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I can't answer your question, but I do know that ASF has taken equine therapy off the list of things they will fund, much to my disappointment. So stress up the OT aspect and not the equine one.

I really hope you get a positive response from the ASF on this! I'm afraid that my LA has told me categorically that the ASF will not fund horse-riding to help with my son's quite severe sensory processing difficulties. This is despite a written report from the OT stating that this will be a more effective strategy to support him than 1 to 1 sessions with the OT. I called the AUK helpline about it and they suggested the strategy elderberry did. Nonetheless, the answer is that 1 to 1 sessions would be funded, but not the more beneficial horse-riding. In fact, the ASF will apparently fund precisely none of the recommendations from the OT's report for similar reasons. It makes me very annoyed. The LA do contact me from time to time to offer me other random things through the ASF (such as courses or workshops). Most of which I've been on previously (self-funded) or which are irrelevant. I thought ASF was supposed to help adopters get what they needed for their child's specific needs, but it turns out it's a set of restricted choices. Really interested to hear what happens and maybe if they get a few requests, they'll have a rethink. Fingers crossed and best of luck!

I get 10 free horse riding lessons pa for my girls due to their special needs. It is from the short breaks pot.

Personally we've found it far harder to access the ASF than has been advertised. Whatever we ask for we seem to be fobbed off with reasons why we can't have it, not on the list, waiting list too long, already available through the LA and so on. Our dd rides every week and we fund it using her DLA money. If your LO qualifies for this then you can also claim carers allowance. Riding lessons are worth every penny. A xx

Thanks all - useful info. I'll try pushing the OT angle and see what we can get funding for :-)

If you look at the First4Adoption website it sets out very clearly what the ASF will fund. Unfortunately it does state that equine and other animal therapies and OT related support is not eligible

Given that they will fund sensory intergration therapy which is often done with an OT, perhaps you could find someone who does sensory integration therapy on horse back. But as Serrakunda says it does state they will not fund OT or animal therapy. The lists that ASF will/won't fund can also be found on adoptionuk website.

The reason equine therapy was removed from the list was down to lack of understanding and a minister thinking it was simply horse riding. I believe it is being looked into though as there is some good evidence now that equine therapy can help. We have just tried getting horse riding for DS's sensory issues but no joy. However, I contacted RDA and have been able to get half hour weekly lessons with them at £6 a time.

Hi Vester, really really useful info thanks. I am now in contact with our local RDA group, fingers crossed for success!

Highly unlikely I'd think, but we get a package of money for this kind of thing from the disability team in our social services. They used to be called 'short breaks', but changed their name. Not sure if it's available nationwide, but worth enquiring. All the best x

Thanks everyone for the really useful information. We have now been accepted at RDA :-) so don't need to pursue ASF or disability / short break fund. I would never have known about RDA without asking questions on this forum, it's so helpful to have the benefit of everyone else's knowledge and experience!

Thanks everyone for the really useful information. We have now been accepted at RDA :-) so don't need to pursue ASF or disability / short break fund. I would never have known about RDA without asking questions on this forum, it's so helpful to have the benefit of everyone else's knowledge and experience!

That's great. Well done

Only just seen this, am so pleased you have been accepted by the RDA.

Hi, its going really well and she loves it! Been accepted for EHCP too, so feeling very positive about all the help that's out there :-)