HORSES HELPING HUMANS
YOUTH PROGRAM
The Horses Helping Humans Youth Program became licensed in 2016 due to the high number of enquiries from all around Australia asking if the program was available in other states. This program is now synonymous with professional training as it is known as a results based program. It is a unique program that is providing a genuine alternative to the more traditional methods of assisting young disadvantaged people into a functional and fruitful life. We have been working together with Youth and Family Service organisations across northern NSW and south-east QLD including Act for Kids, Wesley Mission, Department for Child Safety, Youth and Correctional services among others.
We are working with School Chaplains on the Gold Coast introducing them to the workbook version of the program encouraging them to open discussions with children struggling with anxiety, depression and emotional regulation, they can then refer the most at risk youth through to the Horse Helping Humans Program.
This process creates a model where students have a wide support network where we are all working to keep the students engaged in study. Parents can also be involved and the program becomes deeply embedded into the community.
"...open discussions with children struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation"
Which Horse Or
Pony Are You
Workshop and Workbook
We are available to present our "Which Horse Or Pony Are You" workshop at your school or centre with an accompanying workbook for school counselors, chaplains, and youth workers. These workshops have been very successful in encouraging students to become aware and talk about anxiety and depression and also to better understand themselves and others.
Communication
For Teachers and Parents Workshop
Communication workshops are also available for teachers and parents to help improve communication with students and families. The presentation runs for 1 hour. The most at-risk students are also given the opportunity to attend the hands-on course at the HHH center in your area.
"As a coordinator of the CNAPY (Complex Needs Assessment Panel - Youth) and CNAP (Complex Needs Assessment Panel) programs within Wesley Mission Brisbane I have experienced great success with Youth Program and would strongly recommend the program for young people and adults of any age. I have seen many benefits for young people who have been involved with this program."
Tanya, Complex Needs Project Coordinator, Youth at Risk Alliance, Wesley Mission
More about our Youth Program
This specialised horse whispering program for youth has grown out of the well-known and highly regarded work that we have been doing for many years in using horses to help humans learn effective communication and body language skills. Specifically, the program teaches clients the basics of natural horsemanship ground skills (no riding involved) which are based on mutual respect and trust between horse and handler. Students learn how to gently back their horses away from them to create healthy safe boundaries, how to circle their horses around them on a 12ft lead, pop them over small jumps and lead them around an agility course. By working together with the horses, students 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 in order for them to become a part of, and contribute meaningfully to their local community.
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.
In particular, 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 and youth & family welfare services. This referral process ensures that all youth participating in the program are in need of benevolent aid due to factors such as family history of domestic violence, low socio-economic conditions; and mental health issues.
The 1 1⁄2 to 2 hour program is run once per week for three consecutive weeks. With a minimum 3 participants and a maximum 6 participants per course, suits many services as only one car is required for youth workers to transport the students. The final week includes a presentation show where students demonstrate their new calm assertiveness and body language skills. They receive certificates, trophies and ribbons. 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. Other programs are available depending on the requirements of the organisation.