Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship is hosting a summer community open day on Saturday, July 25.

The open day will be an opportunity to meet the horses and other animals together with lots of activities for all the family, including horseshoe painting and games, bric-a-brac and plant stalls and refreshments available on the day.

The Dartington-based charity provides equine and animal-assisted therapy and educational opportunities for disadvantaged young people and adults with additional support needs.

Many of the animals at Sirona are rescue animals, forming part of a therapeutic approach that encourages participants to build relationships through care, responsibility and trust.

The charity says this can be particularly beneficial for young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences, helping both humans and animals to recover and rebuild confidence together.

Each year, Sirona supports around 100 vulnerable and disabled young people and adults through a range of programmes. These include one-to-one equine-assisted therapy sessions with qualified counsellors, as well as accredited Level 1 OCN animal care courses for young people who are struggling in mainstream education or are out of school altogether.

The charity also runs a weekly supported volunteering session for adults over 18 with a range of support needs, including mental health challenges, isolation and disabilities. The session provides practical experience in animal care in a small group setting and operates on a donation basis, supported by National Lottery funding.

Sirona teacher and practitioner Kirsty Bowles said it is rewarding to see the connections formed between participants and the animals. “It is heartening to witness powerful instances of connection between young people and the horses and other animals at Sirona, and how the relationships the young people develop with the horses help them grow in confidence and improve their own relationships,” she said.

She added that outcomes seen at the charity reflect the work of a wider team including counsellors, teachers, an occupational therapist and equine professionals. Participants have described the impact in their own words, saying: “Animals make me feel happy, and the horses are amazing and I love them.”

Another said: “I feel calmer - I got taught that the horses feel calmer if you take a big breath - I’ve realised that if I do that myself it works that same for me.”

Sirona also places emphasis on environmental engagement, supported by journalist and author George Monbiot.

Chief executive Dr Hannah Burgon said the setting plays a key role in the work, with the Dartington estate offering opportunities for outdoor learning and interaction with nature.

She said many young people attending the charity are unable to attend school due to mental health challenges and can become isolated from the natural world. Working with animals and spending time outdoors helps re-establish routines, physical activity and wellbeing.

The summer community open day event will take place between 11 and 3 pm. Entry is by donation.

Sirona will also run summer holiday sessions for young people on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in August.