Centred Horseplay is a registered charity and fully approved Gloucestershire Hub for the renowned charity TheHorseCourse. Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds just outside of Cirencester, we have been supported by funding from The Big Lottery – Awards for All, Children in Need and The Police & Crime Commissioner among others, enabling us to offer full and part funded places where statutory funding has not been available.

​With easy access off the A417, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Fairford, Stroud, North Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean are all within easy reach of our facility.

Our Participants

Our participants are by referral only. They may have a range of serious problems, such as drug & alcohol misuse, anxiety and eating disorders, neglect, abuse, aggression, bullying and other emotional and behavioural issues. Participants are referred because they are ‘stuck’ or disengaged from talk-based support. We work with children and adults.

Marie Whitaker
Marie WhitakerCEO
Marie Whitaker is the CEO for Centred Horseplay. Upon joining, Marie’s primary objective was to oversee the relocation to a dedicated facility, enabling the team to offer courses year-round. Now, Marie helps with the ReStarts alongside managing all fundraising activities to help fund even more courses in the future.
Louise Broadway
Louise BroadwayFacilitator
Louise has been teaching ReStarts for just over two years and feels particularly passionate about teaching the family courses with Marie. She has received training from top Parelli coaches and enjoys assisting Marie in training all the new horses.
Jackie Evans
Jackie EvansFacilitator
Jackie is a student and former Licensed Parelli Professional, with more than 20 years experience with horses and has been instrumental in the development and delivery of Centred Horseplay and TheHorseCourse for Gloucestershire.
Rachael Eden
Rachael EdenFacilitator
Rachael has been taking our ReStarts and Non-Verbal Toolbox sessions for over 4 years. As a horsemanship coach Rachael has learned from the best including Pat and Linda Parelli.
Merlin
Merlin
Merlin the Brave! Kind and super bright, at 14 years young, Merlin has been helping our participants for over 7 years.
Kato
Kato
The tallest and newest member of our herd. His favourite things in life are cuddles and learning new games – in no particular order!
Rudi
Rudi
New and currently in training! Follow Rudi (or the Dude as he’s known by his friends) on our Facebook page to share his journey in 2022.
Betty
Betty
Betty is a sweet natured pony but she needs people to give her a bit of time but once she trusts you she loves to be scratched in her favourite spots!

Interested in joining us?

Marie is assisted by a small team of dedicated Facilitators. If you think you might be suited and would like to find out more about possibly becoming a facilitator or joining our team, please contact Marie.