Shenanigan Stud Therapy Herd

22/11/2025

22/11/2025

1. Cambridge researchers noticed that people drawn to animals have brain patterns that combine high empathy with calmer stress responses. Their nervous system stops releasing excess cortisol faster, which means they recover from pressure differently from the average person.

2. When you touch an animal, the body immediately lowers cortisol. The mind reads it as a signal of safety, like being near someone who will not judge you. This is the only social space where masks fall off without effort.

3. Neurobiologists found their mirror neurons fire stronger. They pick up subtle cues, tone shifts, microgestures. That same sensitivity that helps them feel a cat’s unease also lets them sense hidden tension in a friend who says “I’m fine.”

4. This reaction is not sentimentality, it’s hardware. Cross-species empathy means their brain is coded for care, and it calms chaos around them. That’s why they restore harmony in stressful groups faster, often without saying a word.

5. Stroking a pet activates the same brain region as deep meditation. Breathing steadies, heart rhythm slows, attention sharpens. It’s real therapy in motion, using touch instead of tablets.

- Mitty B

📸 Max & Maxwell: Equestrian Photography

18/11/2025

If your child comes home absolutely exhausted from school and has to disappear for a few hours to the sanctuary of their room, have a think about how they are processing life.

MASKING - Written by a wonderful Psychologist 👏

Shared with permission from KTHC for informational purposes 😊 This section has been taken directly from my child’s NHS/RTC report (which was phenomenal)

18/11/2025

Looking forward to seeing our home schooling community again, roll on the Spring x

11/11/2025

Fantastic article by Niamh from the Belfast Telegraph

11/11/2025

Christmas Special Giveaway Post

🎄 Our BIGGEST giveaway yet! 🎄

Shop with any vendor at our 23rd Nov market and you’ll be entered into our Christmas Prize Draw for a £30 voucher 🎁

🗓️ Winner announced 13th Dec
🎟️ Voucher collected & spent at our 14th Dec Christmas Market with ANY vendor.

✨ Support local makers, shop for unique gifts, and get rewarded for it!