Connecting with horses
in a whole new way
Newcastle & Port Stephens Equine Assisted Learning
Our Equine Philosophy
When we pay careful attention to a horse’s behaviour, it becomes clear they are constantly communicating how they feel. Through their body language, horses let us know when they are happy or sad, scared or calm, anxious or playful.
Just like humans, horses can feel when something isn’t right or if there is a sense of un-rest. When we work with horses, they become a barometer for our own emotions by reflecting the energy we carry. When we carry fear, sadness, happiness or calm, we communicate that energy through our muscles, posture, heart rate and speed of movement.
When a horse feels comfortable or uncomfortable, they will give instant and honest feedback to our actions – they are fantastic teachers for showing us how to re-direct our intentions, communication and delivery.
This is what makes Equine-Assisted Learning such a great learner-based educational experience. It is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual and team growth. Participants engage in objectively driven exercises and find themselves learning valuable life skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working with horses.
why do we work with horses?
Horses consistently react to the stimulus provided by participants. Some of the joys associated with working around horses are – they don’t judge but they constantly assess.
Their feedback is honest and instant. Learning to listen to what horses have to say is powerful and can sometimes spur the answer to individual change.
Horses can magnify an individual’s problem immediately and provide a skilled facilitator with an opportunity to identify an individual’s character.
Horses don’t overthink a participant’s motive but horses do challenge their behaviour and leadership.
By including horses in specially designed educational exercises, equine-assisted facilitators have greatly multiplied the participant’s rate of success to self-discovery.
how does it work?
develop a plan
We begin our programs with an introduction to horse behaviour, herd dynamics and how you will work together as a team.
Each program has a different core objective, this will be the focus for the session. With various activites to complete in the arena, in teams of 2 to 4, there will be time to develop a plan before heading out to meet your horse.
An example of the program objective might be Leadership or self-esteem.
working with the horses
In teams of 2 to 4, groups are partnered with one horse.
Moving around the arena together, each team must complete a series of small activities. The team must considering how all members are feeling, including their 4 legged teammate!
It can be easy to fall into a typical comfort zone – perhaps a dominant leader or a quiet observer, however this does not always work best for the harmony of the team.
Teams must alter their beaviour in order to complete the activity.
real life relevance
That penny dropping moment!
Sometimes it takes a moment to process. As a group we take time for de-briefing and reflection to discuss the take-away moments from the arena with the horse.
Often participants are surprised at what they have learnt about themselves and this can be the moments that spur ‘individual change and growth.
Who can benefit from the programs?
youth & schools
Life is not a destination, but a journey of self-discovery, trial and error, and growth.
Young people learn from horses in a way that involves them mentally physically and emotionally creating immediate change through experiential learning.
School Term Young Achiever programs run weekly each term and are eligible for Active Kids vouchers.
School Holiday Teen Girl Retreats run each school holidays – check Events for current dates.
Corporate Groups
Our programs develop professional and leadership skills that are necessary in enhancing the effectiveness of teamwork required to achieve company goals.
By developing specific skills such as communication, problem solving and leadership, we strive to optimize team performance with improved understanding and collaboration.
Our activities can provide managers and teams the opportunity to align their innate desire for a strong performance with actual results.
women’s groups
As women, our job descriptions can include running busy work schedules whilst balancing the family home or raising children – We are women with many ‘hats’.
Share experiences and learn from each other while developing new skills or simply re-discover existing skills.
Our women’s programs will make you laugh and help reflect while interacting with like-minded business women. It will provide great moments of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.
