Testimonials

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You have been such a positive influence in her life ... having the opportunity to spend time with the most beautiful ponies in a gorgeous peaceful setting has transformed her, reducing the angst, stress and outbursts. When she hasn't been for a while it shows.. Thank you... highly recommend time at Downmere to others...

Jo

My teenage daughter was supported through a very difficult time in her life by Claudia and her amazing family of horses at Downmere Farm. Claudia has created a lovely space surrounded by beautiful countryside with incredible views of the South Downs National Park. Claudia has a gentle way about her and quickly won my duaghter's trust. It was lovely to watch her confidence grow and to see how this type of therapy can have such a big impact. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Claudia and Downmere Farm. Much love. 

Claire

Over the past year, Claudia’s equine therapy provision has been incredibly valuable in supporting my young person’s emotional wellbeing and personal development. The consistent and compassionate approach has played a significant role in helping them remain grounded and focused.

Claudia has been exceptional throughout—always available to discuss sessions, share insights, and collaboratively plan next steps. This ongoing communication has ensured a joined-up approach, enabling us to effectively support positive outcomes for my young person.

Through this intervention, my young person has made meaningful progress in their mental and emotional health. They have developed a greater sense of self-belief and feel more able to look toward the future with confidence, rather than feeling defined by past experiences.

Overall, this support has been an important and stabilising influence in their life, and I would highly recommend equine therapy as a powerful and therapeutic resource.

Care home manager @ My Choice Children’s Home 

When our son started visiting Claudia and the ponies he was a shadow of a human. Several years of bullying and disruption to his school and personal life had made him anxious, disconnected and shy -  the complete opposite of the child he once was. I think it’s fair to say that the ponies had a miraculous and immediate impact on him. After our sessions he would skip and whistle - a complete change of energy within a matter of hours. Claudia was calm and gentle and gave our son enough space to connect with the animals and absorb their healing energy in his own time. We are forever grateful as it set our son on a path to healing. He is now a much happier and confident teenager and is no longer on ‘high alert’. I can’t recommend Claudia and the pony’s highly enough.

 Jason Lamont 

When my daughter first met Claudia she was struggling to cope with chronic health issues, including anxiety and was suffering with low self esteem. Downmere farm is peaceful and calming, and having the opportunity to spend time in nature away from screens was so therapeutic. Claudia is a kind person and the ponies so gentle, my daughter always felt safe and after a session more noticeably relaxed. Learning to understand not only her emotions but the emotions of the ponies has created a bond that will stay with her forever. I would highly recommend Claudia, the ponies and the very mischievous donkeys. Thank you so much for all the help you have given my daughter.

Fiona Green 

 I feel I have so much to thank Claudia for, I am very grateful and have carried away what I did learn and thats with me all the time.....

Catherine Dachtler IHHT ITEC VTCT 

You are a gifted Therapist and I so appreciated your insight into how your precious ponies were with me. It was a powerful experience, thank you.

Andre

As a teenager with high anxiety, I've found working with the ponies and Claudia super meditative and grounding.
Building bonds with animals really help you get in touch with your emotions, and has really helped me de-stress as well as build my general confidence and well-being.
Claudia does a brilliant job at guiding me through building connections with the ponies and those bonds really make me feel seen and cared for by them.These sessions with Claudia have proven to be really beneficial for me in many ways and I highly recommend!

Alazne

Improve communication skills with Downmere Farm's support, 

Develop nurturing relationships by building on the basis of mutual respect and trust.

Set and achieve goals with the support of Downmere Farm and the wonderful team.