Tucked within the operational activities of HMP Thameside, built in 2012 and managed by Serco from inception, lies a remarkable story of using equine therapy to address the unique challenges faced by young adults in custody.
Initiated in September 2020, Dr. Pip Thody led this innovative programme which emerged as a creative solution to bridge a significant gap in provision for young offenders awaiting sentencing.
This case study explores the vision, development and impact of the Equine Assisted Therapy programme and the challenges overcome during its implementation.
Identifying key challenges for young adults in custody
A 2017 HMIP (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons) report highlighted a significant gap in provisions for young adults under the age of 25 at HMP Thameside. Unlike traditional YOIs (Young Offender Institutions) that cater to those aged 18 to 21, the report recognised the developmental complexities of individuals up to 25 years of age, particularly in light of evolving neuroscience on brain maturity.
Adding to these challenges was the uncertain nature of young adults’ remand status within the prison. Unlike convicted individuals, remand prisoners face an indeterminate length of stay and unresolved outcomes, which can exacerbate emotional instability and self-management issues. Traditional long-term psychological interventions, such as offending behaviour programmes, were unsuitable for this transient population, as incomplete participation – that is, starting and not finishing an intervention – could cause harm rather than reduce it as outlined in guidance from the government and other published research.
But how could the team provide meaningful support within these constraints?
Exploring an innovative solution
With a background steeped in psychology and extensive experience with horses through Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Dr. Thody began drawing connections between the profound physical and emotional benefits experienced by individuals who interact with horses.
While the physical benefits of therapeutic horse-riding are well-documented, she was intrigued by reported emotional outcomes, such as soothing effects for children with autism and improved emotional regulation for other vulnerable populations.
This understanding became the seed for an ambitious idea – to introduce equine therapy into HMP Thameside.
Despite the logistical and contextual challenges of incorporating horses into a prison environment, Dr. Thody collaborated with Strength and Learning Through Horses, a London-based organisation specialising in therapeutic horse programmes.
Programme development and initial implementation
Despite launching amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including challenging physical spaces and transportation concerns during hot weather, the programme successfully ran a 10-week course, as a pilot project.
Key behavioural metrics, such as reductions in adjudications, improved prison behaviour, and shifts in documented entries on NOMIS (the prison’s reporting system), indicated early promise. Further quantitative insights were gathered through participant feedback and emotional regulation scales (measured pre-programme, mid-programme, post-programme, and in follow-up assessments) further highlighted these benefits.
In qualitative feedback to add to the evaluation, prisoners reported enhanced emotional self-regulation and positive engagement with the activities, validating the programme’s impact.
Scaling and iteration
Building on the success of the pilot, Dr. Thody secured funding for an expanded initiative and adjusted from one 10-week course to two 8-week courses annually. This not only addressed participation gaps caused by the transient young adults population, but also mitigated weather-associated disruptions for horse travel.
Between 2023 and 2024, HMP Thameside successfully hosted more 8-week courses, continuing to refine content based on participant feedback and data-driven insights. Outcomes include notable reductions in poor behavioural incidents, enhanced emotional well-being, and qualitative testimonials highlighting the positive impact of equine interaction in improving prisoners’ emotional resilience.
HMP Thameside remains the only known initiative in the UK to extend equine therapy beyond a single session and over a sustained course of activity in a Cat B prison.
Programme outcomes and future directions
With outcomes published in peer-reviewed forensic journals and multiple successes under its belt, the Equine Assisted Therapy programme at HMP Thameside has become a compelling case for the integration of creative, evidence-based psychological interventions within prison systems.
Dr. Thody's vision, supported by rigorous evaluation and an openness to adaptation, points to the potential for scaling similar models across other institutions. The therapeutic value of working with horses has clearly demonstrated its ability to engage a highly challenging and often underserved prison population.
The next phase involves exploring broader implementation opportunities while advocating for policy and societal shifts to support rehabilitative programmes within correctional facilities.
Creating practical and emotional learning opportunities
One particularly impactful session involved a horse box being brought directly into the yard, for a session focusing on ‘loading’ (getting a horse to walk in), which resulted in powerful moments of introspection and discussion among the young people involved.
“The horse box is a ramped, dark and confined space," Dr. Thody explained. "Horses are naturally hesitant about stepping into it because it’s unknown, and their resistance/fear sparks discussions amongst the young participants. Seeing this big, strong animal refuse to comply forces them to confront an important question: How do you persuade someone to do something when they don’t want to?”
This type of interaction creates a powerful analogy for staff, particularly as it mirrors interactions between officers and young adults in prison. On occasion, young people in the prison may resist directives like returning behind locked doors in their cells at night. Resistance is heightened when orders are given in front of peers, as social dynamics and face-saving behaviours come into play.
This shared learning experience has been invaluable.Looking to the future
The Equine Assisted Therapy programme has drawn significant praise from staff members and observers alike. It’s clear how much of an impact the programme has made in terms of building social understanding and providing therapeutic benefits to young people. Those who see the result are consistently impressed by the outcomes.
Beyond the immediate benefits for participants, the lessons learned through equine therapy are rippling outward to influence broader staff practices and approaches. From better handling of resistance to fostering respect and stronger communication, the programme provides a refreshing and humanising perspective.
The HMP Thameside Equine Assisted Therapy exemplifies how innovative approaches, grounded in evidence-based psychology, can make an impactful difference even in restrictive and unconventional settings. For correctional facilities seeking to close gaps in provision for young adults or other marginalised groups, lessons from HMP Thameside offer a roadmap for success.
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