A new program has launched in the Macleay Valley to help locals who are at risk or simply need a confidence boost by strengthening and developing communication skills by working with horses.
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The award winning Horses Helping Humans program was founded by Sue Spence on the Gold Coast 18 years ago and has since expanded across Australia and New Zealand.
The innovative equine-assisted life coaching program integrates extensive knowledge-bases in interpersonal communication skills, body language, emotional intelligence and personality types that then transfer to everyday life.
"We specifically help teach and strengthen life skills such as communication and anxiety and anger management," Sue said.
"The program uses professional horsemanship to help teach people how to adjust their body language and to reduce adrenaline while working with the horses that can then be used in certain situations in everyday life.
"We have had a lot of success with the program, with students gaining more confidence and learning important skills."
The local program will be facilitated by the Macleay Options Stock Camp Program and Equine Guardians and will help disengaged youth, NDIS participants, families and Youth at Risk.
The program is open to a wide range of people in the community and will help locals learn important communication skills.
- Kerri Fitzpatrick
"We will be focusing on local youth at risk, young people who are going through the juvenile justice system as well as people who suffer from PTSD or are at risk of domestic violence," facilitator Kerri Fitzpatrick said.
"The program will be run at the Stock Camp as well as Equine Guardians and the Kempsey Showground."
Kerri said the program will be beneficial to a wide range of people in the community.
"Organisations that have signed up are the NDIS, PCYC, Youth and Family Services and Mission Australia.
"The program is open to a wide range of people in the community and will help locals learn important communication skills."
Audrey Haywood from Equine Guardians will be running the program at her Clybucca property and said she's very passionate about helping locals connect with horses and learn important skills.
"I was one of these kids and I wish that there was a program like this when I was younger," she said.
"Horses saved my life and I'm passionate about helping kids connect with horses. By helping facilitate this program, I'm able to combine two of my passions which is horses and helping the community."
The specialised program will use horses to help humans learn effective communication and body language skills. No riding is involved, but clients will learn the basics of natural horsemanship ground skills which are based on mutual respect between horse and handler.
Organisations or locals who are interested in finding out more about the Macleay Horses Helping Humans program can call Kerri on 0438 159 491.
To find out more about Sue and the work she does, visit the Horses Helping Humans website.
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