Equine Therapy Programme

Equine therapy is widely used within Mental Health services as an approach to develop areas of self-esteem, self-help, and self-confidence. Equine therapy involves working alongside equestrian services and a clinician experienced in talk therapy in establishing and nurturing a relationship with a horse.

Maketu Health & Social Services proposed using this method of intervention by working alongside local equestrian Briar Mascheretti to support a group of young persons to take part in equine therapy.  Briar offered her horse trek services and worked alongside a Mental Health clinician from Maketu Health & Social Services who provided the talk therapy for these young people to deliver a comprehensive programme targeted at building self-confidence, self-esteem and relationship building skills.  Briar has had experience in facilitating equine therapy programmes in the past, working alongside various social service agencies within the community and has been trained in facilitating horse therapy programmes that provide interaction with horses to develop increased ability, independence and self-esteem for children and adults with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.

Maketu Health & Social Services would like to gratefully acknowledge the support they received through the Maketu Flea Makets that enabled them to facilitate this programme.  The financial aid received from the Maketu Flea Markets paid for six weeks of lessons using this method of therapy.  This programme has demonstrated the success of this method of intervention, with those participating in the programme growing in self esteem, confidence, relationship building and communication skills as well as learning a whole new range of horse riding skills!  From Maketu Health & Social Services, we would like to say well done to those who participated and a big thank you to Maketu Flea Markets and local equestrian Briar Mascheretti for this amazing opportunity to support our local youth.