Animal
Care
Meet the Animals!
At Wild Minds, students have the incredible opportunity to work with a wide range of animals, gaining hands-on experience in animal care and developing valuable life skills along the way. Our 25-acre farm is home to a diverse collection of rescue animals, each playing a key role in our educational and therapeutic activities.
Here’s a glimpse of the animals you can expect to work with during your time with us
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Horses and Ponies
We currently have 10 horses and ponies, including two 7hh Shetlands. The Shetlands live in a separate paddock to manage their weight, while the rest form a mixed herd of mares and geldings, ranging from 3 to 26 years old. All of our horses are barefoot, live naturally, and receive regular care from the farrier, dentist, and vet. Students take part in every aspect of their care, including feeding, exercise, enrichment, training, grooming, and daily husbandry.​
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All equine activity is supervised and focused on safe handling, welfare awareness, and routine, rather than riding. This supports responsibility, emotional regulation, and confidence-building through calm, consistent interaction.
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Other Animals on the Farm
Our farm is home to a wonderful variety of animals, most of whom have been rehomed or rescued. Students will have the opportunity to care for and interact with:
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Chickens
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Goats
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Sheep
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Farm cats
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Bernard the Large Black pig
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Polecats
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Wolfdogs
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Emus
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Ferrets
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Tortoises
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Tamarind the African Spotted Owl
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African Pygmy Hedgehog
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African Pygmy Dormice
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Dogs may also be present on site as part of planned, supervised activities, supporting emotional regulation, confidence, and learning about canine care.
Animal access is always structured and purposeful, with individual suitability carefully considered.
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Accreditation and Learning Outcomes
Animal care activities are linked to recognised accreditation pathways and wider employability skills. Learners may work towards:
AQA Unit Awards related to animal care and land-based skills
ASDAN Short Courses, including Animal Care
Employability and personal development outcomes
Evidence is gathered through practical work, reflection, observation, and portfolio-based assessment.
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Wider Skills Development
Animal care is part of a broader programme that supports:
Practical and vocational skill development
Emotional regulation and responsibility
Teamwork and communication
Routine, structure, and confidence
Preparation for further education, training, or employment
Where appropriate, learners may also access construction and land-based activities that support site maintenance and practical skill-building.
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Coaching and Mentoring
Animal care is supported by consistent coaching and mentoring, delivered by trained and experienced staff. This ensures that learning is reflective, emotionally safe, and connected to each learner’s wider development goals.
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Find Out More
To see more of our animals and daily activities, you can also visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/wildmindwellbeing1/
If you would like to discuss how animal care fits into a learner’s individual programme, please get in touch to explore suitability and next steps.