Therapeutic Approaches delivered through Equine-Assisted Learning and Wilderness Living Skills
Structured Emotional Development Programme
Wild Mirror Programme
What This Programme Is
Wild Mirror is Wild Mane’s structured therapeutic programme for children aged 8 and above.
It supports emotional intelligence, regulation approaches, self-esteem, boundaries and social skills through practical equine-assisted learning and Wilderness Living Skills.
This programme is not alternative provision and does not replace education. It runs alongside school as a time-defined therapeutic intervention.
Wild Mirror is group-based. It is structured. It is expectation-led. Children are not brought to be “fixed”. They are brought to build awareness, regulation capacity and relational understanding in a contained, practical environment.
For children under the age of 8, we recommend placement within the Supported Transition, Engagement or Hybrid pathways, where structure can be adapted more individually.
Structure
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2 hours per week
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6-week block
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Maximum 12 participants per group
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Small working groups of 3–4 within the wider group
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Designated adult lead per working group
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Clear arrival and departure procedures
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Structured check-in and check-out process
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Defined activity blocks
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Guided reflection period
Each session follows a consistent rhythm: arrival and grounding, practical activity, structured skill-building task, reflection and close.
Consistency of group composition is prioritised to build relational safety and continuity.
Activities
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Activities are designed to build emotional awareness through experience. They may include:
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Ground-based equine connection and boundary work
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Grooming and leading with emphasis on non-verbal communication
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Regulation exercises alongside horses
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Sensory grounding outdoors
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Paired and small-group problem-solving tasks
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Fire bowl work where appropriate and risk assessed
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Shelter and tarp skills
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Nature observation and identification tasks
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Reflection circles and structured discussion
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Personal responsibility roles within the group
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Photography, sketching or guided journaling
Mounted work may be included where appropriate and risk assessed, but Wild Mirror primarily focuses on relational groundwork.
All activities are supervised and risk assessed.
Outcomes Participants May Reach
Participants may demonstrate:
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Improved emotional vocabulary
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Increased regulation capacity
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Greater awareness of personal boundaries
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Improved peer interaction
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Increased confidence in group settings
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Reduced reactive behaviour
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Improved ability to tolerate frustration
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Growth in self-esteem linked to competence
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Progress toward EHCP social and emotional outcomes
Wild Mirror supports emotional development through practical experience rather than verbal processing alone.
Who Supported Transition Programmes Are Designed For
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Children aged 8+
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SEND support
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EHCP social and emotional outcomes
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Anxiety and overwhelm
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School-based distress
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Peer relationship challenges
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Children struggling with regulation
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Those requiring structured emotional development support alongside school
For children under 8, we recommend consideration of the Supported Transition, Engagement or Hybrid pathways to ensure developmental suitability and containment. This is recommendation only, and we can speak to you on a case-by-case basis.