What We Do

Little Gems Wellbeing Centre is an Equine Assisted Services Centre located in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, within Old Tiger Stables (OTS) in Soham. Our mission is to provide holistic, hands-on, equine-assisted activities to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, promoting mental and emotional wellbeing.

Over the past few years, we have seen a noticeable increase in both adults and children experiencing mental health challenges, as well as a rise in those with neurodiverse conditions. Recognising this need, we felt uniquely positioned to support these individuals through the power of equine-assisted services.

Established in the summer of 2024, Little Gems combines the therapeutic effect of horses with practical knowledge through unmounted activities. Our sessions are designed to improve the wellbeing of individuals facing mental health challenges. We work closely with schools, local authorities, and families, offering safe, adaptable, and personalised sessions. With the support of a dedicated team and specialised spaces, Little Gems collaborates with Old Tiger Stables to make a positive impact in the local community.

In Autumn 2024, we are launching phase 1 of our services, focusing on supporting those struggling within mainstream education. Whether it’s children who attend school full-time, part-time, or those for whom traditional schooling isn’t a good fit, we aim to be there for these "little gems."

Our Facilities

Based at Old Tiger Stables in Soham, we will be utilising their excellent facilities. The converted farm barns provide stabling for the riding school horses, with ample space for Little Gems to work with the horses on the ground, even in wet and windy weather, thanks to the covered areas. Old Tiger is situated on 26 acres, offering a lovely perimeter route around the outskirts of the land where we can take customers to stretch their legs, enjoy nature, see wildlife and view horses roaming freely in the fields.

Currently, OTS is in the process of building a large multi-use classroom, which will be available for Little Gems if needed. This space includes our classroom horse and other interactive activities. We are also constructing a quiet room—a place for anyone who needs to re-regulate when things become overwhelming.

In the future, we plan to invest in a dedicated and secure outdoor space where children can let off steam and explore nature.

Toilets and plenty of parking are also available on-site.

Why are we called Little Gems Wellbeing Centre?

In 2019, after a two-week closure at Old Tiger Stables (OTS) due to Equine Flu, we realised that being around horses was about more than just riding lessons—it was also about improving mental health. Fast forward a year, and the world came to a standstill due to the Covid pandemic. From that point on, we knew we had to support our local community’s wellbeing through the power of horses.

While relocating due to a lack of land and space, we knew we had outgrown our old yard and could no longer continue the business there. As part of our search for a new location, we aimed to expand and offer an even better experience for our customers. In January 2024, a year after opening at our new site, we knew it was time to begin working on our grand vision for OTS Equine Assisted Services.

As promising as the name "OTS Equine Assisted Services" sounded, none of us were completely sold on it. We brainstormed countless names—some were rubbish, others were okay—but none really stood out or captured our hearts. It needed to be special, a name that resonated with us and that we could speak about with confidence and passion.

In the following weeks, we began to shape what OTS Equine Assisted Services would look like. We had noticed an increase in adults and children experiencing deteriorating mental health, often struggling with the pressures of work, school, or home life. We had also seen a rise in those with neurodiverse conditions, all using horses to help reduce their stress and anxiety. Knowing we wanted to support as many of these individuals as possible, we realised this would go beyond what we were already offering at OTS. Our approach was clear: if we were going to do this, we would do it properly and give it our all. This would be a separate business, with its own team, dedicated space, and safe areas at OTS. We would continue to work together with OTS, leveraging their excellent facilities and the available space to ensure everything was right for the service and its users from the start.

By May 2024, plans were well underway, and things were starting to move forward. However, we then received some devastating news from our vets. Due to leg issues, our beloved horse Little Gem had to be put to sleep. It is always incredibly hard to say goodbye to any horse, but Gem was extra special. She was very, very special. Bred by Lorraine’s dad, she was out of a wonderful Shire mare called Gemma and was born in Lorraine’s back garden in the middle of a storm. Anyone who met Gem would tell you what an incredible mare she was—she truly touched the hearts of so many people. She was kind, caring, patient, resilient, and an amazing listener. She loved her work and helping people. Starting as one of Lorraine’s competition horses, she later took others through Pony Club, then was used in our riding school, and in later years supported our riders with additional needs for their walks before retiring in 2022. Even at the grand age of 28, she was still incredibly independent, and on her last morning, she was happily pulling us along to get to the fresh grass. She left this world loved by so many, and we always said we would find a way to continue her legacy.

And so, we said goodbye to OTS Equine Assisted Services and hello to Little Gems Wellbeing Centre.
Inspired by wellness. Created with passion. Named as a legacy.

For all those little gems out there.