Wellbeing is known to improve when children are outside and connect with an animal such as a Shetland Pony. This video tells us more.

A playful childhood

It’s over a decade since the introduction of smartphones, and there is growing evidence that early exposure to screens is not good for children. However, managing screen time is not easy, and having a regular riding session that they enjoy, can help get children out in nature. Time spent with an animal can also lower anxiety and, if the activity is with friends, there is a greater chance of sticking with it. Up until 2010, scientists describe childhood as “playful”.

Rosemary and Liz were lucky enough to have a TV free, playful childhood, full of ponies and animals on a farm. They started Shetland Pony Club, by taking bookings over the phone with a paper diary.

A digital childhood

Since 2010, children and teenagers are increasingly experiencing a digital childhood, with more access to screens, which scientists are concerned about.  Here are some links to find out more about the science:  Age of First Smartphone/Tablet and Mental Wellbeing Outcomes and Jonathan Haidt: Smartphones vs. Smart Kids. Screens have impacted all our lives, and managing children’s screen time is not easy for parents.

How a Pony Share can help

So how can you keep your child in a playful childhood for longer? Pony Share Membership is a regular commitment that keeps children in nature, bonding with a pony, making friends, learning and being outside in all weathers. Since 2008 we have seen children flourish with their ponies, with consistent habits that help towards happy childhoods.

If you’d like to know more about Pony Share Membership at Shetland Pony Club you can find out how to join here.

ASMR and Shetland ponies

Let’s just pause for a pony.

Did you know that the sound of ponies eating is very calming and the sound that they make can help you relax.

It’s actually got a scientific name: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or ASMR for short, and it’s the feeling of relaxation that is felt after listening to certain trigger calming sounds, like ponies munching grass.

So, our gift to you is to sit back and relax for 3 minutes of calm. Pause for a pony and melt your stress away.

Watch the video and relax:

More ASMR

The sound of ponies eating is one of a number of things known as ASMR for short, or an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It can cause feelings of relaxation, calm, sleepiness and wellbeing. Head massage, humming, page turning and talking softly can also result in relaxing feelings in some people.

Look, listen and relax.

We’ve put together a short video of our Shetland ponies munching grass. So, sit back, listen, relax and let the ponies melt your stress away.

Get in touch to find out more about our Shetland ponies and wellbeing riding experiences children age 3-10 and for adults – Shetland Pony Walking Experiences. Contact us to find out more on: 07734 950 309 or email: info@shetlandponyclub.co.uk

From Rosemary, and all the Shetland ponies