Welcome to Jigsaw Stables.

The home of second chances.

Nestled in nature and rooted in compassion, Jigsaw Stables offers hands-on experiences in horse care, gentle interaction, and outdoor learning. Whether you’re visiting for wellbeing, education, or simply to meet the herd, Jigsaw Stables is where stories begin — and lives are transformed.

Jigsaw — the first piece of the puzzle.

It all began with Jigsaw.

Jigsaw is the the first pony we ever rescued and the namesake of our charity. His journey began on Morecambe’s seafront, where he worked pulling carriages with quiet strength and reliability. At 14, he was bought by the Douglas Farm Group for Driving for the Disabled, where he supported wheelchair users through carriage driving — offering movement, freedom, and gentle companionship to those who needed it most.

When Douglas Farm was sold, Jigsaw moved to Mawdesley with Sue and the rest of the team in 2001. There, he retired from carriage work and began a new chapter — gently supporting learners of all ages and abilities, teaching people how to longline, and quietly shaping the ethos of what would become MEPT.

Jigsaw passed at the great age of 37, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, connection, and possibility. His name lives on in our stables, our programmes, and our values.

Close-up of a brown and white horse's face, with a focus on its nose and eye, at a fenced pasture.

A place rooted in sanctuary.

Jigsaw Stables began as a refuge for horses like Jigsaw— a place of safety, recovery, and quiet companionship. Over time, it grew into something more: a heart-space where horses and humans meet with mutual respect, curiosity, and care. Today, it remains the emotional centre of MEPT — a peaceful, inclusive setting designed to support all ages and abilities through trauma-informed, sensory-friendly experiences.

Our ponies are central to everything we do. Each has their own story — some rescued, some retired, all cherished. They bring warmth, wisdom, and a quiet kind of magic to every interaction. Some are confident and playful, others gentle and reserved. All are respected as individuals and as co-facilitators in MEPT’s work.

Bob, our mechanical riding horse, also lives at Jigsaw — offering a safe, adaptable way to experience movement and build confidence in the saddle.

Two horses standing in a field with green grass and trees in the background.

Activities & Workshops

Two wooden logs and two horseshoes placed on a wooden surface, with a rustic background.

Bridle Boutique

  • A hands-on crafting workshop inspired by the textures, colours, and quiet magic of the stable yard. Participants create pony-themed accessories and decorations — from ribbon rosettes and yarn reins to soft saddle pads and decorated horse shoes. It’s a space for creativity, sensory exploration, and joyful self-expression, designed with emotional safety and accessibility in mind.

  • Based in our Sensory Stable, a calm, sensory rich environment with adaptable materials and no pressure to “get it right.” Activities may include decorating horseshoes, decorating bridles, crafting stable door signs, or designing miniature tack with felt, fabric, and recycled treasures. Whether you’re stitching, sticking, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, you’ll be supported to create at your own pace — with plenty of room for imagination and rest.

  • £4–£6 per participant — every ribbon, rosette, and gentle moment helps us keep Bridle Boutique creative, inclusive, and full of heart.

A girl kneeling in front of a horse stall, looking up at a white horse looking out from the stall.

Meet & Greet

  • This gentle, trauma-informed workshop invites participants to explore how horses communicate — through movement, breath, posture, and presence — and how we can respond with empathy, clarity, and care. It’s about learning to listen without words, to notice subtle signals, and to build trust through mutual understanding. By exploring equine emotional states and relational cues, participants begin to connect with horses in ways that feel safe, respectful, and emotionally attuned.

  • A calm, sensory-friendly space where participants learn to interpret how horses express themselves — through posture, breath, movement, and subtle signals. You’ll explore emotional states, boundaries, and relational cues, using grounding exercises, emotion mapping, and creative reflection to deepen your understanding.

    Once you’ve built confidence in recognising equine communication, you’ll be invited to meet the horses for facilitated, consent-led interaction. Whether grooming, observing, or simply sharing space, you’ll be supported to connect with the horses in ways that feel safe, respectful, and emotionally attuned.

  • £7–£10 per participant — every hoofbeat and heartfelt moment helps us keep our Meet & Greet sessions safe, nurturing, and sustainably run for those who need them most.

A young girl petting a horse through the stable window on a sunny day.

Holistic Horsemanship

  • A hands-on workshop exploring how we care for, communicate with, and build trust with horses — from stable to field. Rooted in trauma-informed practice, this session blends practical skills with emotional awareness, helping participants understand equine behaviour, body language, and needs. It’s ideal for anyone curious about horse care, connection, and kind, consent-led interaction.

  • A calm, inclusive environment where participants learn through observation, gentle handling, and guided activities. You might explore grooming, leading, feeding routines, and how horses express comfort, stress, or curiosity. Sessions include grounding exercises, relational safety practices, and plenty of time to ask questions, reflect, and connect — with horses and each other.

  • £7–£10 per participant — every brushstroke, bucket fill, and quiet moment helps us keep Holistic Horsemanship sessions safe, educational, and rooted in care.

Festive Christmas decorations with plush toy reindeer and unicorns, a small Christmas tree with ornaments, and lights in a wooden room with a small window at the back.

Snuffle & Snuggle

  • A quiet, sensory-friendly session held in our specially designed Sensory Stable — a nature-connected space filled with soft textures, calming sounds, and gentle rhythms. Rooted in trauma-informed practice, this workshop offers a safe environment to explore co-regulation, emotional presence, and the comfort of shared stillness. It’s ideal for neurodivergent individuals, carers, educators, and anyone seeking peaceful connection.

  • A calm, grounding experience where participants are invited to rest, observe, and gently engage with sensory materials — from soft brushes and hay-scented textures to natural light and ambient sounds. You might explore breathing exercises, tactile play, or simply enjoy the quiet companionship of the space itself. There’s no pressure to speak or perform — just room to feel held, regulated, and gently supported.

  • £3–£5 per participant — every quiet moment, soft texture, and shared breath helps us keep Snuffle & Snuggle sessions safe, nurturing, and rooted in care.

Close-up of a horse's back with colorful decorative braid and red and green ribbon accents, against a blurred green background.

Mane Magic

  • A joyful, hands-on workshop all about braiding, decorating, and celebrating the beauty of horse manes. Inspired by the rhythm of grooming and the quiet connection it brings, this session invites participants to explore creative expression through plaiting, ribboning, and tactile play. It’s a sensory-friendly space designed for neurodivergent individuals, carers, educators, and anyone who finds calm in gentle, purposeful movement.

  • A relaxed, trauma-informed environment where participants practise braiding yarn pony tails, weave ribbons and beads into soft plaits, and decorate miniature manes using felt, wool, and recycled materials. You might create your own “show pony” look, explore colour and texture, or simply enjoy the soothing repetition of plaiting. There’s no pressure to finish or perform — just space to create, connect, and unwind at your own pace.

  • £4–£6 per participant — every plait, ribbon, and quiet moment helps us keep Mane Magic creative, inclusive, and full of heart.

Open book and red apple on wooden surface, with blurred green foliage and red flowers in background.

Stable Storytime

  • A calm, sensory-friendly storytelling session held in our specially designed Sensory Stable — a cosy, nature-connected space filled with soft textures, gentle sounds, and peaceful rhythms. Rooted in trauma-informed practice, this workshop invites participants to relax, listen, and explore stories inspired by horses, nature, and quiet companionship. It’s ideal for neurodivergent individuals, carers, educators, and anyone who finds comfort in gentle tales and safe spaces.

  • A soothing environment where participants can snuggle into soft hay bales, blankets, or beanbags while listening to horse-themed stories, nature poems, or sensory-rich tales. Sessions may include breathing exercises, tactile props, and quiet reflection — with space to join in, doodle, or simply rest. Whether you’re listening to a story about a brave pony or imagining a peaceful meadow, Stable Storytime offers a gentle invitation to connect, imagine, and unwind.

  • £3–£5 per participant — every story shared, blanket tucked, and quiet moment helps us keep Stable Storytime safe, nurturing, and full of heart.

Belonging begins here.

Everyone is welcome at Jigsaw. We host individuals, families, school groups, and community partners — always with a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and emotional wellbeing.

Whether you’re visiting for a one-off experience or as part of a longer programme, we’ll work with you to tailor the visit to your needs. Booking is required, but we welcome all visitors and are happy to chat beforehand to help shape a visit that feels safe, comfortable, and right for you.

If you have specific access requirements, sensory preferences, or questions before your visit, we’re here to listen. We want every visitor to feel supported, respected, and free to engage at their own pace.

An elderly woman wearing glasses and a pink jacket is face-to-face with a horse, which is sticking its nose through a stall door labeled 'TED.' The woman and horse are touching noses.

Take your first step into stable life.

Looking to gain hands-on experience in equine care, stable management, or therapeutic practice?

We offer meaningful work experience opportunities for aspiring vets, equine body workers, and anyone keen to learn the rhythms of a working yard. Whether you're mucking out, observing bodywork sessions, or learning to longline, you'll be part of a team that values kindness, curiosity, and connection.

We welcome learners from all backgrounds and tailor placements to suit individual needs, interests, and access requirements. Placements can be short-term or ongoing, and we’re happy to collaborate with colleges, training providers, and community programmes.

A young boy smiling and hugging a black and white horse inside a stable with green trees visible outside.

Donate. Volunteer. Connect.

Every hoofbeat counts—and so can you.

Whether you choose to donate, volunteer your time, or help spread the word, your support helps us rescue and rehabilitate horses, offer life-changing sessions to children and adults, and keep our quiet corner of Mawdesley thriving. From mucking out to marketing, every act of kindness builds connection, confidence, and community. Join us in making second chances possible—for people and ponies alike.