Equilore - Equine Therapy and Learning

12/10/2025

Massive congratulations to The Hummingbird Centre for securing this funding from Bicester Village Unlock Futures Fund. Getting funding is increasingly harder for charities in general, but Mechelle and Zoe know how to succeed. We are so grateful for this brilliant collaboration 🙏

Unlock Futures Fund

Tuesday 7th October Zoe Draper and Mechelle Harris, attended the Bicester Village Unlock Futures Fund celebratory reception to be amongst a room of other charities who have been recognised for their unconditional support that they give to the community was extremely humbling. The Unlock Futures Fund as enabled us to keep on providing the Equine Therapy provided by Equilore - Equine Therapy and Learning such a powerful alternative therapy we have been providing for many years with the help of Bicester Village.

The words "Thank You" never seem enough - from everyone here at The Hummingbird Centre thank you for supporting our work.

08/10/2025

Support us for FREE with easy fundraising 🐴
You can help us raise money every time you shop online - and it won’t cost you a penny!
Swipe through to see how easy it is to get started!

1. Download the easy fundraising app
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Every purchase you make earns us a free donation! Thank you as always for supporting us and helping us make a difference.

08/10/2025

Thank you The Hummingbird Centre for sharing this lovely feedback. Not sure how we missed this in May, but better late than never 🤗

THE POWER OF EQUINE THERAPY - WORDS FROM A GUEST

Some while ago I was lucky enough to be pointed to the Hummingbird Centre at Launton for support through my long journey with cancer. I have been deeply touched by the care from friendly and professional staff and volunteers. What I hadn't anticipated was that some key support wouldn't come from people at all.

Through November and December 2024 Hummingbird referred me for a weekly immersion in equine therapy Equilore - Equine Therapy and Learning in rural Croughton. Little did I expect that this experience would have such a profound impact on me.

Under the expert guidance of Dr Loes Koorenhof I learned that 'prey animals' perceived life in the moment and in such a different way to ourselves. I learnt to respect and trust the animals who had no hidden agenda in our relationship. That silent communication using body language and breathing could result in a 'master grazing machine' stopping eating and choosing to spend time 'bonding' with me was a revelation. I was so touched.

Overall, I left this experience moved by the relationship opportunity with the horses who wanted nothing from me, but gave me so much of themselves and so many things to think about. Being present for 'herd time' simply spent standing and accepted among them was priceless. I also now know that if a crisp packet rustles in a hedge I need to run fast.

This time was invaluable for my mental wellbeing, my perspective on living in some peace with cancer and new expectations around communication, being present and sincerity in my relationships. I am so grateful to both the Hummingbird Centre and my wonderful new four-legged friends who taught me so much.

Thank you, Hummingbird Centre.

02/10/2025

✨ Rest, connection, and safety ✨
In a herd, some horses lie down to rest while others remain standing to keep watch. This balance of trust and protection means every horse feels safe enough to relax. 🐴💛

In therapy, it can be the same — we don’t always heal alone. Sometimes we’re the ones who rest, and sometimes we’re the ones who hold space for others.

30/09/2025

Friday Barn Pals is now fully booked!! 😁🐴

We still have very few spaces available in our Tuesday group and spaces available in our Thursday group!

Get in touch if our interested 😄

30/09/2025

✨We are now part of the Easy fundraising program✨if you would like to support us even further then sign up to Easy Fundraising and donate to us whenever you do an online shop! https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/equilore/

30/09/2025

✨We are now part of the Easy fundraising program✨

If you'd like to support us even further then sign up to Easy fundraising and donate to us whenever you do an online shop🐴

You can raise FREE donations for Equilore EVERY time you shop online. Just use ! Over 8,000 retailers will donate, including all the big names like John Lewis & Partners, BT, Expedia, Argos, ASOS, Just Eat, Uswitch and many more! Please support us:

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

29/09/2025

We still have a few spaces in our Barn Pals program! Book in now to avoid disappointment! 🐴

We are so excited to share that Barn Pals is growing, with new sessions now available.

Thursday morning 10:30am - 12:00pm -
A session perfect for home-educated children. Children can connect and learn about horses and how to care for them alongside hands on nature based activities and relaxed craft sessions.

Tuesday afternoons 4:00-5:30pm -
Wildlife Barn Pals
A nature focused adventure While horses are still involved, these sessions explore wildlife and the natural world around the barn.
Children can enjoy wildlife crafts, learning about nature, plants and animals, build dens and have fun!

Friday sessions - 4:00-5:30pm -
Original Barn Pals session.
These sessions focus on all things equine! Focusing on pony are, grooming, basic handling and creative craft activities and outdoor adventures. A hands on way for children to build confidence, learn about horses and how to care for them and just enjoy being outside.

All sessions involve -
- Being outdoors in all weather - we do have an indoor space if needed but we try and stay outside as much as possible.
- Interaction with horses and ponies
- Craft activities and nature exploration.
- Fresh air, friendship and fun!
£25 per session, ages 7+

To book in or for more info please email kim@equilore.co.uk

29/09/2025

A week at Equilore. We are so loving this autumn weather, beautiful sunrises, blue skies and sunsets.