Spark of Hope seeks to offer a five week program that serves as a basic introduction to horse care and handling. An optional sixth week may be offered, for those wanting to try horse riding. It is assumed that participants in the program have had little or no experience with horses. As such, we welcome anyone, especially those who have had little interaction or experience with horses.

Our goals at Spark of Hope are to help individuals and families, better work together and through problems and issues that they may face. Horses, being large animals, cause us to confront some of the fears and doubts that many of us face. By facing and overcoming these fears, we can in turn, become stronger and better able to help and support others who may also be struggling.

Spark of Hope acknowledges that there are various techniques and methods that can be used when handling horses. The techniques chosen in this program have been done so on the basis of what is safest and kindest for both horse and participant. One of the pillars of Spark of Hope is respect for one another – this respect is to be shown not just towards other people but towards the various horses used in the program.

Spark of Hope offers two program options.

Option 1 is a five-session program covering basic horsemanship skills. It takes the participant through the very basics of horse handling, horse care and horse training. Because it is a “hands-on” program, participant numbers are kept to a maximum ratio of 1 overseer to 3 participants. It may be run on a weekly or fortnightly schedule.

Option 2 is a once-off, 3-hour session that focuses on the nature of the horse. This program is designed for larger groups (up to 15) and provides only limited hands on experience.

Both programs are non-riding programs.

While the outline given below is spread over 5 weeks, it is important to remember that people and horses are individuals and as such, this program may be altered so as to best serve both the participant and the horse. At the completion of the program, participants may be encouraged to continue on with Spark of Hope in the volunteer program. Spark of Hope will also seek to connect these participants with other people and organisations involved in the horse industry.

Spark of Hope is built on 5 pillars – Strength; Purpose; Advocate; Respect and Kindness – as such the goal of this program is to see these 5 pillars built into each of the 5 weeks of the program.

Option 1: Program Outline

Week 1 – Introduction to the Horse (Pillar – Purpose)

• What makes a horse, a horse? What are some of the unique characteristics of the horse? How do horses communicate? Learning to “read” a horse.
• Safety around horses, part 1. What to wear, how to behave around horses.
• What are horses used for – the purpose of the horse; our responsibilities for the horse
• approaching a horse, how to greet and halter a horse
• grooming a horse
• basic movement of the horse (forwards, backwards and sideways

Week 2 – Leading a horse (Pillar – Respect)

• Review of week 1
• Horse terms and confirmation
• how to lead a horse safely
• Navigating obstacles with the horse

Week 3 – Horsemanship Exercises – Part 1 (Pillar – Kindness)

• Review of week 2
• Asking the horse to circle around us
• Compliated movement patterns – figure 8’s and clover patterns

Week 4 – Horsemanship Exercises (Roundyard) – Part 2 (Pillar – Strength)

• Review of week 3
• Working with the horse at liberty

Week 5 – Horsemanship Exercises – Caring for the Horse (Pillar – Advocate)

• Review of week 4
• Masterson Method

If you are interested in finding our more about our program and how to be involved, please contact us via the contact form found elsewhere on this site.