How is Our Herd Different?

LASTING CHANGE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T FOOL THE TEACHER!

Our, one of a kind, BuildingBlock™ Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Program© uses four-legged teachers to embark on a powerful journey of teaching, learning and understanding. This is NOT just a fun day out, well, it is still fun, but it is a skill building session that will equip kids with skills to use at home and at school. 

FUN + HANDS ON LEARNING = CHANGE

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Why will this program work over others we have tried?

We are one of a kind. We are different. We are unique and we are fun. We have research backing our programs with proven results and outcomes you are looking for. The same actions brings the same results. If you want change, then you have found the organisation to help your kids along the journey of self discovery and change. 

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What group sizes do you work with?

We keep group sizes small to ensure maximum learning, safety and fun! Our Skills for Life Program has a maximum of 4 participants per group and our Leader's Days have a maximum of 8 participants per session. However, if are from a school or other organisation and have a group of more than 8 people, please contact us and we may be able to find a solution. We can also offer individual programs where it would most benefit the participant.

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Do I need experience with horses?

Absolutely not. Our program does not require any horse riding, so no prior experience is necessary. We inform every group of the rules and safety precautions to take around the animals and the arena. We always put safety first and we can accommodate everyone's different comfort levels around the horses.

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What if I'm scared or don't like horses?

No worries! If you aren't being pushed out of your comfort zone, you aren't learning. In saying this, we won't push any child to do anything they don't want to do. Even if an entire session involves watching horses from outside of the arena, that is a great starting point! Also, one bonus of miniature horses is that they are generally much less intimidating than full sized horses and can be used to build a great amount of confidence before moving to work with full sized.

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What if it's raining or very hot?

In most cases, your program will take place regardless of the weather. Life can be unpredictable so it's great to learn to adapt to a number of different scenarios. We do what we can to run our programs out of the heat of the day and always advise to slip slop and slap! If it's looking rainy please do bring a raincoat - playing in light rain can actually be a lot of fun and our ponies don't mind it at all. In the event of a storm with heavy rain and any lightning or thunder your lesson will stop and we will move to our undercover classroom to complete indoor activities for the remainder of the time. In the event of cancelation due to wether events a makeup session or refund will be provided.

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Do we ride horses?

Nope. Our Herd does not offer any riding services. By working with a horse side by side, you can visually and clearly see their feedback and involve in a fuller learning experience. As well as this, groundwork allows you to develop a deeper connection with your horse as they are not 'on the job'. I believe groundwork with horses is seriously underrated and playing with horses on the ground can be just as much (if not more) fun as riding!

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Do I need special clothing?

Although chaps and a pair of cowboy boots aren't required, we do have certain safety requirements when it comes to your clothing. Simple things like enclosed shoes and dressing in clothes that you are ok with getting a little dusty. We also require that every child wears a helmet. So please bring your child's bike helmet - we do have a few spares but they will not be as comfortable as your own. 

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Where are you located? Is that far away?

We are located in Burbank Qld. Which is very close to the border between Brisbane and the Redlands. We are 20 minutes South of the Brisbane Airport, 30 minuets from the CBD, and within 20 minutes of most suburbs in the Redlands. Our property is located not far from the Mount Gravvat-Capalaba Road Exit of the M1, so its an easy, straight drive from basically anywhere.

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Are you qualified?

Yes! Our facilitator Georgia is a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. She received her training from the internationally renowned Equine Connection and is a current member of the Equine Assisted Learning Network. 

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Are you insured?

Yes, we carry specific Equine Assisted Learning insurance.

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I'm allergic

Knowing is half the battle! Just be sure to take an allergy pill before you come.  One of our current clients (9 years old) is also allergic to horses, but finds that the allergy pills do the trick. 

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Do I need to watch my child while they complete the program? 

We do ask that a guardian accompany each participant during all of their programs at Our Herd. We have designated seating areas for adults and siblings and ask that all guests remain fairly quiet throughout the session.

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Does my group need a chaperone?

Yes, for schools, youth groups and other orginisations we ask that at least one adult staff member accompany the participants.

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Can I get funding for your programs?  

We are constantly looking out for corporate and government funding opportunities as all funding we receive is put directly towards subsidising our program costs for participants from low socio economic backgrounds. Please do get in touch if you know of any businesses or individuals who may be interested in helping out in this respect.

We would like to thank the generosity of the Grilled burgers franchise which in the past has helped us offer subsidised program costs to participants.

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