Quick Details
Horses Helping Humans award-winning program at Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat.
Developed by Sue Spence, specifically to help young people learn how to display calm assertiveness, to focus, and to have respect as well as empathy for others.
Who is this for
Suitable for Individual private session or group class. Private group/Family/business.
Individual Participants, Youth, Families, Community Services Staff, Teams, NDIS
Although dedicated to youth, the program is suitable for any age group. In particular, we work with people who may be experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, ADD, domestic violence, trauma, anger issues, shyness / lack of confidence, fears/phobias and more.
Participants do not need to have any previous horse experience and will not be riding a horse in this program.
Prior to booking register your interest by filling out this referral form:
View HHH Referral medical_form.pdf
What is it
Horses Helping Humans is an equine assisted learning program helping disengaged and disadvantaged youth through horsemanship skills. The program has been developed by Sue Spence, a highly regarded public speaker, workshop facilitator, author and educator who has been running the successful program at her Gold Coast facility for over 18 years. We are proud to announce that the program is now available in additional facilities on the Gold Coast to cope with high demand, delivered by licensed facilitator, Debbie Burgermeister.
Horses Helping Humans is an incredibly simple, yet profoundly effective program that invites participants to step into the world of Natural Horsemanship (horse whispering, which is trust and respect). Experience first-hand the results of effective communication and body language.
Working together with horses:
- We teach participants about the four main personality types (delivered with a twist!) and how their dominant types predispose them to certain body language and energy projection, particularly when under stress.
- Learning to stay calm and focused during challenging interactions, imperative for success.
- We teach participants emotional regulation and vital communication skills in a fun and safe environment, which builds their confidence and social awareness.
- Students learn how to back their horse away from them to create healthy boundaries, how to circle their horse around them on a 12 ft lead, and pop them over a jump.
- Non-verbal communication to send the strongest message, not only in the equine world but also amongst humans.
As a result of the program many of the participants are then empowered to re-engage back into education, workforce, society or their community. These life changing skills also impact the lives of others in their direct environment.
This program has become an extremely important and valuable therapeutic tool, in order to engage with students and achieve tangible outcomes.
Duration, Pricing and Availability
- Three Week course group class $450pp (2-3 people) $165pp/wk for 1.5hrs per week
- Half Day Workshop $720 (up to 4 people – additional $100pp up to 8 people) for a 3hr workshop
- Private Individual sessions $180pp for 1.5hrs
- All day Workshops $200pp (3-8 people) for 6hrs
Availability
- Tuesday – Friday private individual sessions and group classes 1.30-3pm based on availability.
- Some mornings Tuesday and Wednesday for half day workshops 9.30am-12.30pm.
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- This program is not a counselling service or equine therapy, it is animal assisted learning.
- Participants do not need to have any previous horse experience and will not be riding a horse in this program.
- Each youth participant must be accompanied by their case worker / carer / parent, who is required to be in attendance for the entirety of each session. This is one of many reasons why the program is so successful, because there is a mentor in the ‘background’ encouraging the participant to apply the skills that they learn in the HHH program to their everyday situations.
- Traditionally the Horses Helping Humans Program runs over three consecutive weeks, for 1 – 2 hours per week. Ideally, it is better if participants can do the weekly sessions, as it consolidates understanding. However, if traveling or time is an issue, we can combine all multiple sessions into a single session.
- We offer workshops for community services staff to become familiar with the concepts of the program, and to get some hands-on experience.
- Upon booking, we do require completed referral and signed indemnity forms. Please be assured that the information contained within these forms is treated with the strictest of confidentiality.
- We are fully insured, hold blue cards, first aid and practice COVID safe distancing.
- Workshop arrangements are flexible. Please contact Deb to discuss your needs
- There is also scope to continue doing extended Horses Helping Humans sessions, or progress into Horse Riding activities
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Debbie Burgermeister, a highly experienced horsewoman with many qualifications and achievements.
- Accredited Equine Coach at Carbrook Animal Assisted Learning Centre and Trainer & Assessor for Online Horse College.
- Exposure to nearly every horse sport across 40yrs in english and western equine disciplines
- Loves Coaching and a great teacher, owning her riding school since 2006
- Very Patient with the ability to adapt to many personality types
- Owns wonderful horses to teach you
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This activity is held at Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat
Giddy Up Gold Coast
A unique charity that promotes equine assisted support to disadvantaged individuals and growth of grass roots equestrian. Offering opportunities to experience the emotional, mental and health benefits that horses can offer an individual. In partnership with Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat to provide the facility, resources and services for our community.
