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We work in partnership with All Dorset local authorities for Inclusion (alternative provision) and The Ranch is also on the Dorset Families Matter framework

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Services

At The Ranch Weymouth, we are the home of Goat yoga in Dorset

Bring your exercise mat (some available to borrow at the ranch), some water to hydrate and experience something different with Emma or Hannah and our resident Goat Team.

This is an outdoor activity that aims to improve your physical and mental health but also offers an opportunity to connect with the world around you.

Our team will lead you around some relaxing stretches while goats frolic around and may even perch on you.

The relaxed atmosphere at the Ranch allows you to connect with nature and you don't have to worry about others noticing you as all eyes are on the goats.

These sessions have a go with the flow attitude , if a goat wanders up to you, you can simply stop what you are doing and have a cuddle for as long as you like before continuing on with the session.

The Ranch goats enjoy the fuss so don't be surprised if they fall asleep next to you. The sessions generally last an hour but you can always hang back for an extra cuddle.

Children and goats have a lot in common from their innocent and curious nature to their fondness for fun.

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Goat Walks
Looking for a stroll, but with a twist ?

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Book A Goat Walk

Book a class

Well look no further than our Goat Walking experience. Take one of our cheeky goats for a walk along various routes around The Ranch whilst they feast on the foliage.

You will find that the goats are gentle loving creatures full of mischief intelligence and just love human company. You will lead your own personal goat on a leisure stroll with frequent stops for them to nibble on their favourite leaves and bushes and for you to take photographs of the occasion.

This experience is so much fun, so pop on your wellies or walking boots and some old clothes and enjoy 1 hour of hands on goat antics. The Ranch goats will love to climb over you for food and cause general mayhem.

For just £15 your ticket allocates you one goat and 2 people entry for the session

The important stuff.

Sessions last for one hour. A meet and greet, a gentle walk and time for feeding your goats and photos afterwards. Please note the field and footpaths are uneven places so not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Please also note that goats can be unpredictable and are very likely to change direction especially if there is a tasty plant nearby so patience is a must.

Goats sometimes can butt each other and this is normal goat antics

All children under 16 are to be accompanied by a full paying adult .

Equine-assisted therapy involves a horse, a therapist and a horse expert. This team will work with individuals or groups to help them discover more about themselves and develop new ways of thinking. The role of the therapy team is to guide the individual or group along the way, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences and what it means to them. After an initial consultation, a set of exercises will be carried out according to the needs of the person taking part. Equine-assisted therapy can help with many issues and is considered to be especially helpful for those who want to change elements of their behaviour.

Equine-Assisted Therapy

For Mental Health:

The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Humans interacting with animals have found that petting the animal promoted the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin- all hormones that can play a part in elevating moods

Lowers anxiety and helps people relax.

Provides comfort.

Reduces loneliness.

Increases mental stimulation.

Assist in recall of memories and help sequence temporal events in patients with head injuries or chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Can provide an escape or happy distraction.

Can act as catalysts in the therapy process.

May help break the ice.

May reduce the initial resistance that might accompany therapy.

For Physical Health:

Reduces the amount of medications some people need.

Lowers blood pressure

Breathing slows in those who are anxious.

Releases many hormones such as Phenylethylamine which has the same effect as chocolate.

Diminishes overall physical pain.

Relax more during exercise.

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Book An Appointment

A fluffy goat . A quacking duck. Even a muddy worm

You’d have to be blindfolded to miss the delight in a child’s face when they interact with other living things (that aren’t human of course) but there’s much more to children and animal interactions than meets the eye.

When children have opportunities to spend time with animals, it’s about much more than just stimulating their senses.

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Yes, they love furry cuddles and experiencing the different ways that animals look, eat, move, sound and feel – but research shows that animal interactions can actually improve children’s social interaction, reduce stress and anxiety and increase motivation and learning.

A growing body of research shows that children who are supported in their love for animals tend to generalise that love to other living things, such as plants and nature. Research also shows that when children are encouraged to care for animals, they tend to be more sensitive and caring toward other people as well

Find Out More

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Children with Autism

Many children with Autism feel a deep bond with animals and feel that they are able to relate better than humans.

Children with autism are engaged in significantly greater use of language and social interaction in therapy sessions that incorporated animals

The sessions at The Ranch are person centred and led by you and your needs. A non structured approach to therapy works well when working in a relaxed and safe environment with our horses, goats and pigs.

Through initial assessment a planned and structural session can be made to meet your need with feedback provided .

Deep Pressure Therapy

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Our heavy bodied snakes are a fantastic aid when people are overwhelmed or anxious.

This often shows as hyperactivity and meltdowns. Many of our sessions focus on providing help to young people with emotional regulation. The weight of the snake applies deep pressure stimulation and will help restore a sense of calm. A weight/sensation that can be replicated at home when they have a need to be comforted and regain focus.

We recommend an approximate weight simulation of 1.5kg.

The NHS recognises the benefits of Deep Pressure Therapy and the use of weighted lap pads and shoulder sensory weights.