We have an amazing team of horses and ponies who are skilled in natural horsemanship and who really know how to work their magic in helping us humans learn important and valuable life skills.
As horses rely 100% on body language and energy levels to communicate, they can pick up the slightest cues in our body language, even something as subtle as a facial expressions, a tense jaw or tight shoulders. As horses are prey animals their life depends on reading situations and people very carefully. Their reaction to us is essentially a reflection of our own actions and emotions and therefore these equine companions make such outstanding teachers. They provide us with immediate, honest and non-judgmental feedback. They create an inclusive environment and allow us to to engage with students where typical interventions have failed. Students (particularly those who have been abused as children) find interacting with horses and the program methods to be very non-threatening. Within this environment, we are able to teach participants vital communication and body language skills in order to assist them to engage more effectively in their home, school and community environments.
Research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy.
A support person shared this piece of dialogue with us after a Rangatahis’ first Horses Helping Humans session.
“I noticed my voice was different when I was there.” Rangatahi
“Why do you think that was?” Support person
” I was happy. I don’t feel like that often. It was the best day I have ever had.” Rangatahi
Equine Inspired Charitable Trust 