Meet the Ponies
Our Story
Our story begins with Senara in 2018.
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Senara’s name means “new start”. When she first came to us she was unwell, and we wanted to give her the chance of a fresh beginning. With the support of an excellent team of professionals—including vets, physios and trimmers—she made a full recovery. What we didn’t realise at the time was how important Senara would become to the story of New Spring Vista.
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Around the same time, after recovering from a series of serious illnesses, Miranda began reflecting on the growing challenges many children were facing with confidence, wellbeing and connection. With her background in teaching and lifelong experience with horses, she became increasingly aware of the powerful difference that time with horses and nature can make.
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Not long afterwards, an opportunity appeared that felt meant to be. We found a beautiful five-acre plot in the quiet village of Nettlebridge, beside the wonderful Harridge Woods nature reserve. From that moment, the vision for New Spring Vista truly began to take shape.
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We established New Spring Vista as a Community Interest Company because we wanted to create something that would benefit the wider community—a place where children could step away from the pressures of modern life, reconnect with nature, and rediscover their confidence.
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At first Miranda was balancing three days a week as a class teacher whilst building New Spring Vista in every spare moment. Eventually she realised that she couldn’t divide her energy between two callings, so she made the leap and committed fully to New Spring Vista and the dream behind it.
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With guidance from experienced professionals in the equine therapy world, we began building our herd so the horses could settle and form their relationships before welcoming learners. Today, they are at the heart of everything we do. Each horse brings their own personality, strenghts and gentle wisdom to the complete herd.
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During lockdown in 2021, Mabel joined us.
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We almost didn’t buy her because we could see how wonderful she was with children, and at the time we didn’t have any for her to work with.
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Thankfully, we brought her home. After raising her first foal, Mabel began her own journey as a New Spring Vista pony.
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Meet The Ponies
mischievous Mavis
Mavis is our friendly Dartmoor Hill Pony who believes life is best enjoyed with plenty of cuddles. We brought her home as a foal just over a year ago, and she has settled into the herd beautifully.
As one of the youngest member of the team, Mavis is still a baby and won’t be taking part in our sessions for a few years yet. That doesn’t stop her from trying to say hello whenever she can!
In the meantime, you can follow Mavis and her mischievous adventures on our Facebook page.
sage Senara
Senara is an Appaloosa mare with rare and beautiful markings, but it is her remarkable personality that makes her truly special.
Standing at 15hh, she is the biggest horse at New Spring Vista and the one who started it all. Senara was the very first horse to arrive, and in many ways she inspired the creation of New Spring Vista itself.
Gentle yet quietly confident, she also knows her own mind! Senara has a natural ability to connect with children, particularly those who may be feeling worried or unsettled. Her calm presence helps many young people begin to rebuild their confidence and self-belief.
Follow Senara’s adventures on our Facebook page.
marvellous Mabel
Mabel is a very special little Shetland pony. Standing at just 8.1hh, this pint-sized pony has a huge heart and works beautifully with learners of all ages.
Mabel is particularly gifted at supporting children with ASD and ADHD. Her patient, kind and tolerant nature helps learners feel safe, understood and confident as they spend time with her.
Despite her small hooves, Mabel has a wonderfully sassy personality and a well-known fondness for treats—along with the occasional sneaky snatch of grass when she thinks no one is looking!
Follow Mabel’s adventures on our Facebook page.
wonderful Winnie
Winnie may be our youngest pony at New Spring Vista, but she is certainly not the smallest! Just over a year old, she is growing fast and already towers over her two close friends, Dara and Mavis.
Found as a tiny foal in need of care, she was named Winnie after Winnie-the-Pooh, as she reminded us of a little bear cub. Winnie is lovable and enjoys attention, but she also knows when she wants her own space—showing early signs of the independent spirit she is becoming.
Follow Winnie as she grows and embarks on her journey at New Spring Vista on our Facebook page.
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lovely Leah
Leah, whose full name is Melea (meaning “complete” in Hebrew), was the final pony to join our herd. At 13.1hh, she may be small in stature, but she is bursting with personality!
This blue roan cob has the fluffiest coat you’ll ever see, a playful nature, and plenty of sass. Leah is inquisitive, fearless, and a quick learner, making her a joy to work with. She also has a fun-loving side—she adores playing with water!
Leah will join Senara and Mabel in our CIC sessions once we open. Keep up to date with her adventures on our Facebook page.
epic Ember
Ember is our gentle little love bug and the only gelding in the herd. Standing at about 11hh and hailing from Dartmoor, he is quiet and shy, but he adores children and always engages with them when he can.
Turned four this year, Ember is already a firm favourite with everyone who meets him. His calm and endearing personality naturally draws people in, even though he won’t be ready to work in sessions for a couple more years.
Follow Ember’s progress and watch him grow on our Facebook page.
delightful Dara
Dara is a very special blue-and-white skewbald pony. She was born under a celestial sky just as Storm Darragh rolled in, and her name, meaning “Star,” was inspired by that magical moment.
She was a little poorly at first, but has since made a full recovery and grown into a strong, feisty little leader for Mavis and Winnie. Even as a foal, Dara showed a calm and trainable nature, making her a perfect addition to the herd.
She loves cuddles and is adored by everyone who meets her.
Dara is still a baby, but you can follow her progress on our Facebook page.