EQUINE CONNECTION

Horses Helping Humans™ Course developed by Sue Spence, is an internationally recognised, interactive and practical award-winning program. The program became licensed in 2016 due to the high number of enquiries from all around Australia, asking if it was available in other states. This program is now synonymous with professional training as it is known as a results-based program.

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Sue was the first person to develop and identify different body language techniques for individual personality profiles. The program specialises in personality profiling and body language analysis. Sues 4 horses were used to represent a modern adaptation of the four temperaments theoretical framework. The unique work demonstrates how choleric, melancholy, sanguine and phlegmatic personality types have their own conditioned responses when under pressure.  Horse whispering meets people whispering within the innovative equine assisted life coaching program, that integrates extensive knowledge bases in interpersonal communication skills, body language, emotional intelligence, and personality types.

Add to the above the horses for the hands-on courses, then you have a unique program that provides a genuine alternative to communications-based teachings. The program teaches clients the basics of Natural horsemanship ground skills (no riding involved). You can have zero horse experience to participate. Natural horsemanship ground skills focus on mutual respect and trust between horse and rider. Participants learn how to gently back their horses away from them to create healthy safe boundaries, how to circle horses around you on a 12ft lead, pop them over small jumps and lead them around an agility course. By working together with the horses, participants will learn vital skills such as self-confidence, communication, emotional control, respect, and trust for others. These skills are vital elements that must be well developed in an individual for them to become a part of and contribute meaningfully to their local community.

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The 1 ½ to 2-hour program is run once per week for three consecutive weeks. One on One client sessions or group sessions with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 4 participants. Program can be tailored to Youth, Veterans, Women, Families, Children and Corporate Organisations for Team Building.

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Youth Horsemanship Program

Many disadvantaged and disengaged youth have been denied the role models (such as effective parenting) necessary to teach them these skills; many come from homes where trust levels are exceptionally low. The program tangibly demonstrates to clients how much more effective the use of calm assertiveness (instead of aggressive behaviour) is in getting their horse to willingly respond; showing them, perhaps for the first time, what empathy and respect for another living being looks like. As the horses respond in kind and show respect and trust for their young handlers, many former schoolyard bullies are reduced to tears by this show of affection, perhaps for the first time from another living being. The program is also designed to assist case workers responsible for at-risk and disenfranchised youth and uses adult learning principles and audio/visual aids as well as practical demonstrations with our horses. This program is producing good results with young people ranging from improved behaviour in school, reduced suspensions, and better engagement in the community. Youth are referred to the program by psychologists, NDIS support co-ordinators and youth & family welfare services. This referral process ensures that all youth participating in the program need benevolent aid due to factors such as, family history of domestic violence, low socio-economic conditions, disability, and mental health issues. The 1 ½ to 2-hour program is run once per week for three consecutive weeks. With a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 4 participants per course, this suits many services as only one car is required for youth workers to transport the students. One on one sessions are also catered for. The final week includes a presentation show where students demonstrate their new calm assertiveness and body language skills. They receive trophies. Youth workers attend with their students each week. Workbooks are supplied to all support workers so follow up on the topics we cover in the course can always be referred to in the student’s ongoing support.

This program has much to offer people with a variety of challenges being funded by NDIS.