Monday nights address by Patricia Simeon of Ambury Park showed the impact of a less well known program which uses horses to assist in the healing and support of people who need that support.
From a young age Patricia was around horses and with a strong background in education took the opportunity to take the role of Director/ Principal at Ambury Park. This gave her the chance to continue to work in an education setting but with people with additional needs and horses.
Ambury Park Centre has developed programmes that include physiological and psychological therapies, education, work training and social development. These are run from beautiful park grounds with a large indoor areana, catering for students from 13 upwards as well as a full-time vocational training programme for adults 18 and over. Riding is an integral element in the students programmes.
In addition the centre offers riding therapy. This involves riding, which research and experience shows provides a gentle. rhythmical exercise in a healthy atmosphere. While being challenging it is above all enjoyable for the participants. Patricia talked in some detail about the healing power of horses and how that can develop life skills, resilience and confidence.
With 10 acres, 21 horses and a staffing ratio that makes supporting students possible it does not come cheap and like so many support programmes, Ambury Park looks for community support. This can take a number of forms that include:
- Volunteers to help in the stables, assist with supervising therapy riders and administration support.
- Donations.
- Corporate sponsorship.
- Sponsoring a horse.
Interested in finding out more? Visit their website www.amburyparkcentre.org.nz
