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.