Horses could help rehabilitate young offenders
A New Plymouth judge is hoping to bring a horse-rehabilitation programme to the country for young offenders.
District Court judge Lynne Harrison said it would be the first of its kind in New Zealand.
‘‘We’re short on the ground here in Taranaki. There are resources but we can do more for our at risk youth and young people,’’ she said.
‘‘I just think this programme, if I can get it here and up and running, it would really add value or add options to the people who I see come through my court and to avoid them coming through my court.’’
The idea was sparked after Harrison attended a wellness retreat in Australia where she took part in a horse communication workshop.
‘‘It was nothing like I had ever experienced before.’’
There she met Sue Spence, founder of Horses Helping Humans. She runs programmes and workshops in Australia focused on building self esteem, reducing stress, improving communication skills, controlling anger and anxiety management.
The Gold Coast woman, who teaches communication skills using the principles of natural horsemanship, was in New Plymouth on Friday to deliver a private presentation at the Nice Hotel about her programme.
There she told of her work with troubled youth and the how horse communication had helped turn lives around.
She spoke about a boy with 36 criminal offences who took part in the programme.
‘‘He’s now got a job, a little girl and he’s never re-offended,’’ Spence said.
‘‘It’s a hope and a dream and a wish that I can help bring something like this to the Taranaki community.’’
Spence has about 40 years equestrian experience and has specialised in horse whispering for more than a decade after searching for way to manage her own anxiety.
The author, public speaker, workshop facilitator and educator teaches communication to humans through horses by giving the animal instructions through nonverbal cues in an unfenced arena.
‘‘They learn how to ask their pony to come in - not pulling, they learn how to back them up gently, they learn how to circle them softly with no harshness.
‘‘They learn jumping and even when they’re leading they make sure it’s about partnership.’’
Spence said working with horses proved effective because they were attuned to human energy and body language.