Wellness through Horsemanship
 

Supporting their future

 
 
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Switch off from technology & play with horses

 
 
 

Wellness through Horsemanship for kids

What’s included:

 

weekly sessions

Bond each week with the same horse that chose to play with you during your assessment. Through learning to build a relationship with a pony children learn strategies that empower them to take control of their physical, mental and emotional state. This in turn helps them to build stronger relationships, re-engage with learning and see a future for themselves. A horse whisperer does not perform tricks - they use the oldest language in the world in order to read the horse and communicate with the horse, combined with equine psychology, to achieve partnership.

monthly show days

As we are a sanctuary for many of our clients, we do not invite family members to come and meet your horse during your weekly one on one sessions. However we invite you to bring your whole family and friends to our show days where you can show case your horse and the skills you have learnt.

skill building

Connecting on the ground with a horse has limitless possibilities. We start with traditional horsemanship games and then to advanced liberty play. Horses are born with, or develop early in their lives, a natural ability to read the focus and body language of another horse, and that of other animals, developing an understanding of their physical intent. Just like you, your horse can experience a range of emotions including happiness, anxiety, fear and anger. Our horses reflect their handler thus enabling a learning environment to be more self aware and adaptable.

FAQ’s

  • a safe and fun approach that can empower any child to:

    learn to communicate with horses

    improve mental and emotional well-being

    Learning to empathetically and effectively communicate with a horse on the ground

    Understanding horse care from the pony's perspective, understanding what a pony needs and how to keep them well.

  • Children learn all aspects of horsemanship and horse care including:

    Learning to empathetically and effectively communicate with a horse on the ground

    Become efficient at horse handling safety

    Developing the co-ordination, confidence and balance needed to be an effective and empathetic handler

    Understanding horse care from the pony's perspective, understanding what a pony needs and how to keep them well

  • Our natural horsemanship approach with great therapeutic and educational benefit for all children. Our mission is to support young people by offering experiences that facilitate positive youth development as well as helping them to achieve horsemanship goals. We pledge to provide a safe learning environment so that a young person can thrive physically, mentally and emotionally at the same time as excelling practical horsemanship skills.

  • Young people learn the value and need for clear rules and boundaries as well as the need for consistency, clarity, predictability and congruency.

    Through understanding these factors, the young person develops confidence, empathy and important life practices which include:

    Respect for self.

    Respect for others.

    Responsibility for everything they do.

  • A horse whisperer does not perform tricks - they use the oldest language in the world in order to read the horse and communicate with the horse, combined with equine psychology, to achieve partnership. No shouting, no fear, no pain. A calm and positive mutual understanding that provides a sound basis for true partnership between man and horse. Teaching these skills supports healthy development on leadership without entitlement, assertiveness without cruelty &establishing boundaries with clear communication.

  • empower any child to:

    learn to communicate with horses

    improve mental and emotional well-being

    Learning to empathetically and effectively communicate with a horse on the ground

    Understanding horse care from the pony's perspective, understanding what a pony needs and how to keep them well.

  • Through learning to build a relationship with a pony children learn strategies that empower them to take control of their physical, mental and emotional state. This in turn helps them to build stronger relationships, re-engage with learning and see a future for themselves.

    Children learn all aspects of horsemanship and horse care including:

    Learning to empathetically and effectively communicate with a horse on the ground

    Become efficient at horse handling safety

    Developing the co-ordination, confidence and balance needed to be an effective and empathetic handler

    Understanding horse care from the pony's perspective, understanding what a pony needs and how to keep them well

  • Non judgmental and unbiased. Our herd only react to a client’s behaviour and emotions with no threat of bias or any judgment of their emotional experience.

    Feedback and mirroring. Horses are keen observers and are vigilant and sensitive to movement and emotion. They mirror a client’s behaviour or emotions, conveying understanding and connection that allows the client to feel safe. This also allows for clients to maintain a sense of self-awareness, using the horse’s behaviour and interactions for feedback and opportunities to check in and process what is happening in the moment.

    Managing vulnerability. As processing can be painful, aligning these with the horse’s experience in the moment allows for things to be easier to approach and process through.

    Staying present. Many people who struggle with anxiety find themselves stuck in worry about their past and fear about their future. Our herd create the opportunity for clients to stay present and focused on the task at hand. Since our horses are vigilant and sensitive to behaviour and emotions, they can sense danger and respond with a heightened awareness, which typically leads to a change in their behaviour. We teach clients to read these and respond to this.

    Bonding. Following trauma it is often thought by clients that they won’t be able to bond with someone again and feel that personal connection. But with their horse, they feel that connection. They are then able to take that into the rest of their lives and into their relationships.

    Focus. Presence, attention, mindfulness, boundaries, social cues and much more.

  • Engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, playing natural horsemanship games, caring for the horse whilst being supported by our expert team. Goals of this form of alternative therapy include helping people develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence and responsibility. What could I, or my child, gain from time spent working with a horse?

    🦄 build self confidence

    🦄 strengthen self-esteem

    🦄 establish and strengthen trust relationship

    🦄 communicate clearly

    🦄 manage boundaries

    🦄 self-regulate

    🦄 impulse control

    🦄 resilience

    🦄 assertiveness

    🦄 and so much more - keep us informed as things crop up and we will tailor sessions to support you.

    Since the horses have similar behaviours as humans, such as social and responsive behaviours, it is easy for the client to create a connection with the horse.

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Values & Boundaries

Young people learn the values and needs for clear rules and boundaries as well as the need for consistency, clarity, flexibility and congruency.

 
 
 

Riding for Beginners

What’s included:

 

weekly sessions

We support under 28kg beginner riders. Learn each week how to communicate with another sentient being that speaks another language - the same horse each week. Learn groundwork, how to balance in the saddle without pulling on the reins, kicking or bouncing on a horse and the grooming, feeding, rugging and so much more that comes with owning your own horse. As you progress we are also near a reserve so working towards heading out in the forest is another goal we can work towards.

monthly show days

As we are a sanctuary for many of our clients, we do not invite family members to come and meet your horse during your weekly one on one sessions. However we invite you to bring your whole family and friends to our show days where you can show case your horse and the skills you have learnt.

growth opportunities

Our miniature horses are the ultimate schoolmasters, this means that they have patience, love to teach, are strict if you aren’t listening and are great confidence boosters. They will teach you how to ride correctly and handle a horse on the ground with expertise and kindness. Once you have mastered the basics and have shown commitment - you will have first option to move up to our bigger ponies.

FAQ’s

  • Communication, understanding and mutual respect are the foundations of natural horsemanship. These are far more powerful than any mechanical force or intimidation. By following certain principles and a series of games, you will develop a true relationship with our horses. Being a horse person isn't about certain techniques when you're training but it is a mindset to hold every time you're around your equine partner. Emotional fitness is important around horses and through our games you will learn to find your zen whilst being the horse's leader - this is the relationship they look for.

  • To develop a relationship with a horse a young person needs to understand:

    The horse’s innate needs.

    How horses communicate with each other.

    What the horse’s priorities are.

    The difference between being assertive and being aggressive.

    The difference between discipline and punishment.

    How to be calm and have a plan.

  • Our natural horsemanship approach with great therapeutic and educational benefit for all children. Our mission is to support young people by offering experiences that facilitate positive youth development as well as helping them to achieve horsemanship goals. We pledge to provide a safe learning environment so that a young person can thrive physically, mentally and emotionally at the same time as excelling practical horsemanship skills.

    Develop confidence, empathy and important life practices which include:

    Respect for self.

    Respect for others.

    Responsibility for everything they do.

  • Non judgmental and unbiased. Our herd only react to a client’s behaviour and emotions with no threat of bias or any judgment of their emotional experience.

    Feedback and mirroring. Horses are keen observers and are vigilant and sensitive to movement and emotion. They mirror a client’s behaviour or emotions, conveying understanding and connection that allows the client to feel safe. This also allows for clients to maintain a sense of self-awareness, using the horse’s behaviour and interactions for feedback and opportunities to check in and process what is happening in the moment.

    Managing vulnerability. As processing can be painful, aligning these with the horse’s experience in the moment allows for things to be easier to approach and process through.

    Staying present. Many people who struggle with anxiety find themselves stuck in worry about their past and fear about their future. Our herd create the opportunity for clients to stay present and focused on the task at hand. Since our horses are vigilant and sensitive to behaviour and emotions, they can sense danger and respond with a heightened awareness, which typically leads to a change in their behaviour. We teach clients to read these and respond to this.

    Bonding. Following trauma it is often thought by clients that they won’t be able to bond with someone again and feel that personal connection. But with their horse, they feel that connection. They are then able to take that into the rest of their lives and into their relationships.

    Focus. Presence, attention, mindfulness, boundaries, social cues and much more.

  • Engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, playing natural horsemanship games, caring for the horse and riding whilst being supported by our expert team. Goals of this form of alternative therapy include helping people develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence and responsibility. What could I, or my child, gain from time spent working with a horse?

    🦄 build self confidence

    🦄 strengthen self-esteem

    🦄 establish and strengthen trust relationship

    🦄 communicate clearly

    🦄 manage boundaries

    🦄 self-regulate

    🦄 impulse control

    🦄 resilience

    🦄 assertiveness

    🦄 and so much more - keep us informed as things crop up and we will tailor sessions to support you.

    Since the horses have similar behaviours as humans, such as social and responsive behaviours, it is easy for the client to create a connection with the horse.

  • Groundwork is essential. The communication and respect that you gain on the ground translates to anything you do with a horse including riding. A good leader can be trusted - through our games you will prove this to your equine partner. We only use a halter, our hands and a rope.. We work on a reward system with our horses - cuddling is their reward.. The horses will test to see if you are the assertive yet perceptive leader that they need and what boundaries you expect of them. Horses are extremely subtle - we will teach you to read them and problem solve through play. We honour the horse at all times. We respect their no, answer their questions and cherish their yes. Allow our master teachers to empower you to be your best you. To accept the exceptional being that is you.

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Group Sessions

What’s included:

weekly sessions

Bond each week with the same horse that chose to support you in your intro to riding course. A horse whisperer does not perform tricks - they use the oldest language in the world in order to read the horse and communicate with the horse, combined with equine psychology, to achieve partnership. Each week with a group of your peers with similar skillsets and goals, we will catch the horse in the paddocks, lead with energy, groom, tack up, do our groundwork/liberty, ride, feed, do the after care for the horse and the tack. We will participate as a team in each show day as well as become a responsible highly skilled horse person.

skill building

Riding bitless or tackless through breathwork and using biomechanics supports us as a rider to build empathy, problem solving skills and adaptability. Giving up the traditional methods of micromanaging a horse is hard. Learning to trust and work with a horse is hard. BUT it is so rewarding and great horse people achieve more because of their relationships with their horses. You have to learn to influence the horses speed using your seat, your hands and legs are aids not forceful tools, our horses stop on our exhale no matter their gait, a shift in weight supports them to do lateral work and so much more.

monthly show days

As we are a sanctuary for many of our clients, we do not invite family members to come and meet your horse during your weekly one on one sessions. However we invite you to bring your whole family and friends to our show days where you can show case your horse and the skills you have learnt.

 
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Respect

We honour the horse at all times. We respect their no, answer their questions and cherish their yes. As we do yours.

 
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