Animal Assisted Therapy with a horse or a dog.
Our aim is to help develop safer and happier states of being for self and in relationship with others. Most issues are created in relationship and working with an animal like a horse enables you to get feedback, without judgment.
What is animal assisted therapy?
Who can benefit?
Anyone who wants to make changes in their lives from 12 years up. Referrals can be accepted.
Working with horses can help in areas of boundaries, confidence, relationships, trust, trauma and wellbeing.
Sessions.
Sessions are supported by a coach and horse handler. Approximately one and a half hours for adults and one hour for young people. No horse experience required.
Horses show us the "herd" environment and how we can learn from them to improve our awareness and relationships. They encourage us to see things from a simple perspective of " Am I safe or not?".
Venues: Horse sessions held at Stonehurst Farm, Hope , Moutere and Golden Bay .
Spaces are available in Golden Bay currently . Please contact us to book.
“Ever grateful for the care and attention Karen and Rach gave my daughter during her sessions with them and the ponies and dogs at Stonehurst. As one who suffers from emotional dysregulation and alack of trust in herself, she learnt how to centre herself to find her inner calm, how to listen to how her body felt, and how to tap into her intuition; all useful skills she has been able to transfer to other parts of her life. In this state she was able to connect with the pony at an emotional/sentient level and lead the pony around
unassisted, a beautiful synergy of child and pony being
in sync with each other. As a result, her confidence has grown, she is more settled, and has a greater awareness of the energetic relationship between humans and animals. (Anon 2023 )
“Thank you Karen and Rach for teaching me how to walk properly and also how to lead Maccy around properly by myself using our special connection. I loved patting Koru and also the cards and their pictures and meanings & quotes." Client 14 yrs
Testimonials.
“Karen is a beautiful, loving, caring soul, who brings great sensitivity and awareness to her sessions. During my session, Karen saw the smallest changes in my emotional state through the horse I was working with. She checked in with me to see how I was feeling and that I was okay. The session shifted focus a few times to suit the needs of both the horse and myself. By the end of the session I was able to let go and felt fully accepted and safe”. Stephen
“My experience with Karen's Equine Assisted Therapy was a wonderful experience. Karen was kind and knowledgeable and guided me well in the whole process. I gained valuable insights in regards to past related issues and traumas which I then realised needed addressing. The connection with the horse brought the emotions to the surface on a clearer and higher level. I highly recommend Karen and this therapy if you are openminded and in search of self-development “. Marion
“My daughter has had significant stress and trauma over the last year which spiralled into an incredibly worrying depression, intense social anxiety and very low self-esteem. Some days she felt like she didn’t want to be here, she refused to go to school, her emotional regulation was all over the show, and angry outbursts also created havoc.As a parent, I was desperate for help, and there seemed to be none available, with mental health services in the district stretched and teen and youth support extremely limited.
Enter Karen and Rach and the amazing horses they work with, Maccy, Bounty and Leroy. My daughter has made huge progress by working with them. They have given her confidence, significantly lessened her anxiety and she has found her voice again. Equine Therapy has been a major boost to her mental health, and stability. It is something she looks forward to each week, as gentle yet profound shifts continue to manifest.
This therapy is truly phenomenal and transformative, thank you so much!.” Anon
“Since I could walk and talk, animals, and in particular horses, have been my passion. This has continued for over 40 years.
I have been involved in animal rescue through SAFE, having rescued 100 chickens, rehoming dogs at the Nelson ARK and numerous horses, including three herds of Kaimanawas (NZ wild horses).
I have had five horses and currently have two horses, one a rescued ex racehorse and share responsibility for three others assisting with the equine coaching”. Karen Howieson.
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