Mawdesley Equine & People Trust
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Lancashire, Mawdesley Equine & People Trust is a small charity with a big heart, offering equine-assisted support for children, young people, and adults.
What we do.
Two sites. One mission. Endless opportunities.
At MEPT, we believe that healing, learning, and connection should be rooted in place — and powered by purpose. That’s why our work unfolds across two unique, life-affirming spaces: Jigsaw Stables and Rainbow’s End.
Together, these sites reflect our deepest values: compassion, accessibility, and the belief that small, local actions can spark lifelong change.
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A world where every horse is valued, every person feels safe and seen, and healing happens through quiet connection—whether in the saddle, on the ground, or among the trees.
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To rescue and rehabilitate horses, nurture emotional wellbeing, and create inclusive spaces where people of all ages and abilities can connect—with animals, nature, and themselves.
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Through inclusive outreach, therapeutic riding, and mechanical horse sessions, we empower children, young people, and adults to build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with themselves and others.
Meet Bob
Meet Bob
From rehab to rhythm, Bob supports physical and emotional wellbeing through purposeful movement.
Whether you're a seasoned rider perfecting lateral work or a beginner building confidence, Bob offers a unique way to learn, heal, and grow — without putting pressure on a live horse.
Curious how a mechanical horse can deepen your connection to real ones? Come meet Bob and feel the difference.
What we offer
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![A young boy sitting on a black horse riding simulator, wearing a helmet, inside a wooden room, with shelves and framed pictures in the background.]()
Bob's Riding School
A gentle, confidence-building introduction to horse riding — with Bob, our friendly mechanical pony. These sensory-aware lessons support rhythm, balance, and body awareness in a safe, supportive setting. Suitable for all ages and abilities, Bob’s Riding School offers a joyful way to explore movement, build trust, and grow at your own pace.
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![A person brushing a horse's coat with a wooden curry comb.]()
Grounded Grooming
A sensory-rich session where gentle grooming becomes a pathway to calm, connection, and co-regulation. Participants explore rhythm, breath, and touch in a safe, consent-led environment — ideal for building trust and emotional awareness.
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![Person wearing a beige cap and red jacket hugging a white and gray speckled donkey with a purple halter outdoors.]()
Holistic Horsemanship
Learn with the whole horse — and discover the whole self. This experiential workshop blends practical horse care with emotional literacy, body awareness, and respectful communication. Perfect for young people, volunteers, or anyone seeking deeper connection.
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![A human hand reaching out to touch the nose of a dark brown or black horse against a blurred outdoor background.]()
Horse Wisdom
Let our horses teach you. A reflective, trauma-informed session exploring boundaries, trust, and regulation through horse interaction. Includes grounding exercises, emotion cards, and group reflection — designed for carers, educators, and vulnerable groups.
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![A young girl wearing a navy riding helmet gently touches the face of a brown horse in a stable window.]()
Meet & Greet
A gentle introduction to our equine partners. Participants meet the horses on their own terms, learn about body language and consent, and explore how connection begins with curiosity and respect.
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![Child creating a colorful rainbow collage with torn paper on a table, using a template as a guide.]()
Nature & Nurture
A calm, sensory-rich experience for families, carers, and neurodivergent individuals. Explore seasonal nature crafts, quiet play, and reflective spaces designed to soothe, regulate, and reconnect — all at your own pace.
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![A picnic setup with a red and white checkered tablecloth on a table in a forest, featuring a picnic basket, a white cup, and a pair of chopsticks.]()
Pony Picnic Club
A joyful, sensory-friendly session for children and families, blending emotional literacy with playful learning. Includes themed picnics, pony interaction, and creative activities.
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![Sun setting behind trees, creating a silhouette with a glowing orange sky.]()
Seasonal Solstice Celebrations
Marking the turning of the seasons with light, reflection, and community. These gentle gatherings honour nature’s rhythms through crafts, music, gratitude rituals, and shared food — creating space for connection, healing, and hope.
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![Christmas decorations with stuffed animal reindeer, a rocking horse, a carousel, a small Christmas tree with ornaments, and a red ball on a sandy surface inside a dark room with a small window at the top.]()
Sensory Stables
Our Sensory Stables offer a calm, tactile-rich space designed for exploration and emotional regulation. With hay, straw, grooming tools, and natural textures to touch, smell, and arrange, it’s a gentle environment where visitors can engage their senses, build confidence, and feel grounded — all at their own pace
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![A white ceramic Easter bunny figurine sitting on grass with a green leaf behind it, with blurred colorful bokeh lights in the background.]()
Stable Story Hour
Where stories come to life — with ponies by your side. A calm, inclusive storytelling session designed to support emotional development, imagination, and connection. Ideal for children, neurodivergent learners, and literacy-loving families.
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![Four people walking on a dirt trail through a rural area with dry grass and trees, carrying backpacks.]()
Wildlife Wonder Walks
Curious footsteps, open eyes, and gentle discovery. Join us for guided nature walks that blend wildlife spotting, creative journaling, and sensory exploration — nurturing awe, attention, and a deeper bond with the natural world.
It takes a village… and a few muddy boots
Whether you're a horse lover, a fundraiser, a creative soul or simply someone who cares, there's a place for you at MEPT.
From hands-on help at the stables to marketing support, event coordination, or storytelling, every contribution makes a difference. Join us in creating a safe, healing space for people and horses alike—where second chances thrive and community grows.
Help Us Save Lives, One Horse at a Time
MEPT is a lifeline for horses who’ve been abandoned, neglected, or deemed “no longer useful.”
Without our intervention, many face being put to sleep. We offer them safety, rehabilitation, and a chance to thrive — but we can’t do it alone.
With the cost of living crisis hitting hard, our running costs are rising while donations fall. We urgently need your support to continue this vital work.
A one-off gift helps us respond to emergencies and provide immediate care.
A monthly donation gives us stability and ensures no horse is left behind.
Every pound makes a difference. Please give what you can — and help us keep hope alive.