This program uses Natural Horsemanship techniques of educating and communicating with horses, to provide individuals and groups with unique opportunities for learning, healing and personal growth.  Participants experience the development of a connection between horse and trainer and the subsequent development of a partnership based on mutual trust and respect.  They experience this through participating in the training process or through observing.

This environment provides a platform for discussion, learning and therapeutic engagement.  It provides unique opportunities for participants to reflect on life issues and problems and to experience success where they usually would not expect to find it (i.e. in successfully creating a partnership with a very large scary animal, a horse).

It is our experience with groups and individuals, that initially participants are willing to attend in order to learn something new, even if they are not interested in horses.  However the process creates an environment where they are willing to openly share their experiences with the trainer/group leader.  We believe this is a result of the process of experiencing (through observing or part participating) the process of trust and respect development between the horse and trainer.

We believe this works because the principles, philosophies and beliefs that drive our work with young people and families are exactly the same as those for working with horses, just the language and some techniques are different.  No violence, no force, just congruence in calmness, caring and setting limits, listening and using our skills to guide.

Visit our Publications page to read "Horses for Hope Evidence Base".