Horses for Healing

Horses for Healing is a non-profit programme running in Whangarei, which utilizes the loving bond between horses and humans to assist people along their road to recovery from mental illness.

It is a one: one programme for one hour per week for 14 weeks. Many clients gain so much from the programme that they go on to do a second course.

By learning to safely care for i.e. groom, feed, lead, and often ride “their” horse, clients regain self-esteem and confidence which is transferred into other aspects of their life – such as being able to go to the supermarket on their own; drive themselves to appointments/commitments etc.; live in their own home; simply cope with life’s problems.

I know because I have been there and done that. I started the Horses for Healing programme end of February, 2007. At that time I was quite severely depressed – a condition I had been battling for 11 years- & doing little more than lying on the couch all day flicking through the TV channels.

Initially I was very nervous of this very big animal – his name is Tarawera, a beautiful Appaloosa. But the way in which Hazel (the course facilitator) delivers the programme, you quickly loose that fear & fall in love with this intelligent boy who gives love unconditionally. It doesn’t matter to him that you have a mental illness!

Eventually I got to the point where I was to get on him – with Hazel controlling him by leading him around. The first time I rode him was very stressful; with every step I thought I’d fall off & by the time the session ended I was in tears from the stress, the relief that it was over!, & the pride that I had actually done it! The experience didn’t put me off & I kept coming back for my sessions.

The upshot is, that I am still having lessons through Horses for Healing but as well, I have become Hazel’s assistant – I look after all 3 horses used in the programme 7 days a week. This includes grooming, feeding, health cares, exercising (riding all 3 horses in the arena, surrounding paddocks, & further a-field into the country-side). I have learned to trot, work the horse through dressage maneuvers & on a long line, & am getting confident at riding at a canter. The original horse that I began the course with, Tarawera, I now lease from Hazel so he is mine! We have a very special bond.

Another exciting thing I am doing is starting up a sister programme called “Horse Play”. I am targeting elderly clients, who would benefit from a pleasurable outing once a week to the serene facilities that we work from (bush with accompanying bird song nearby; the sounds of the river; geese and chickens; goats & of course, horses) & interacting with a suitable horse. 

So far I have two clients, both from IDEA Services. Peter has arthritis & needs his walker constantly. Samson, “his horse”, doesn’t mind the walker in the stable & remains very still while Peter grooms him while sitting on his walker. It’s as if Samson understands that he has to be careful not to unbalance Peter. This is the power of that equine / human bond.

Both these programmes are non-profit but both Hazel & I passionately believe that what we have to offer is amazing in the benefits for our clients.

Article by:Gill File
Client & Assistant of Horses for Healing
Facilitator of Horse Play. 

Horses for Healing Facilitator: Hazel Squires
A/H: 434 0514
Fax:  434 0512
Postal Address: 2313 Whangarei Heads Rd, RD 4, Whangarei

Horse Play Facilitator: Gill File
H/phone: 09 437 7517
Mobile:  027 4628 163

6 Beazley Cres,Tikipunga,Whangarei