Our Programmes
Karele is a registered Scottish charity providing a range of Equine Facilitated Activities and Learning tailored to you. We believe that everyone has the right to enjoy time with horses and horse riding. We take both charitable partnerships and self-funded applicants on all of our programmes.
How our programmes are accessed
Karele’s programmes are open to everyone. Places can be accessed in two ways:
Referred places:
These places are funded through charitable support for those who need it.
Self-funded places
These places are for individuals or families who choose to pay privately.
Breathing Spaces
Breathing Spaces was created in response to the growing need for mental health support among young people following the pandemic. This 8-week, person-centred programme offers tailored equine-facilitated sessions that help participants build confidence, reduce anxiety, and feel more connected. Working closely with young people, their families, and support workers, we create an individualised experience that meets each person’s needs.
Clients record their learning in personal journals, while our flexible activities encourage growth, inclusion, and positive life changes for those who may otherwise feel isolated or at risk of crisis.

Available via:

✔ Professional referral

✔ Self-funded places
Mare Health & Wellbeing
In 2024, we created Mare Health and Wellbeing a new Equine Facilitated Wellness programme focusing on helping girls and women who have suffered gender based difficulties and who are suffering with mental health problems.
This programme will provide them with a safe, supportive environment to heal, build confidence, and develop resilience through therapeutic interactions with horses.
Available via:

✔ Professional referral

✔ Self-funded places
Horse Connections
Horse Connections is a therapeutic equine‑assisted psychotherapy programme designed for children,young people and adults who need deeper emotional support. Delivered over an initial 12‑week block, sessions are one‑to‑one and tailored to each individual’s needs.
All sessions are facilitated by our qualified counsellor, who holds a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a Level 4 Diploma in Equine‑Assisted Therapy.
​
Through gentle, guided interactions with horses, young people explore emotions, develop self‑awareness, and build coping strategies in a calm, non‑judgemental environment. Horses respond authentically to human emotion, making them powerful partners in therapeutic work.
​
Horse Connections is particularly suited to children, young people and adults experiencing anxiety, low confidence, trauma, or difficulties expressing or regulating emotions.
Available via:

✔ Professional referral

✔ Self-funded places
Positive Pathways
Positive Pathways is a structured equine‑assisted learning programme designed to support children and young people to build confidence, resilience, and practical life skills. The programme runs for a minimum of 10 weeks and up to 30 weeks, delivered in 10‑week blocks. Every participant works towards achieving a Youth Scotland Dynamic Youth Award (DYA) as part of their journey.
Positive Pathways is ideal for young people who benefit from structure, encouragement, and a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow at their own pace.
Available via:

✔ Professional referral

✔ Self-funded places
Neigh One
Left Behind
Neigh One Left Behind is Karele’s advanced equine‑assisted learning pathway, designed as the natural progression for young people who have already completed Positive Pathways or who are ready for a deeper, more independent level of engagement. This programme supports participants to take on greater responsibility, develop leadership skills, and work towards a nationally recognised Youth Achievement Award (Bronze).
The Bronze Award requires a minimum of 60 hours, delivered as 2‑hour sessions each week over 30 weeks.
​
Neigh One Left Behind is ideal for young people who:
-
Have completed Positive Pathways and are ready for the next step.
-
Would benefit from increased responsibility and structure.
-
Are working towards personal goals such as returning to education, building confidence, or preparing for future training or employment.
-
Thrive in a supportive, hands‑on environment where they can grow at their own pace.
Available via:

✔ Professional referral

✔ Self-funded places
Accredited Qualifications
Karele is a Qualification Scotland accredited and approved centre, offering nationally recognised qualifications that support young people into further education, training, or employment.
​
We currently deliver:
-
Qualifications Scotland Horse Care (Levels 4–6)
-
Qualifications Scotland (Levels 4–6)
​
These qualifications can be completed individually or as a combined pathway, depending on the learner’s goals. Our approach blends practical, hands‑on experience with structured learning, ensuring every young person can progress at a pace that suits them while gaining valuable, industry‑relevant skills.
Taking the
Reins Club
This programme focuses on supporting disadvantaged young people under 18, helping them join a club, enjoy fun equine activities, and take part in sport. While it is open to all young people who could benefit, it has been particularly impactful for East Lothian Young Carers, who we began working with in June 2023.
Available via:

✔ Professional referral

✔ Self-funded places