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.
