About New Spring Vista
Small Steps. New Discoveries
New Spring Vista CIC is a calm, nurturing outdoor learning centre set in the beautiful Somerset countryside near Nettlebridge, within easy reach of Bath and Bristol.
We welcome children, young people and adults who want to build confidence, support their emotional wellbeing, reconnect with learning or simply experience a different kind of space—one where they can feel safe, accepted and able to be themselves.
Through meaningful connection with horses, nature and one another, we create gently facilitated experiences that respect each individual’s strengths, needs and pace. We do not rush, force or expect everyone to learn in the same way. Sometimes progress begins with a new skill or achievement; at other times, it begins with a quiet moment, a shared activity or simply feeling comfortable enough to take part.
What We Do
Our ground-based equine-facilitated learning and nature-based programmes bring together experiential learning, emotional wellbeing and personal development.
As a qualified primary teacher and Equine Facilitator, Miranda thoughtfully adapts each experience around the individual. Learning may involve working alongside a horse or pony, exploring the natural environment, taking part in a creative project or discovering curriculum skills through meaningful, hands-on activities.
Our programmes may support:
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confidence, self-awareness and emotional regulation;
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communication, connection and a sense of belonging;
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problem-solving, decision-making and resilience;
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new skills, knowledge and curiosity;
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a greater connection with horses, nature and the present moment.
Every programme is thoughtfully tailored to the individual’s needs, strengths and pace.
Our Founders
New Spring Vista was co-founded by Miranda and Alain Fildes, bringing together their shared belief in the power of horses, nature, learning and meaningful connection. Together, they have transformed their vision into a calm, nurturing space where people can grow, connect and thrive.
Miranda Fildes
Co-Founder and Director, Qualified Primary Teacher and Qualified Equine Facilitator
I first discovered my love of teaching while working as a riding instructor. At 25, I returned to university to train as a primary school teacher and went on to spend more than a decade working in education across the South West.
During that time—through working alongside colleagues, families and, most importantly, the children themselves—I began to recognise a growing need that could not always be met through the curriculum alone. Many children needed greater support with confidence, emotional wellbeing and feeling secure in themselves.
Through my background with horses, I had also experienced the powerful effect that horses and the natural environment can have on our wellbeing. Seeing the difference this connection could make inspired me to bring my two passions together: teaching and horses.
New Spring Vista was created to offer children and young people a calm, nurturing space where confidence, wellbeing and learning can grow together—particularly for those who may not thrive in traditional settings.
Alain Fildes
Co-Founder and Director
I currently work as a registered clinical physiologist at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, supporting a wide range of patients with respiratory conditions. More than 15 years of working within the NHS has given me a deep appreciation of the importance of listening, compassion and seeing every person as an individual.
New Spring Vista grew from a vision that Miranda and I shared: to create a calm, welcoming place where people could feel supported and experience the positive influence of horses, nature and meaningful connection.
I have played a hands-on role in bringing that vision to life—from building the arena and installing fencing to maintaining and developing the site. I also help with trailer transport and work alongside Miranda in the practical, financial and day-to-day running of the CIC.
I love working outdoors and experiencing the nature surrounding New Spring Vista. I am incredibly proud of what we have created together: a nurturing place where people can step away from everyday pressures, reconnect with the natural world and feel able to be themselves.