A SPECIALIST centre that offers people the chance to learn by interacting with donkeys has opened near Machynlleth.

The new Equine Assisted Learning Centre, which is part of the long-running Dyfi Donkeys stable, is based in Commins Coch with people of all ages able to take part in sessions aimed at helping them learn through specialist sessions with the donkeys.

Louise Peeters, the instructor at the centre, said the Equine Assisted Qualifications sessions were aimed at helping people who may struggle with learning in a conventional setting to learn in a different way that provides different benefits.

The centre, which can offer sessions to people from north Powys, north Ceredigion and south Gwynedd, is in talks with local education authorities about offering sessions to youngsters who may be helped by learning with the donkeys, while charities can also refer people, with Louise saying that anyone who may benefit could get in touch to arrange whether sessions would help them.

She said: “The sessions are open to anyone, they just need to contact myself via email or phone.

“We have also started negotiations with local education providers and hope that we will be able to offer ALN pupils and pupils that are excluded or self excluding an alternative to the conventional classroom.

“Sessions range from one hour per week to potentially full-time depending on the needs of the child. Learners take part in ground-based activities with the donkeys, there is no riding involved."

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