Steady ground for autistic children — and the families beside them
We are building a quiet 2-acre site in East Renfrewshire for one-to-one animal-assisted and equine therapy — a place with no crowds, no queue and no pressure, where children with autism and additional support needs can meet ponies and small animals at their own pace.
Our mission
A small charity, doing something deep
Stable Ground is a family-founded Scottish charity, currently in formation, providing weekly solo sessions in a deliberately low-stimulation environment. Over a four-to-six-month programme, each child builds emotional regulation, communication and confidence through carefully structured work with ponies and small animals — reached profoundly, rather than lightly.
Serving families across East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire.
Why it matters
The need in our three council areas is real — and growing
Mainstream clubs and activities — noise, crowds, unpredictability — are often simply inaccessible. See the full evidence and sources →
What we do
One child. One session. No audience.
Our model is deliberately small and deep: one child per session, moving at their own pace along a ladder of engagement. Every rung is a valid outcome — there is never any pressure to move to the next.
- Watch & arrive. A calm, predictable welcome — no queue, quiet arrival slots, the same faces each week.
- Feed & meet the small animals. Rabbits, guinea pigs and hens — gentle first contact, low-risk and reassuring.
- Groom & lead a pony. Building trust, sensory tolerance and communication through care.
- Groundwork. Working alongside the pony from the ground — confidence, regulation and connection.
- Ridden work, where it's right for the child. Introduced only when the child is ready.
Meet the team with hooves, paws and feathers
Sponsor an animal, change a child's week
Our animals are the heart of Stable Ground. Sponsoring one helps cover feed, farrier, vet care and bedding — and keeps sessions free or affordable for the families who need them most.
The ponies
Steady, well-schooled and endlessly patient.
Rabbits & guinea pigs
Soft, calm and perfect for first contact.
The hens
Routine, responsibility and daily wonder.
The goats
Characterful, curious and full of heart.
The evidence
Not just lovely — supported by research
Systematic reviews of equine-assisted and animal-assisted work with autistic children report gains in social communication, emotional regulation, confidence and reduced anxiety and irritability. In one review of 12 studies, 11 showed measurable benefit.
We measure outcomes from day one — agreed goals with parents, and simple before/after parent and teacher ratings — so every funded place produces evidence of change.
Where we are right now
We're at the beginning — and that's the invitation
The land is secured: a 2-acre site donated rent-free on a 10-year lease. We have our founding team, our plan, and our policies drafted. Now we are registering as a charity, seeking funding, and building the site. You can help lay the first ground.
Get involved
Four ways to help build Stable Ground
Pledge a donation
Register your support now; we'll be in touch the moment our charity donation account is live.
Support us →Sponsor an animal
Back a pony, a goat or the small animals with a monthly or one-off pledge.
Choose an animal →Volunteer
Side-walkers, animal care, fundraising and trustees with finance or equine skills.
Lend a hand →Refer a family
Schools, CAMHS, OTs and carers' centres — register your interest in referring.
For professionals →