Family Session

Written by Administrator Monday, 22 August 2011 14:37

Our family sessions are designed to assist families who may be experiencing challenges by providing a new environment for them to interact and communicate and learn about each other using horse-assisted therapy as vehicle.

The family sessions are very flexible and can be adapted to each family's circumstances. a typical family session includes:

• Introductions and short explanation of programme.
• If any member of the family prefers to spend some time doing horticultural or site maintenance activities, or care of the stables and the other horses, a member of staff will set this up and supervise, possibly involving voluntary M.A.R.E.S workers.
• Tour of the various activities, equestrian, horticultural, and facilities on the site with short explanations of why M.A.R.E.S. is doing these things.
• Safety factors around horses and demonstration of getting out a horse, grooming and picking out the hooves and tacking it up ready for riding.
• Break for tea, coffee, juices.
• Demonstration of riding a western horse.
• Questions, discussion and further points on all that we have done.
• Suggestions for next session and response from all involved on their experience of the activities and the environment.
• End of activity, thanks to participants and goodbye for now.

Ray Holland is a Chartered Psychologist with a postgraduate Diploma in Family Therapy and 25 years experience of working systemically with individuals, families and organisations. He is trained in Western riding and competes successfully in AQHA and WES shows. He is now Honorary Equine Therapist at M.A.R.E.S.