Method
In order to make the maximum impact on social exclusion, we are keen to disseminate our course content, notes and materials to other practitioners for their own use. To this end we are working on a resources section here over time.
Please feel free to download any materials you find here or on TheHorseCourse main site. In return, we ask that anyone using our materials acknowledge us, do not misrepresent their degree of training or connection with us and do not present our materials as their own. Courses may not be described as "TheHorseCourse" without our prior written consent.
For information on courses and events please email to register your interest: thehorsecourse@centredhorseplay.org.uk and 'like' our Facebook page to ensure you hear about upcoming opportunities.
We would love to hear any feedback. Please post on www.facebook.com/centredhorseplay
Please feel free to download any materials you find here or on TheHorseCourse main site. In return, we ask that anyone using our materials acknowledge us, do not misrepresent their degree of training or connection with us and do not present our materials as their own. Courses may not be described as "TheHorseCourse" without our prior written consent.
For information on courses and events please email to register your interest: thehorsecourse@centredhorseplay.org.uk and 'like' our Facebook page to ensure you hear about upcoming opportunities.
We would love to hear any feedback. Please post on www.facebook.com/centredhorseplay
TheHorseCourse Star
The star shows the main areas we work on - at the centre of the star people are stuck in behaviours which are unhelpful. As they progress, they move outwards towards the points of the star. We assess progress by observation or in discussion with the participant - but always based on observations you have been able to make in session. By marking their level on each point you can join the marks and create 'before' and 'after' shapes. examples can be seen in our photo gallery.
Each 'point' has associated horsemanship exercises/strategies we use to work on the desired outcome.
The star is marked up as part of the referral process, later as the basis for discussion of outcomes together with the participant and finally as part of the feedback to referrers.
View PDF
The star shows the main areas we work on - at the centre of the star people are stuck in behaviours which are unhelpful. As they progress, they move outwards towards the points of the star. We assess progress by observation or in discussion with the participant - but always based on observations you have been able to make in session. By marking their level on each point you can join the marks and create 'before' and 'after' shapes. examples can be seen in our photo gallery.
Each 'point' has associated horsemanship exercises/strategies we use to work on the desired outcome.
The star is marked up as part of the referral process, later as the basis for discussion of outcomes together with the participant and finally as part of the feedback to referrers.
View PDF
The most important use of the star is as a way of discussing and reflecting on the course in the exit interview. We talk through each point, thinking about where the participant was at the beginning of the course and how far they got by the end. We reflect on specific moments that would 'evidence' these marks in session 1 and sessions 6 or 7. The marks are made by the instructor, following robust and realistic discussion. All the 'before' marks join up to make a shape as do the 'after' marks. The 'after' shape is always bigger, but each participant makes progress at a different rate. The one shown here is fairly typical.
There is then a handover - the participant keeps a copy of their star and takes responsibility for managing their own progress towards the edges. They learn that these skills are like muscles, if you don't work at them they disappear. We discuss how each skill has an impact on the way life works.
Generally participants are very proud and surprised by how much they have learnt, about themselves and about the skills of self management. They seem empowered by the star. We only started using it in 2012 - we are really pleased with it so far.
There is then a handover - the participant keeps a copy of their star and takes responsibility for managing their own progress towards the edges. They learn that these skills are like muscles, if you don't work at them they disappear. We discuss how each skill has an impact on the way life works.
Generally participants are very proud and surprised by how much they have learnt, about themselves and about the skills of self management. They seem empowered by the star. We only started using it in 2012 - we are really pleased with it so far.
Our methodology relies heavily on Parelli Natural Horsemanship, which we believe offers the greatest potential for practice in this field. The Parelli programme is at the forefront of the global “Natural Horsemanship” movement and represents an approach developed in the US over the past 30 years. PNH is a comprehensive system of horse training which aims to achieve a harmonious partnership, and is formally assessed at four levels, gradually developing the horse/human relationship from Level 1 which covers safety and basic competence to Level 4 in which horse and human work in complete harmony in movements on the ground, including at liberty and ridden.
