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Animal Care – Therapeutic Animal Interventions

Inspiring Responsibility, Compassion, and Connection

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At Stable Futures, our animal care programme combines therapeutic interventions with engaging, science-based learning, helping children and young people explore the physical and emotional needs of animals—while developing empathy, responsibility, and life skills.

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Through hands-on interaction and structured learning, we support a deeper understanding of animal welfare, rescue work, and our shared responsibility for all living things, rooted in the principles of One Welfare—the interconnected wellbeing of animals, people, and the planet.

​"When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I see a soul."
— A.D. Williams

Our Animals

Alongside our horses, learners engage with a diverse range of animals including:

Many of our animals have been rescued, and their stories provide powerful, real-life learning opportunities around healing, resilience, and care.

What We Cover

Our Animal Care sessions are varied, dynamic, and designed to suit individual needs and learning styles. Key topic areas include:

Daily Needs & Wellbeing​

  • Routine animal care and feeding

  • Health and environment checks

  • Creating enrichment opportunities

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Animal Welfare​

  • Understanding the Animal Welfare Act and the 5 Freedoms

  • Role of the RSPCA and other rescue charities

  • Exploring ethics and responsibility in animal care

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Health & Hygiene​

  • Recognising signs of illness

  • Emergency response and first aid

  • Building an animal first aid kit

  • Introduction to veterinary and holistic care (vet, farrier, dentist, chiropractor, acupuncture, supplements, etc.)

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Nutrition​

  • Species-specific diets and digestive systems

  • Identifying suitable foods and feeding schedules

  • Seasonal nutrition needs

  • Food quality and cost

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Safety​

  • Conducting risk assessments

  • Safe handling of animals

  • Emergency protocols

  • Human First Aid

Habitats & Ecology

  • Adaptations to environments

  • Tracking wildlife and recognising signs

  • Woodland, waterway, and mini-beast exploration

  • Biodiversity and environmental awareness

🐾 Rescue & Rehabilitation

  • Spotting animals in distress

  • Basic behavioural support techniques

  • Understanding long-term care, rehabilitation, and retirement

 

Building Futures with Animals

Our sessions go beyond the basics—helping learners:

  • Explore careers in animal care, farming, and welfare

  • Understand education pathways and qualifications

  • Develop practical, transferable skills that promote independence

  • Gain confidence to take their next steps into further learning or employment

 

Qualifications & Accreditations

Learners can gain recognised awards that demonstrate engagement, skill, and progression:

  • ASDAN (Small Animal Care)

  • RDA (Accessibility Mark)

  • AQA Unit Awards

 

Our practical and vocational focus ensures that learning is meaningful, accessible, and relevant to real-world applications in the animal care industry.

Qualifications & Accreditations

Learners can gain recognised awards that demonstrate engagement, skill, and progression:
 

  • ASDAN (Small Animal Care)

  • RDA (Accessibility Mark)

  • AQA Unit Awards


Our practical and vocational focus ensures that learning is meaningful, accessible, and relevant to real-world applications in the animal care industry.

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Meet Our Small Animals

 

Gentle Companions, Powerful Connections

 

Our small animals play a vital role in the therapeutic and educational work we do at Stable Futures. These gentle, engaging companions help children and young people develop empathy, responsibility, and emotional awareness in a calm, non-judgemental environment.

 

Each animal has its own unique story and personality, and many have been rescued or rehomed—making them wonderful ambassadors for compassion, resilience, and second chances. From guinea pigs and pygmy goats to ducks and chickens, these animals offer comfort, curiosity, and a sense of calm to those who need it most.

 

Spending time with our small animals can help learners build trust, reduce anxiety, and gain confidence through nurturing and meaningful interactions.

 

Scroll down to meet the wonderful animals who are part of our therapeutic team.

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