The Next Steps Forward

15/10/2025

🌿 A proud moment to share…

My former therapy student came to us after struggling to attend school. She spent a couple of days a week with us for over a year, gently rebuilding her confidence and self-esteem through time with the horses and our team. Over time, her progress was incredible, she even went on to help at our kids’ camp, showing such care and maturity. 💫

That experience helped her step forward into new opportunities, shaping her college and career path in childcare. She recently sent me this message, and it truly touched my heart:

💌
“Hey Sonia, I was thinking of you and just wanted to thank you for kick-starting my career in childcare. Working with you inspired me to pursue further education and I’ve been so grateful lately because I’m remembering every single time someone said I wouldn’t be able to do it knowing I am, and I do think I owe some of it to you. You’re such an amazing woman with a lovely family and I can’t wait to get my diploma and hopefully catch up with you when I’m on the road. Thank you so much, and I hope you’re doing amazing in your house. I’m so happy you’ve finally got the opportunities you deserve for yourself and your career, you worked so hard for all of it. I hope the kids are okay, I do miss you all. Have a great evening ❣️”

A huge thank you to my amazing team at the time Izzy, James Parker Stacey West, for the love, consistency, and belief you poured into her journey. 🌸

✨ Watching young people grow in confidence and step into their futures is exactly why I do this work.

13/10/2025

🎃🐴 Still a few spaces left for our Halloween Workshops! 👻✨
Join us 10am–1pm next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for spooky fun at The Next Steps Forward and Heath View Farm.

Enjoy:
🕸️ Equine workshops
🎃 Pumpkin carving
🕵️‍♀️ Halloween hunt
🖌️ Arts & crafts
🐎 Pony rides

And… come and meet our 3 new friendly alpacas, they love cuddles and attention! 🦙💛

📍Charing, Kent
💰 £35 per child
📧 sonia@thenextstepsforward.com
📞 07398 238708

Spaces are limited, so book soon to avoid disappointment!
Costumes welcome! 👒🎩🧙‍♀️

03/10/2025

✨🐴 What’s Happening with The Next Steps Forward and Heath View Farm This October? 🎃👻

We’ve got an exciting line-up of fun for children this half-term! 🌟

🎃 Halloween at the Farm (21st–23rd October)
10am–1pm – £35 per child
• Pumpkin carving
• Pony rides
• Equine workshops
• Arts & crafts
• Spooky Halloween hunt!

🐴 Own a Pony Half Day (24th & 25th October)
10am–1pm – £55
Spend the morning grooming, caring for, and riding your very own pony – plus Halloween fun activities included!

✨ And all year round…
Our Own a Pony Experience is available weekdays & weekends:
• Half Day (10am–2pm) – £55
• Full Day (10am–4pm) – £70
(Riding lesson included in every booking!)

🌿 Equine Therapy
We continue to offer 1:1 equine therapy sessions and weekend workshops.
Please enquire for more information, available dates, and to book your space.

📍 Charing, Kent
📞 07398 238708
✉️ sonia@thenextstepsforward.com

⚡ Limited spaces – book early to avoid disappointment!
Costumes welcome for our Halloween sessions 🎃👒🐴

⸻

⚠️ Polite Notice
Please note that due to the size of our ponies, there are weight and height restrictions for riding lessons. This is to ensure the welfare and comfort of the ponies, and we kindly ask for your understanding.

🌿 The Own a Pony Experience can still go ahead and includes grooming, feeding, stable care, and fun equine activities — however, in some cases riding may not be possible.

Thank you for your kindness and respect for our ponies 🐴💚

03/09/2025

🌿 Stepping Into a New Season Together 🌿

As summer comes to a close, I’m so grateful for all the incredible workshops and sessions we’ve shared — each one has been a chance for growth, connection, and healing. 💙

✨ Adult Sessions have opened space for deep exploration around:
• Self-harm and recovery
• Eating disorders
• Attachment and separation
• Addiction and aftercare
• Boundaries: setting them, keeping them, and understanding control
• Learning new skills with positive reinforcement

✨ Young People’s Sessions focus on:
• Behaviour regulation
• Building confidence
• Setting targets and routines
• Developing new skills for everyday life

🌸 What’s New?
A Saturday Morning Group is starting on 13th September, 10am–12pm. This is a safe, supportive space to grow and heal together.

We also have new 1:1 sessions, group therapies, and upcoming workshops designed to meet you right where you are.

If you’d like more info or to join us, message me — I’d love to welcome you. 💫

22/08/2025

🌿 July was for horses, healing, and home ✨

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.

21/08/2025

✨🐴 What’s Coming Up at The Next Steps Forward this September ✨

We’ve got a beautiful range of retreats, groups, and workshops designed to bring healing, connection, and growth through horses, nature, and community:

🌿 Weekend Equine Therapy Retreats (with tipi sleepovers)
• For Young People (£180pp)
• For Adults (£220pp)
• For Families (£300 for 1 adult + 1 child, £80 per extra child)

🌿 Family Equine Therapy Day Retreats
Reconnect with your child away from tech, share memories, and learn new skills.
£140 (1 adult + 1 child), £50 per extra child. Light lunch included.

🌿 In the Company of Horses – Adult Survivors of Trauma Program
Starts 11th September
Weekly 2-hour sessions, Thursdays 10am–12pm. £25 per session.

🌿 Saturday Morning Equine Therapy Group
Weekly 10am–12pm. £25 per person.
Connection with horses & animals | Confidence | Healing Through Connection.

🌿 Equine & Animal Therapy Holiday Workshops
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9am–12pm | Age 8+
£30 per head | Pony rides optional (£12)

💫 Group and individual bookings now being taken for 1:1 therapy sessions on weekdays and weekends.

📍 Charing, Kent
📧 sonia@thenextstepsforward.com
📞 07398 238708

Come and join us for healing, connection, and time in nature 🌿🐴✨

19/08/2025

✨ Taking Bookings Now! ✨

Our new equine therapy program “In the Company of Horses” for adult survivors of trauma starts 11th September in Charing, Kent.
📅 Weekly sessions every Thursday, 10am–12pm
💚 Healing with Horses | Group Support | Nature Connection
💷 £25 per session

Spaces are limited – so get in touch to secure your place today.

If Thursdays aren’t suitable, please still reach out – we also offer evening sessions, weekend options, and private group bookings tailored to your needs.

📧 For more information or to book: sonia@thenextstepsforward.com
07398238708

06/08/2025

This Week at The Next Steps Forward 🐴🌿

In our adult sessions, we’ve been exploring trust—in ourselves, in others, and in the gentle presence of the horses. Learning how to set boundaries, release anxiety, and connect deeply has created powerful moments of self-discovery for everyone involved.

Meanwhile, our young people’s workshops have been full of connection and growth. From team building and making new friends, to enjoying peaceful moments with Spirit and Lucky, it’s been a week of calm, laughter, and shared progress.

So proud of the heart and effort everyone brings each day 💙

22/06/2025

🌿 Need someone to talk to — from the comfort of your own space?

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, or emotional distress, you don’t have to face it alone.

The Next Steps Forward offers 1:1 online therapy sessions — a confidential, compassionate space to explore what’s weighing you down and begin the journey back to yourself. 💻🧠💚

✨ Trauma-informed & somatic-based
✨ Flexible weekday appointments
✨ For adults and young people (age 16+)
✨ Rooted in safety, connection, and emotional regulation

Wherever you are, we’ll meet you there — gently, without judgment.

📞 Call or text 07398 238708
📧 Email: sonia@thenextstepsforward.com
📍 Online, confidential, and designed around you

It’s okay to take up space. To ask for support.
It’s okay to begin again. 💫