MEET THE ANIMALS
Horse
Elvie has such a calm presence about her. She's patient, gentle, and seems to understand when someone needs a quiet moment. Many of our students find real comfort just being around her, whether they're helping with grooming or simply standing nearby.
Like all our animals, Elvie gets excellent care. Regular vet visits, proper feeding, daily grooming, all the essentials. But what really matters is how students connect with her. Under our team's supervision, they can help feed her, brush her coat, and learn what it takes to care for a horse. It's amazing to watch their confidence grow through these simple acts of responsibility.
Ponies
Wilma and Winnie each have their own personalities Wilma's the curious one, always first to investigate anything new, while Winnie tends to be a bit more laid-back. They're brilliant with the students, though. There's something about ponies that just works, they're the right size, not intimidating, and they seem to have endless patience.
Our ponies are more than just animals, they’re companions and trusted partners. To ensure their well-being, we provide personalized care routines that include regular grooming, veterinary check-ups, and plenty of daily interaction. Each pony receives a balanced diet tailored to their individual needs, regular exercise, and opportunities for socialization with other animals.
Rabbits
We've got quite the rabbit family here! Jasmine, Onyx, Reggie, Rosie, Missy, and Flopsy all have their favourite spots and their own little quirks. Rabbits are perfect for students who need something calm, holding a rabbit, feeling it relax in your arms, there's something really grounding about that.
They've got spacious hutches and plenty of room to hop about. Fresh veg daily, regular health checks, and lots of gentle handling to keep them sociable. Students can help with everything from feeding to cleaning out their homes, and we supervise the handling to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable, rabbits and students alike.
Guinea Pigs
Our guinea pigs are beloved companions in our therapeutic environment, bringing joy and a sense of calm to our students. These gentle animals are perfect for soothing interactions, helping students feel relaxed and connected.
We prioritize their well-being with spacious, cozy habitats, fresh vegetables, and regular health check-ups to keep them happy and healthy. Under our staff’s guidance, students can help feed, hold, and gently groom the guinea pigs, creating meaningful bonds that foster empathy and patience.
Our guinea pigs bring warmth and comfort to everyone at Meadow Farm, making each visit a special, calming experience.
Gerbils
Mavis is always on the go, digging, climbing, rearranging her bedding. Gerbils are fascinating to watch, honestly. They're busy little things and students love observing their behaviour. Some of our quieter students will sit and watch Mavis for ages, which is lovely to see.
She's got a proper setup with tunnels and things to keep her entertained. Students can help top up her food, give her fresh bedding, or just spend time watching how she interacts with her environment. It's a different kind of engagement, more observational, but no less valuable.
Dogs
Rossi, Lily, and Nala, our three dogs are probably the most enthusiastic greeters you'll ever meet! They're wonderful with the students. Dogs just have this way of making you feel accepted, don't they? No judgment, just wagging tails and happy faces.
Students can get involved with walks (always supervised, of course), help with feeding, or just spend time playing with them in the yard. Rossi's the gentle giant, Lily thinks she's still a puppy despite being middle-aged, and Nala's... well, Nala's the boss of the three. Watching students figure out each dog's personality and build that trust is brilliant. Some of our students who struggle with people find it easier to open up around the dogs first.
Cats
Betty and Bertie are typical cats reall, they'll come to you when they fancy it, not necessarily when you call them! But that's actually helpful for teaching students about consent and boundaries. You can't force a cat to interact with you; you have to earn their trust and respect their space.
Both are well looked after, regular vet visits, good food, cozy sleeping spots (though they often choose their own, regardless of what we provide!). Students learn to read their body language, understand when they want attention and when they don't. Betty's more sociable, Bertie takes a bit longer to warm up. Perfect for teaching patience and understanding that not everyone, animal or human, interacts the same way.
Chickens
Honey, Jane, Eileen, Stella, and Norma, our chickens give the place a proper farm feel. There's something satisfying about collecting fresh eggs each day, and students love that. It's tangible, isn't it? You've done this task, and here's the result.
The girls have a secure coop, get fed properly, and roam around their area during the day. Students help with feeding them, collecting eggs, and keeping their space clean. Chickens are surprisingly entertaining to watch, they've got their pecking order (literally), their routines, their favourite spots. Some students who aren't confident with bigger animals start with the chickens and work their way up. Low pressure, genuine responsibility, and you get eggs at the end of it, can't argue with that!
