Kids Helping Horses

Our horses and ponies are cared for and trained by local children. Many of them had never had close contact with a horse before. They are soon on their way to building the relationships of trust that are the cornerstone of our training.

The more experienced kids help the younger ones teach the horses to overcome their fears and learn the skills needed to be ridden horses, ready for new homes. If that's not possible, they continue to care for them in the sanctuary.

Horses Helping Kids

Horses are extraordinary teachers. They do not lie, they do not fall for the images we create to protect ourselves. They do not care if you are rich or poor, if your jeans are designer or tatty. They only see you, the real you.

Our horses help our kids find that person inside. They teach them about self worth, trust and confidence. They help them express themselves without anger but instead with understanding. They teach them to listen, and to be listened to. They help them to succeed.

Watch the video below to see the documentary 'The Wild Ones' shown on Channel 4

Find Your Perfect Partner

We have ridden and companion horses for long term loan.

Click here for more information on loaning from Shy Lowen.

Bernadette Langfield wins IFAW 2017 Equine Welfare Award

We are thrilled to announce that Bernie, Shy Lowen's founder and Chair of Trustees, has been awarded the 2017 International Fund for Animal Welfare (IWAF) Equine Welfare Award in recognition of her extraordinary contribution not only to equine welfare through the rescue and rehabilitation side of Shy Lowen's work, but also of her vision and commitment to incorporating equine assisted therapy and other community services into the core of our work. 

"Thank you for all the very kind words since it was announced that an IFAW Animal Action Award had come our way. I was very humbled by the nomination and overwhelmed when I heard that we had won the award. Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary of course isn’t a one man (or woman or family) band. We have amazing, dedicated staff and volunteers here. We have fantastic public support. We are lucky to have been supported throughout by excellent veterinary, farriery and dentistry professionals. We are honoured to have Patrons who hold the Shy Lowen cause in their hearts.

It was particularly poignant when, at the Awards Ceremony, we heard that the IFAW awards began 18 years ago. So did Shy Lowen. 

I want to make a special thank you to somebody who no longer inhabits Earth. The one who started all this. The one whose courage and strength in the face of real adversity inspired the concept of Shy Lowen and all it stands for. His name is Halley’s Comet (click to read his and our story).

Let what he started as a little ripple in a North West corner of England along with so many other ripples of positivity throughout our Earth become a tidal wave of change for the world. Love conquering hate and peace conquering war. It starts with you. Be the best that you can be. Build it and they will come."

Bernie xxx