For 6,500 years there has been an amazing human relationship with horses. The psychological and physical benefits are well documented.
Many of these studies indicate that humans find it easier to build trusting relationships with horses because of their size. Benefits occur due to the release of hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine & endorphins, which are popularly called happiness hormones. These hormones help normalise blood pressure, decrease pain perception, reduce anxiety, reduce stress and improve attention and social interaction.
Horses being herding animals, rely on an acute stream of sensory data to sense safety or danger: they can also hear the human heartbeat from nearly 20 feet, and research on hear-rate variability indicates that horses have a profound ability to synchronise their own heartbeat with that of human beings.
We have noticed whilst out in the community with our horses the general public young & old were drawn to our animals especially the littlest mates DJ, Lou Lou & Boo Boo. Many showed a natural curiosity about these special little guys, DJ who is our resident mini pony & Lou Lou a resident mini horse. People just wanted to be around them, pat them & many expressed how relaxing it was just to be around them.
Wanting to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, founders Kim & Phil Argent have combined their passion for horses to serve the community devising several personal centred programs for participants utilising their amazing family of horses in the Lockyer Valley Bris Qld.
Our special little Mates Program works in partnership with Participants to achieve the desired individual outcomes. Our horse family of Little Mates have been extensively travelled visiting various establishments for age care & community events around Brisbane. They are enthusiastic to meet new people & bring their non-judgemental acceptance & sparkle into people’s lives.
Our Little Mates Horses are extremely sensitive and receptive to the emotional state of the person with whom they interact with. Our horses are soothing, gentle animals. They are non-judgemental & are the masters of non-verbal communication. They are straightforward in their interactions without lying or manipulating. Their presence along can be very healing.
Our horses are very affectionate, their tenderness and empathy make them feel loved and valued are they are. We have found this in turn motivates them to actively participate in our programs all while graciously maintaining their calm temperament which conveys confidence and calm to our Participants.
What makes us different from other providers to NDIS Participant’s is our innovative flexible personalised centred approach in serving our Participants. Our local combined direct experience in the Disability Services arena encompassing complex behaviour management which spans over 30 years. We tailor individualised plans & programs written with consideration to the Participants desired goals & outcomes in a personal centred approach.
Our goals in our business delivery is to help Participants develop needed skills and attributes such as accountability, responsibility, self-confidence, problem-solving skills & self-control.
Our programs promote the following benefits:
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- Activities to support the development of skills and independence in daily activities
- Taking part in recreational activities that have capacity building & mentoring support
- Connecting the participants with training in organisational skills for choice & control
- Facilitating the processes to increase independence & community participation in health & well-being in daily activities.
- Connecting you with opportunities for exercise learned outcomes in a community setting in keeping with Lifelong Learning.
- Connecting you with opportunities to learn new skills through participation in day programs.
- Self-esteem
- Communication skills
- Emotional awareness & well-being
- Motor Skills
- Cognitive Functions
- Empathy & Emotional awareness
- Problem solving
- Independence
- Social responsibility
- Assertiveness
- Flexibility
Programs typically run for 10 weeks in duration with graduation ceremonies at the end of each program for participants celebrating the achievements & milestones completed & knowledge gained.