unique due to the individual needs of each young person. Therefore, each support package will be developed in close collaboration with the supporting services. This will comprise details such as length of placement, review intervals and frequency of sessions.
Currently, we are only able to offer places through the local authority. As we grow, we will work to expand our access pathways in line with our capacity.
For information on our eligibility criteria, referral process and fees please view our service provider information document below or contact us.
Service Provider Information
Ruby Cox – Lead EFL practitioner
Ruby is a qualified EFL practitioner passionate about working with children and young people to support their wellbeing and self-discovery. Ruby qualified through the Eponaquest methodology of EFL and loves integrating this body of work with ongoing trainings to support the children and young people she works with.
As a former vet, Ruby is also passionate about keeping the sentience of the horse central in EFL practice to honour the species and ensure the healing potential of this work is protected. Ruby is an EASP (Equine Assisted Services Partnership) accredited practitioner and leads the delivery, growth and development of our provision.
FAQS
Can young people ride the horses?
There is no ridden element in the EFL we offer, and we do not provide any riding at our provision.
Do young people need to have had prior experience WITH HORSES?
There is no requirement for children or young people to have had any experience with horses before. However, an interest, openness, or curiosity towards horses, animals, and nature will support engagement in our provision.
Can young people or parents / carers / professionals with mobility needs access this provision?
We have designed our provision with equal access in mind. This includes wheelchair accessibility to our cabin and toilet and wheelchair-friendly pathways to our main areas. We will always do our best to support all bodies and their access needs. If you have any questions regarding a particular access need, please get in touch.
What is your approach to inclusivity?
Radical acceptance and celebration of all beings is at the very heart of what we do. Variety is the spice of life, and holding space for self-discovery is key in allowing the authentic expression of each individual to emerge. We acknowledge that even with the best intent, unconscious biases do exist, and we are proactive to ensure our approach to inclusivity goes beyond lip service and is embodied on a ground level. For more details on our approach to inclusivity, please refer to our equality and diversity policy.
OUR WORK
the service
Our service supports children and young people experiencing mental and emotional distress by bringing together humans and horses in an environment that fosters healing, learning and growth. Through mindfully guided sessions, individuals engage with our herd in ways that promote self-awareness, emotional regulation and wellbeing — all within a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
efl
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) works in partnership with the natural sensitivity and authenticity of horses to enable powerful learning experiences. Horses are experts at providing immediate and authentic feedback. Exploring this feedback with the support of an EFL practitioner allows individuals to recognise patterns, develop new skills, and create meaningful change in their lives.
Policies
Our comprehensive policies reflect our proactive approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants, staff, and horses at Amy’s Trust. These policies provide the framework for upholding our professional, legally compliant charitable EFL provision of the highest integrity. This enables everyone to benefit fully from the healing environment we work to create.
Amy's trust CIO 