Horse Worx for Schools · Learning on horseback

Watch · 70 seconds

Horse Worx in a minute

Why it matters now

Every child ready to learn

Since April 2022, early childhood development falls under the Department of Basic Education, and Grade R is now compulsory. The national focus is quality, inclusive, play-based early learning.

42%of 4-year-olds in early learning programmes are developmentally on track.

29%are on track for fine motor and visual-motor skills, the weakest area.

Source: Thrive by Five Index 2024 (DBE & DataDrive2030).

These are exactly the skills Horse Worx sessions are designed to work on.

The horse at the heart of it

How sessions help

The horse's movement — a walk that moves the rider in a rhythm close to human walking, engaging balance, touch and body awareness.
Fine and perceptual motor games — grasping, sorting, throwing and catching on horseback.
Confidence and communication — patience, gentleness and following instructions with a calm partner.

Gross motorFine motorPerceptual motorBalanceSpatial orientationLeft and rightConfidenceCommunication

Developmental aims and areas we observe; individual progress varies.

How it works

We bring Horse Worx to your school

Ponies on your school grounds — no transport and no extra logistics.
Weekly movement themes linked to what learners do in class.
For every learner — alongside OT, speech and remedial support.
Each child is observed and supported by experienced handlers.

RECOMMENDED

School Programme

One agreement and one monthly invoice for the school. Ideal for a whole class or grade.

EASY START

Individual learners

Parents sign directly with their local centre. Start with one or two learners.

Every learner needs a signed indemnity form before taking part.

Funding ideas

How your school can cover the cost

School budget

Your School Governing Body can budget for it, like other enrichment or learning-support programmes. Fee-paying schools often add it to fees or offer it as an optional extra.

ECD subsidy

Registered ECD programmes can receive the ECD subsidy, raised to R24 per child per day in 2025, through the DBE's Bana Pele registration drive. Ask your provincial ECD office how much may go to learning programmes.

Learner support (SIAS)

For learners identified through the SIAS process, your School-Based Support Team can motivate additional support with the district.

A business sponsor

Companies earn B-BBEE socio-economic development points for spending 1% of net profit after tax on qualifying projects. Early childhood development qualifies where at least 75% of beneficiaries are black people. A local business could sponsor a class or a grade.

A district pilot

Propose a one-term pilot to your district ECD or inclusive education office, with simple before-and-after observations.

Parents

Families can sign an individual learner agreement directly with their local centre.

These are possible routes, not guaranteed funding. Rules differ by province and district, so please confirm with your district office.

Download the motivation letter template (Word)Information for company sponsors

Supporting national ECD goals

Good for children, schools and communities

ACCESSWe come to the school, so learners in under-served areas can take part.

INCLUSIONPlay-based, age-appropriate sessions for every learner.

LOCAL JOBSLocally owned centres employ local handlers and grooms.

LOVE OF ANIMALSChildren learn care for animals; rescued horses get a purpose.

OUR MOTTOWe learn while we play, and play while we learn.

Talk to us

Bring Horse Worx to your school

Contact Michal, or find the Horse Worx centre nearest to your school.

Call Michal WhatsApp Email michal@horseworx.net Find your nearest centre Download the brochure (PDF)