Widening Perspectives Through Equine Supported Therapy

Incorporating Te Whare Tapa Whā.

We at Horse Sense are running a one-day experiential workshop with our horses, sharing the fundamentals of Equine Supported Therapy. Our emphasis is giving respect to the horses and what they bring to sessions, as well as bringing in our cultural respect for Māori and all indigenous people. We work outside and this element of being in nature is one of our foundation principles.

Horse Sense recognises the somatic underpinnings that make this work possible. Our goal is to encourage you to expand on your existing skills, focusing on developing your ability to observe, recognise, and articulate the verbal and non-verbal dynamics between the horses, yourself and your client.

The horses bring us into full awareness of ourselves, they help us be aware of our bodies, our heart space and make us more sensitive to our environment. Increased awareness allows us to be more of an observer, helping us understand indigenous culture which means being connected to the environment and what it is telling us. You will be able to take the learning from this workshop and apply them to your work with clients, even without the horses being present.

Key Learning Objectives:
- Enhancing awareness of self, others and the environment
- Experiential verbal and non-verbal interventions
- Widening therapist’s perspectives
- Use of metaphor in therapy
- Integrating tohu and client lead therapy
- Authentic cultural responsiveness

Presentation methods:
- Presentation of theory
- Group and individual exercises with horses
- Handouts
- Time allocated for personal reflection and consolidation

Outline of the day:
09.00 - 09.30 - Introductions
09.30 - 11.00 - Preliminary Principles
11.00 - 11.15 - Morning Tea
11.15 - 12.30 - Application and Reflection
12.30 - 1.30 - Lunch Break
1.30 - 3.30 - Application and Reflection
3.30 - 4.00 - Afternoon Tea
4.00 - 5.00 - Summation and Overview

Workshop details:
Suitability: Professionals working in mental health (practitioners)
Requirements: No prior knowledge/ experience is necessary

Additional information: Workshops are outside with the horses. With our New Zealand summer, be prepared for 4 seasons in one day, so please bring a jacket, hat, and sunglasses, as well as outdoor covered shoes.

Please register at horsesensetrust@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ngā mihi,
The Horse Sense Team