How this Nottinghamshire business aims to use ponies to help people recover from the grief of losing a baby

Whether it’s the death of a loved one, a traumatic accident or the end of a cherished love affair, we’re all going to be affected at some point.

How we bounce back from tragedy is the next vital step as we seek to repair our broken hearts.

It’s a cycle of life that Nicki Clarke has experienced first hand after going through the unimaginable pain of a stillbirth, alongside husband Richard, two years ago.

She is now looking to turn that personal suffering into a force for good and help others who have experienced baby loss to overcome their grief.

It has led to brave Nicki and Richard,, who now own the Derbyshire Trekking Centre in Upper Langwith, setting up a separate side company with this purpose in mind.

“Work wasn't very understanding and this is my exit from the NHS, " she explained. “I purchased three ponies with the idea of doing pony therapy work and also offering lessons for 2-4 year olds.

“I have registered the ponies in a Community Interest Company called Kian’s Little Trotters, that’s named for our son who was sadly born sleeping, with the idea of getting some funding so that we can offer some free sessions to siblings who have been affected by baby loss.

“We are waiting for the separate licence that we need and we are hoping that it will take off in the next 8-12 weeks.

“While I have been trying to heal from a very traumatic still-birth I have remembered just how therapeutic spending time with ponies is. You can go out on a ride and forget about things, you are very much in the moment and that is what is needed sometimes.”

The healing powers of animals is a natural remedy for Nicki, a registered nurse by trade, with the love for horses running deep in her blood.

“I always wanted to ride as a child but couldn’t afford to. When I moved to Wales in my early 20s I learned to ride as a way of meeting people and it escalated quite quickly and I ended up with three horses,” she added.

“I rode for about 20 years and when I lost my horse eight years ago I stopped riding. He was my horse of a lifetime and I didn’t want to ride any more.

“It is a natural love affair though. I stepped away because I lost my horse, but we have a 3.5year old daughter who has been pony mad since she was less than a year old. She has gradually started pulling me back into the pony side of things.”

Nicki can now be found in and around the Scarliffe Lanes base or her business, which the pair bought in March this year, enjoying being with the horses she holds so dear.

The Derbyshire Trekking Centre offers a range of off-road treks for beginners, small groups and experts and takes in some of the most beautiful countryside in the surrounding area.

That includes popular spots such as Poulter Country Park, Owl Sick Woods and the quaint villages of Whaley and Elmton.

They also run a popular Pub Ride, which sees them head up to the The Gate Hotel in Nether Langwith for drink and refreshments, while the tethered horses enjoy some well earned nourishment of their own.

She is very ably assisted by trek leader Kelly Loomes, who has been with the company for two years after coming from university where she studied a foundations and bachelors degree in equine science, management and horse training.

Kelly has built up a fabulous bond and understanding with the centre’s animals in that time and knows only too well that even the most basic beginner can come along and have a great experience.

“If you are a beginner you can give it a try and you will be ok. Riding is not something just for the middle class or upper class, or for women, it is for everybody,” she said.

“We have plenty of riders who are regulars. You have to judge your ride by the people who you have got, you don't want to do anything that can knock their confidence. It can be a bit tricky sometimes to gauge it.

“Horses all have a different personality, they are so different, and you have to build that trust.”

“It can be nerve-wracking coming to a new place, with new people and new horses that you don’t know. You have to be doubly confident, because you have to trust what we are telling you and trust that the horses are going to be completely safe.

“It can be quite challenging, but once you come and see just how relaxed it is and how friendly we all are it is definitely something for everybody.”

It’s a message that is currently being taken in well with riders of all ages and ethnic mixes flocking in to enjoy being at one with horse and nature.

“This place stands out above others because it has the widest range of ethnicities and backgrounds,” adds Kelly.

“I had a lady that was in her 70’s, when she stood on the mounting block she was shaking all over and I didn’t think I would even get her on the horse. She is now independently trotting all by herself.

“I like the feeling that anybody feels they can come on to the yard and feel welcomed and have a great time.

“The love of riding seems to affect people in so many different ways. I have had children who have been in care and have come and told me that it was the first time they have ever felt a sense of peace in their life.

“I get just as much out of seeing the confidence in a rider grow as taking a really fast trek.”

A minimum age restriction of 4 years old and a weight limit of 13 stone applies to all riders, while U18s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, and to make a booking, visit https://www.derbyshire-pony-trekking.co.uk/